Arts & Crafts Inkwell Brass, Copper and Beautiful

Discussion in 'Metalware' started by Nathan Lindop, Apr 9, 2018.

  1. Nathan Lindop

    Nathan Lindop 1: “?” 2: “!”

    My dad bought this a few months ago. An incredible inkwell, seriously underpriced at the auction. I’ll repost their description here instead of creating my own :

    AN ARTS & CRAFTS STYLE SQUARE GLASS INKWELL, hinged circular copper cover with cast foliate motif and enamel inset, loosely fitted in a copper and brass square stand, embossed with roundels and stud effect legs, height approximately 7.5cm x width 8cmcondition:No cracks in the glass or the enamel, one of the bottom corners of the inkwell has nibbles, also along the back top edge is a small section that has been ground down.Glass shows evidence of light wear along the sides where it sits in the metal, the metal is in good condition with a few small knocks.

    Seen 10’s of examples of very similar riveting and enamelling making me think they were all designed by one and the same maker. Wondering if anyone with more of a specialism in arts & crafts has any knowledge of a maker that this piece may be attributed to. Have looked up some well know contemporary designers without any luck. Liberty was my obvious starting point.

    Almost unbelievable to see an Inkwell like this unmarked. Thanks for looking :bookworm::pompous:

    (These are Richard Wintertons own photos, not mine)
    https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/...0122/lot-a4678e3a-bf77-4852-9d75-a84f00e860f3

    EEFE9291-3753-42F3-9CEA-9102F8A1199C.jpeg B2D262F0-3361-4F40-BFC9-EDDCA36AA062.jpeg EA16F46D-D397-455D-8576-98F16BC3C48F.jpeg 3BD1BD88-9E61-46EB-B1DF-85825FC4EDD1.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2018
  2. aaroncab

    aaroncab in veritate victoria

    Now that's just beautiful... makes me want to start using a fountain pen.
     
  3. Bakersgma

    Bakersgma Well-Known Member

    That is VERY nice!
     
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  4. Nathan Lindop

    Nathan Lindop 1: “?” 2: “!”

    As good as it gets with arts & crafts, incredibly well made and designed. I was so sure it’d be an easy attribution to somebody but I’m sure with the right textbooks I’d get closer. Might buy a few for learning.

    It’s actually for sale if anyone who sees this is interested, though it’s for sale at £1250 at the moment so you’ll have to get your check books out :dead:
     
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  5. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    we have a Forum for selling.....& this ain't it... just sayin !!!@!@
     
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  6. verybrad

    verybrad Well-Known Member

    I am pretty well versed in the A&C movement and have not seen anything like this attributed. Makes me think it may be continental in origin where the designers are less well known.
     
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  7. Ownedbybear

    Ownedbybear Well-Known Member

    It ought to be Knox. Screams British to me, it's absolutely typically Art Nouveau enamel work in an A&C frame.
     
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  8. Nathan Lindop

    Nathan Lindop 1: “?” 2: “!”

    Sorry @komokwa xD it just happens to be for sale, I’m most interest in a maker.

    That’s what I was hoping @Ownedbybear . Knox would be brilliant. I’ve seen one piece extremely similar to this, where it was identified as Austrian so I think I’m of the mind that it’s continental. Thanks brad :shame::shame:
     
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  9. say_it_slowly

    say_it_slowly The worst prison is a closed heart

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  10. Aquitaine

    Aquitaine Is What It IS! But NEVER BORED!

    THAT is GORGEOUS!!!!!
     
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  11. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    seems like a few were made..........
     
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  12. Nathan Lindop

    Nathan Lindop 1: “?” 2: “!”

    Amazing! Thanks so much @say_it_slowly , were they easy to find. Nothing I searched showed anything.

    I imagine they will have made a few. My dad paid more than those two examples for it. Better condition but still, those two got a real bargain.

    I found one or two similar things sold for about £700 or £800 on eBay. And an item of a common maker on 1st Dibs for £1250 same as ours.
     
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  13. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    What SIS posted may be 2005 & 2012....but they are not 'similar'...or a 'common maker'....they are spot on , to the item that you have....

    Maybe , as you say , they went for a bargain.....but they WENT !!

    Now, I have no idea if the market for this item has risen or fallen....& you can price yours any which way you see fit .....but if SIS can find these on Liveactioneers.............so can a prospective buyer !

    Just sayin............
     
  14. Nathan Lindop

    Nathan Lindop 1: “?” 2: “!”

    If buyers went by the prices things have sold for at auction antique dealers would definately be out of a business.

    I get your point though, £1250 is definately an aspirational price, but in no rush to sell so only time will tell. :happy:
     
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  15. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    Right, but sold items...at least...are a starting point........many other factors come into play after that !
    :):)
     
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