Rare Fine Antique Pierced Sterling Silver Inkstand By Joseph Willmore B/ham 1866

Rare Victorian Pierced Sterling Silver Inkstand by Joseph Willmore, Birmingham, 1866

A rare and beautifully detailed Victorian sterling silver inkstand by the respected Birmingham silversmith Joseph Willmore, fully hallmarked for Birmingham, 1866.

The inkstand is designed with an elegant rectangular base surrounded by an elaborate pierced and cast border of scrolling foliate and fruiting vine decoration, demonstrating the fine craftsmanship associated with high-quality mid-19th-century English silver.

At the centre are two square cut-glass inkwells, each fitted with sterling silver hinged lids decorated with finely chased floral ornament. The inkwells sit within integrated receivers and are separated by a central pen tray, intended for holding dip pens or other writing instruments.

The base is supported on four finely cast bracket feet, and the underside bears a full set of British hallmarks, including the maker’s mark JW for Joseph Willmore, the lion passant for sterling silver, the anchor for the Birmingham Assay Office, the date letter “r” for 1866, and the Queen Victoria duty mark.

Both the silver stand and the inkwell lids carry matching hallmarks.

Condition

Excellent antique condition with crisp detail throughout. The silver presents beautifully and the original cut-glass inkwells remain in very good condition.

Dimensions

Height: 3.5 cm

Width: 14.5 cm

Length: 20 cm

Weight

250 grams (silver weight)

A highly decorative and collectible example of Victorian desk silver, ideal for collectors of 19th-century writing accessories or fine English silver.