Description

A stunning antique French sterling silver mounted double inkwell. Patterned with exquisite neoclassical styling. Featuring two sterling silver barrel shaped inkwells with hinged lids topped by stylized leaves and finials. Further embellished with decorative acanthus and laurel borders. The base is solid, cut from a single piece of marble with intricate veining in shades of gray on a black ground with dark green and subtle hints of dark red. Likely Noir Saint Laurent marble. Cut with a recessed pen rest and beveled edging decorating the base. Further enhanced with a sterling silver decorative trim patterned with laurel leaves matching with the motif on the inkwells. The shape and styling to this inkwell transcends different periods and decor, blending in with the Rococo, neoclassical or mixed in with the Art Deco and perfect for any desk or office. Hallmarks to the border and two inkwells. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, depicting the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her to indicate a silver content of .950/1000 silver (that's 95% pure silver and higher grade of finesse than .925 sterling). Bearing markers marks for Parisian silversmiths Risler & Carré, active from 1897 to 1912 at 16 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. In good antique condition, with general wear from use and age. No damage to the sterling mounts. Lacking inserts. The marble is in good condition for age and type, some chips and roughness to the edges on the base and corners. Measures 10 1/8" length x 5 3/4" width and stands 4 1/8" tall.