This magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian inkstand in sterling silver has a serpentine-shaped form.
This silver inkstand is plain and embellished with a cast and applied moulded border to the rim, incorporating a scrolling leaf bordered vacant cartouche to either side.
Either end of the inkstand incorporates an impressive cast and applied leaf decorated handpiece.
This antique hallmarked silver inkstand is supported by four impressive cast interlacing foliate decorated feet.
The body of this antique silver inkstand incorporates two pumpkin-shaped bottle holders flanking a central rectangular stamp box.
The impressive ink and pounce bottles are fitted with impressive push fit covers incorporating stalk ornamentation to the domed upper portion.
The push fit covers allow access to the original glass liner, retaining the original push fit silver mounts embellished with corresponding pierced holes.
The central sterling silver stamp box is plain and embellished to the anterior surface with the contemporary bright cut engraved coat of arms depicting party per chevron, two griffin's heads erased.
The coat of arms is surmounted with an exceptional helm and mantling, in addition to a crest depicting out of a coronet a griffin's head.
The box is fitted with the original push fit cover surmounted with an exceptional cast figure ornament of Lady Justice*; a female figure attired in toga-style clothing, blindfolded, holding scales and a sword, whilst leaning against a stacked pile of books.
This magnificent antique Victorian inkstand in sterling silver, crafted by the renowned London silversmiths Edward, Edward junior, John & William Barnard, is the finest of its type you could hope to acquire.
* Lady Justice is the visual personification of moral force in the judicial system; a This representation developed from the Roman mythological goddess Justitia and the Greek goddess Dike. While she classically appears with her scales/a balance and sword, she is also often blindfolded. The scales represent how Lady Justice balances the act and consequence to achieve equilibrium and therefore justice. The blindfold simply portrays her impartiality; with no regards to wealth, power or status. The sword displays authority and conveys the notion that justice can be swift and final.
Date: 1840
