Fabulous & rare antique French 18k gold on sterling silver "vermeil" desktop single inkwell with attached base tray and elegant Classical or Empire style laurel garland and bow & ribbon accenting! These old French sterling silver inkwells are really few and far between, we always try to snap them up whenever we have the good fortune to find one. For some reason, it seems that the English were far more prolific in silver inkwells but that just makes these all the more rare and treasured. This one with visible remnants of the original 18k gold plating on the silver, a vermeil inkwell oh so rare and this would surely fetch twice our price if the vermeil were fully intact. The lid, well and base tray all bear the French Minerve or Minerva hallmark, the tiny number "1" within those marks means it's in .950 silver under the gold plate (95% pure so higher than the .925 standard for "sterling" silver). The silversmith marks are likely for Aucoc & Leinard, Paris circa 1903. One of a few truly remarkable silver and silver & cut crystal inkwells that we're adding this week so, be sure to browse some while you're with us. Thanks!
Very good condition. As noted, the vermeil on the top of the base tray and well is worn with only remnants remaining but you can see the original thickness of the gold plating on the bottom of the piece. No other notable damage but it is missing the inner glass ink pot. See pictures for weight and measurements.
