Victorian glass & silver inkwell

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Simple antique glass inkwell with sharply cut hobnail pattern glass base and fitted with a sterling silver collar and lid. The interior of the lid is gilded. This stylish desk accessory has a wonderful hefty feel and would make an ideal paperweight.

In 16th century Europe writing was considered to be a lowly task, and the aristocracy and upper classes would employ the services of a scribe or scrivener to write on their behalf using a quill pen and ink.

From the 17th century onwards, as the gentry began to undertake writing themselves, inkwells and inkstands became an essential accessory in every upper-class household. Silver, often combined with glass or crystal, was the most popular material used for inkstands and as well as having a practical use, some became more imposing and elaborate, often turning into decorative pieces in their own right.