Splendid large double inkwell and desk stand, caddy, for your desktop. The birds carved on top of the large center box (for quill pens, seals, sealing wax, etc.) are remarkably lifelike and are life sized as well. Beautifully crafted, they make this one extra special. Whether for cabin decor, or office or den, Country French or manor home, this one will become a favorite! Large and more finely carved anatomically than most, it's a fine example of the Animalier movement, and of the old Swiss carver's art of the Black Forest region.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Large fan of curved leaves makes it 13.5" x 8" and creates a pen tray or desk tray. The 2 inkwells are the old original pressed glass ones. They look like they have cracks, but it's not the case - they have moulding imperfections which we've tried to show, deep on bottoms. No chips or breaks at all on the inkwells. There are a few nips to tips of the long fronds that are behind the birds on teh top, and it appears something is also chipped on the underside below the front edging of leaves. I think perhaps small branches carved there (look underneath). The bird's tail to left of screen has an elongated chip, but still looks fine. That same bird is missing a small section of leg (look closely). Hinged covered box is perfectly fitted, hinged well. It doesn't have and never did have a clasp or lock. Just tilts back.
