This magnificent antique George III sterling silver desk standish has a boat-shaped form onto four hoof feet.

This antique inkstand is embellished with impressive pierced decoration to the integrated elevated curvilinear handpieces, in addition to applied leaf decoration to the scrolling terminals.

The rim of the body of this Georgian inkstand is ornamented with a paralleling applied bead decorated border.

The internal gallery frame of the stand is embellished with pierced decorated vertical pale ornamentation, flanked with further applied bead decorated borders.

The impressive gallery is further ornamented with applied lion mask designs.

The inkstand incorporates three circular gallery style receivers, encompassed with further vertical pale and bead decoration.

Each internal compartment is fitted with a cut glass bottle.

The ink, pen/quill and pounce bottles retain the original hallmarked plain silver cylindrical mounts fitted with push fit hallmarked covers.

The rim of each circular cover is encircled with applied bead decorated borders and bears the corresponding funCtional pierced decorated holes.

This magnificent silver and glass inkstand is supported with four impressive cast silver hoof feet, accented to the apex of each with a ram"s head mask.

This silver ink standish was crafted by the renowned London silversmith Burrage Davenport*.

NOTE: * Davenport is recognised for making exceptional inkstands and baskets, specialising in fine pierced work.

This antique silver and glass inkstand is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional presentation condition.

The applied and cast decoration is very sharp and the engraved decoration is crisp.

Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the stand, in addition to part hallmarks to the ink bottle mounts are all very clear.

Reflections in photography may detract from the true representation of these examples of antique glass and silverware.

Standish

Length 18cm/7.1"

Width 18cm/7.1"

Height 11.6cm/4.6"

Bottle

Diameter 5.1cm/2"

Height 6.8cm/2.7"

41.1 troy ounces/1280g (excluding glass vessels)

Date: 1784

Origin: London, England

Maker: Burrage Davenport