Museum Quality c. 1840-60 Jennens & Bettridge Papier Mache Desk Stand, Double Inkwell, Pen Tray 2 glass inkwells (original) and pen nib box 12: x 9.5" and 1" tray height. + 2 undamaged swirl glass Inkwells A superb remnant of some mid-1800s Victorian manor's decor. Elegant outer form on this one - very elaborate and with very little imperfection to note. There is a covered pen nib box centering the two swirled glass inkwells, each resting in the original red velvet lined fittings. Loads of inlaid mother of pearl and opulently worked. One of the finest we've found. Very popular from c.1840-1860 in the best of homes throughout Europe, this quality and elaborate form of this one is signed by top English maker, Jennens & Bettridge, visible on underside.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, this fine old papier mache desk stand comes to us with remarkable lack of damage. No breaks to the papier mache stand, even the hinged pen nibs box is undamaged. Look at all that inlaid mother of pearl, shimmering in colors of the rainbow. Some of the old original hand painted surface of florals survives, too, so you can see what it might once have looked like. The surface of the old papier mache is crazed, which is very normal for this type of item. Very small chip to one back corner of leg and a rub to the other back one, each visible in our photos for your review. Additionally, the caps on the 2 original inkwells are restoration ones, made of wood. The mother of pearl pen shown is only a prop and is not included.
