Inkwell - Late Victorian - Iron (cast/wrought)

Victorian Daniel Lambert cast iron figural inkwell with original glass liner – England, late 19th century

A charming Victorian cast iron figural inkwell depicting Daniel Lambert (1770–1809), the celebrated English celebrity of the Georgian era, shown seated before a roasted bird, holding a knife and fork. His head lifts to reveal the original white glass ink liner, while the top hat forms the hinged lid.

This humorous desk accessory is finely modelled and retains its original hand-painted polychrome decoration. Complete with its original cast iron hinged lid and removable white glass ink liner, it is an attractive and increasingly collectible example of late 19th-century English novelty deskware.

Good antique condition, consistent with age and use. Original painted surface with expected wear, rubbing and paint losses. The cast iron body is sound, the hinged lid operates correctly, and the original removable glass liner is present. Minor oxidation and age-related wear to the hinge and interior. The underside shows an old repair with overpainted filler and has been painted grey. This is clearly visible in the photographs. No other visible repairs or cracks to the cast iron.