Inkwell - Wood, metal





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A nineteenth‑century standish in Victorian style, made of ebony‑like ebonized wood with metal fittings, originating from the United Kingdom and dating to 1850–1900, measuring 20 cm high, 25 cm wide and 25 cm deep, in good used condition with minor age‑related wear, and comprising two large inkwells with metal inserts, a central lidded container, a small front compartment, a semicircular gallery for ten dip pens, and a decorative metal plaque.
Description from the seller
The item up for auction is a unique 19th-century writing set (standish) crafted in the Victorian style. It is a classic piece of study furniture from an era when letters and calligraphy were the foundation of communication.
Material: ebonized wood (premium wood dyed to a deep black) with a satin finish.
Construction: a circular, profiled base with the characteristic “cog-wheel” milling of the period (so-called cog-wheel edge).
Elements of the set:
Two large inkwells: Equipped with metal inserts (one with a crossbar – a rare feature that serves as a pen rest or a drip tray).
Central container with a lid: a classic sand shaker or a container for seal wafers.
Small front compartment: For small accessories (nibs, sponge).
Semi-circular gallery (rear): Integrated stand for 10 dip pens/nibs (metal sleeves).
Metal plaque: A decorative element on the front of the base, adding elegance to the overall piece.
Behavior state:
Item in its original antique state. Visible small chips of black patina on the edges (exposing the light wood grain), which only emphasizes the age and authenticity of the item. The metal inlays are preserved in good condition, with a patina typical for old metal alloys.
Why is it worth it?
This is not only a treat for antique collectors and calligraphy enthusiasts, but also an incredibly stylish decorative element for a desk in a law office, study, or home library. Objects of this kind, preserved in such a complete form (with a pen gallery), are increasingly rare on the secondary market.
I encourage you to check out my other auctions.
The item up for auction is a unique 19th-century writing set (standish) crafted in the Victorian style. It is a classic piece of study furniture from an era when letters and calligraphy were the foundation of communication.
Material: ebonized wood (premium wood dyed to a deep black) with a satin finish.
Construction: a circular, profiled base with the characteristic “cog-wheel” milling of the period (so-called cog-wheel edge).
Elements of the set:
Two large inkwells: Equipped with metal inserts (one with a crossbar – a rare feature that serves as a pen rest or a drip tray).
Central container with a lid: a classic sand shaker or a container for seal wafers.
Small front compartment: For small accessories (nibs, sponge).
Semi-circular gallery (rear): Integrated stand for 10 dip pens/nibs (metal sleeves).
Metal plaque: A decorative element on the front of the base, adding elegance to the overall piece.
Behavior state:
Item in its original antique state. Visible small chips of black patina on the edges (exposing the light wood grain), which only emphasizes the age and authenticity of the item. The metal inlays are preserved in good condition, with a patina typical for old metal alloys.
Why is it worth it?
This is not only a treat for antique collectors and calligraphy enthusiasts, but also an incredibly stylish decorative element for a desk in a law office, study, or home library. Objects of this kind, preserved in such a complete form (with a pen gallery), are increasingly rare on the secondary market.
I encourage you to check out my other auctions.

