Originating in the 17th Century, when they were known as a ‘standish’, the silver ink stand is an essential item for any writing desk. 18th Century examples are often formed as a stand with three silver pots, one for ink, one for shot which was used to sharpen the quill, and one for pounce, used to dry the ink after writing. Later examples can be found with additional accessories such as bells to summon servants, stamp holders, and taper sticks for sealing wax. Novelty designs, ink stands made by collectible silversmiths, and early examples are all highly sought after today.
14 results
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1916 by Mappin & Webb, this handsome, George V, Antique Sterling Silver Ink Stand, features a cut glass body and a sterling silver mount. The ink stand measures 2.25"(6cm) tall, by 2.75"(7cm) wide and deep.
£345
Hallmarked in London in 1904 by The Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co., this stylish, Antique, Edwardian, Sterling Silver Inkwell, is modelled as a fountain pen nib. The ink stand measures 5.25"(13.5cm) tall, by 1.75"(4.5cm) in diameter, and the silver weighs 2.04 troy ounces.
£595
Hallmarked in London in 1921 by Henry Griffith & Sons Ltd., this very handsome, Antique Sterling Silver Ink Stand, is in the Art Deco taste, and is made from Alabaster with silver mounts. The ink stand measures 2.75"(7cm) tall, by 3.75"(9.5cm) wide and deep.
£765
Hallmarked in London in 1901 by Ernest Damant, this striking, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Ink Stand, features shaped and pierced gallery borders, and two glass ink wells with silver mounts. The ink stand measures 2.75"(7cm) tall, by 7.25"(18.5cm) wide, by 3.5"(9cm) deep.
£975
Hallmarked in London in 1893 by John Newton Mappin, this attractive, large, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Ink Stand, features swirled fluted glass, and an ornately decorated lid and stand. The ink stand measures 7.5"(19cm) tall, by 7.5"(19cm) wide and deep.
£1,475
Hallmarked in London in 1846 by Charles & George Fox, this charming, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Ink Stand, features an ornate scroll border, decorative feet, and naturalistic design ink pots and chamberstick. The ink stand measures 5.5"(14cm) tall, by 11.5"(29cm) wide, by 7"(18cm) deep, and the silver weighs 18.8 troy ounces.
£1,975
Hallmarked in London in 1874 by Daniel & Charles Houle, this very unusual, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Ink Stand, has a shaped wooden base with applied silver leaf decoration and vacant cartouche, an apple and a pear shaped ink well, and a central pen holder resembling acanthus leaves. The inkstand measures 4"(10cm) tall, by 6.75"(17cm) wide, by 4"(10cm) deep.
£2,175
Hallmarked in London in 1845 by Samuel Smily, this attractive, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Ink Stand, features pierced and engraved gallery sides, two cut glass ink wells with silver lids, and an engraved crest to one side. The ink stand measures 2.75"(7cm) tall, by 8.5"(21.5cm) wide, by 5"(12.5cm) deep, and the silver weight is 18.6 troy ounces.
£2,475
Hallmarked in London in 1798 by Henry Greenway, this handsome, George III, Antique, Sterling Silver Ink Stand, is plain in style, and features 2 glass bottles for ink and pounce, and a silver box to the centre. The ink stand measures 3.5"(9cm) tall, by 9"(23cm) wide, by 5.5"(14cm) deep, and the silver weighs 17.5 troy ounces.
£2,975
Hallmarked in London in 1924 by Tessiers Ltd., this handsome, Antique, George V period, Sterling Silver Ink Stand, is in the classic Treasury style, with cast scroll handles, and four hinged compartments of which 2 house the original glass ink pots. The ink stand measures 2.75"(7cm) tall, by 10"(25.5cm) wide, by 6"(15cm) deep, and weighs an impressive 67.4 troy ounces.
£2,975
Hallmarked in London in 1900 by William Hutton & Sons Ltd. This attractive, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Ink Stand, features a shared and pierced gallery style border, and two cut glass ink wells with silver mounts. The ink stand measures 4"(10cm) tall, by 13.5"(34.5cm) wide, by 8.25"(21cm) deep.
£3,275
Hallmarked in London in 1910 by Samuel Jacob, this incredible Antique Sterling Silver & Shagreen Desk Set, comprises a pair of candlesticks, an ink stand and a pen tray, all featuring Neoclassical revival silver decoration. Each candlestick measures 5.75"(14.5cm) tall, by 2.75"(7cm) wide and deep, the ink stand measures 2.75"(7cm) tall, by 4.25"(11cm) wide and deep, and the pen tray measures 8.75"(22.5cm) wide, by 3.5"(9cm) deep.
£5,975
Hallmarked in London in 1908 by Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd, this very handsome, Edwardian, Antique Sterling Silver Ink Stand, is plain in design, with reed detailing, 2 pots for ink, a central box, and a draw. The ink stand measures 4.75"(12cm) tall, by 11.5"(29cm) wide, by 7.25"(18.5cm) deep, and weighs a very impressive 98 troy ounces.
£6,795
Hallmarked in London in 1908 by R & S Garrard & Co., this monumental Antique, Sterling Silver Ink Stand, is the epitome of Egyptian Revival taste, richly decorated with geometric patterns and Egyptian Motifs throughout. The central storage box is topped with a cast and incredibly detailed model of the sphinx, engraved with a scarab beetle pendant. The ink stand measures 8.5"(22cm) tall, by 18.5"(47cm) wide, by 9.75"(25cm) deep, and weighs an astonishing 110.8 troy ounces.
£19,975