Some antique desk pieces have quiet charm. Others were clearly made to impress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This magnificent very large antique silver plated twin inkstand<\/strong>, dating to around 1835<\/strong>, is a superb example of late Georgian and early Victorian desk silverware. Substantial, decorative and beautifully proportioned, it has the grandeur expected from a serious 19th-century writing desk or library table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attributed to Waterhouse & Co of Sheffield<\/strong>, with a fleur-de-lis maker\u2019s mark to the base<\/strong>, this impressive inkstand combines scale, craftsmanship and period detail in a way rarely found today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expertly restored by us to as near-new a presentation as possible, while carefully retaining its original charm, it is a rare and highly decorative piece for collectors, interiors and distinguished desk display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At approximately 32 cm long, 20 cm wide and 11 cm high<\/strong>, this is a notably large inkstand. Its size gives it real authority, making it ideal for display on an executive desk, writing table, library bureau or collector\u2019s cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also weighs approximately 1.629 kg<\/strong>, giving it a substantial feel and strong physical presence. This is not a lightweight decorative item. It is a serious piece of antique silver plated deskware, made with quality, purpose and style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The inkstand is almost certainly by Waterhouse & Co of Sheffield<\/strong>, as indicated by the fleur-de-lis mark beneath<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sheffield was one of the great centres of British silver and silver plate production, particularly during the late Georgian and early Victorian periods. Pieces of this scale and quality demonstrate why Sheffield makers became so highly regarded for practical, elegant and durable silver plated wares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because the attribution is based on the mark, it is best described honestly as attributed to Waterhouse & Co<\/strong> \u2014 an important detail for collectors who value accuracy as well as presentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most appealing features of this inkstand is that it retains both of its original glass ink bottles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Original inkwells are often lost, damaged or replaced over time, so their survival adds greatly to the integrity and collectability of the piece. The matching silver plated mounts tie the bottles beautifully into the overall design, helping the inkstand retain its intended appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The twin inkwell layout gives the piece balance and symmetry, while also reflecting the practical needs of a formal 19th-century writing desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A particularly interesting detail is the central taper stick holder<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before modern desk lighting and everyday matches, a taper stick was a practical addition to a writing desk. It could be used for sealing wax, lighting candles or assisting with correspondence. Its presence adds historical interest and makes the inkstand more unusual than a standard twin inkwell desk piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today, this feature gives the piece extra visual height and decorative focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The inkstand is decorated throughout with attractive reed and ribbon detail<\/strong>, including the inkwell mounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This classical decoration gives the piece refinement and continuity. The repeated motif ties the handles, mounts and body together, creating a unified design. It is elegant without being excessive, making the inkstand suitable for both traditional interiors and more dramatic decorative displays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The twin cast handles and four bracket feet add further strength and architectural presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We have expertly restored this rare inkstand to as near-new a condition as we could possibly achieve, while preserving its original period character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That balance is important. A piece of this age should present beautifully, but it should still feel authentic. This inkstand has the polished appearance required for display, while retaining the charm and historic appeal of genuine late Georgian silver plated craftsmanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Large antique inkstands are increasingly difficult to find in good condition, especially complete examples with original glass bottles, attractive decoration and such impressive scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This piece would appeal strongly to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Collectors of antique silver plate<\/strong> It is both functional in origin and highly decorative today \u2014 a reminder of an age when a fine writing desk deserved objects of real quality and importance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Item:<\/strong> Antique Silver Plated Twin Inkstand with Taper Stick This is a particularly impressive piece because it combines size, completeness, design and condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA Statement Piece for the Writing Desk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Attributed to Waterhouse & Co of Sheffield<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Twin Inkwells and Original Glass Bottles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Central Taper Stick Holder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reed and Ribbon Decoration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Expertly Restored While Retaining Period Character<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Rare Collector\u2019s Piece and Distinguished Desk Accessory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Collectors of Georgian and early Victorian desk silverware<\/strong>
Interior designers seeking a statement desk piece<\/strong>
Executive offices and private studies<\/strong>
Libraries and writing rooms<\/strong>
Collectors of Sheffield silver plate<\/strong>
Buyers looking for a historic presentation gift<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nKey Product Details<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Maker:<\/strong> Attributed to Waterhouse & Co, Sheffield
Date:<\/strong> Circa 1835
Period:<\/strong> Late Georgian \/ early Victorian
Maker\u2019s Mark:<\/strong> Fleur-de-lis mark to base
Material:<\/strong> Silver plate with glass inkwells
Design:<\/strong> Twin inkwells, central taper stick holder, twin cast handles, bracket feet
Decoration:<\/strong> Reed and ribbon detail throughout, including inkwell mounts
Dimensions:<\/strong> Approximately 32 cm long x 20 cm wide x 11 cm high
Weight:<\/strong> Approximately 1.629 kg
Inkwells:<\/strong> Complete with original glass ink bottles and mounts
Condition:<\/strong> Expertly restored, retaining original character and charm<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy This Antique Inkstand Is Special<\/h2>\n\n\n\n