This is a fabulous Geschutzt, Jugendstil inkwell - Signed - Gilt bronze - Austria, around 1900.

Jugendstil art, architecture, and design remain a highlight of Austrian history, and the era proved an important waystation in the development of modern creative approaches.

Many of those who produced Jugendstil works continue to enjoy acclaim today. The artists, designers, and architects who incorporated Jugendstil within their body of work include numerous famous names.

For example, Jugendstil influenced (and was influenced by) the likes of Gustav Klimt, Otto Wagner, and the Wiener Werkstätte.

The style still appears throughout Vienna’s architectural landscape, and Jugendstil works feature prominently in those museums dedicated to the applied and modern arts.

The tops, irrespective of shape or design, have a double mark: OE.P. (Österreiches Patent) followed by 10385 and D.R.G.M. (Deutches Reich Gebrauchsmuster/ German Reich Registered Design) followed by 168180. The ink lids are in the faun design. There are also sea serpents and what looks like seaweed.  The lids have both snapped of, from the base but still have their pins. The lids are clearly marked with the patent numbers. The base is marked GESCHUTZT, meaning protected, and the words real bronze. There are no pottery or glass liners. The pictures clearly show the condition of the item.