This exceptional antique Edwardian English sterling silver antique inkstand has a navette shaped form.
The concave surface of the of the inkstand is plain and unembellished, with an applied silver gilt leaf decorated border to the rim.
Either end of the stand is fitted with an impressive cast and applied gilt scalloped leaf design, enveloping the aforementioned rim.
The centre of the inkstand is fitted with an oval waisted receptacle fitted with a domed, hinged cover surmounted with an impressive cast silver gilt decorated finial, realistically modelled in the form of a moth/butterfly.
The lower portion of the receptacle and the rim of the cover are encompassed with identical gilded border to that of the stand rim.
The cover opens to reveal the original gilded interior and circular glass ink bottle, fitted to a plain circular receiver.
The underside of the inkstand bears the original gilding and the retailer's mark 'R & S Garrard & Co, Haymarket, London'.
This unusual antique inkwell is a rare and desirable design.
Maker: R & S Garrard & Co (Sebastian Henry Garrard)
