Rococ ink well, makers mark

A pretty display piece. Probably cast iron, the gold layer is just pray paint since it was all rusty once I got it. A small piece broke off some time ago and was probably lost.

I need help with the makers mark. On the bottom there is this M in a star like pattern. Perhaps someone can identify it

 

A magnet will tell you if it is iron or not.

WHY did you spray paint it with garish gold?

 

Because it was rusty and nasty. You are right, should have painted it white and called it shabby chic! Ahaha

Well, it has little to no value anyways since it's broken

 

Well, it certainly has little to no value now. SMH

 

You do realize you can remove paint? Especially from metal

 

Ineed! I just found a similar item on google

 

Would have been easier, cheaper & less time consuming not to have painted it in the first place.

 

Well at least I have something. There are probably a few more out there. Thanks for trying!

 

Those irregular shaped Historic Revival items were very popular in France in the late 19th century. Not saying it is French per sé, but it is worth looking into.

You've got a nice job on your hands then.

 

I can just pour paint remover over it and scrub it off with a napkin xd been there done that

 

Iron is pretty forgiving, I'm sure you'll get a perfect result.

 

I don't think yours is stylistically like the one you found on google, because that one is art nouveau in style.

 

Agree, that one is much more pure Art Nouveau. I would guess yours is a bit earlier too.
Btw, the style pf yours is not pure Rococo. 19th century designers and manufacturers mixed historic styles to get a result they thought would work. I have seen similar items that were Rococo in outline, but with Gothic and Orientalist thrown into the mix.

 

I totally agree, but it's the same producer so yay

 

I know, it's literally the definition of the revival period.
For example those balusters around it are totally baroque

 

I think this is the same inkwell/inkstand but in brass/bronze and different mark. Don't think it's helpful unless a company merged or some such thing.

https://www.catawiki.com/l/37879673-elegant-ink-set-brass

 

Very similar but this newest photo SIS found doesn't have the same fancy fence/railing that Matt's shows. Perhaps it is missing some 'parts'?