Scottish Silver Mounted Cut Glass Inkwell / Desk Accessory with Ball Feet, Edinburgh
Hollowware (Inkwell / Desk Accessory) · Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1866 by Robert Kirkwood and James Hamilton, they became one of Scotland's most prestigious luxury jewellers and silversmiths, holding a Royal Warrant as silversmiths to Her Majesty the Queen.
Pattern: Traditional deskware design featuring a heavy cut-glass body with a fitted sterling silver collar and mounted ball feet, part of their heritage fine silver desk accessory lines.
Type
Hollowware (Inkwell / Desk Accessory)
Maker
Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1866 by Robert Kirkwood and James Hamilton, they became one of Scotland's most prestigious luxury jewellers and silversmiths, holding a Royal Warrant as silversmiths to Her Majesty the Queen.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) collar and feet combined with heavy, thick-walled lead crystal or cut glass base.
Dimensions
Estimated base dimensions approximately 2 inches square, height around 2 to 2.5 inches, typical of a compact desk inkwell.
Description
A charming and elegant Scottish silver-mounted cut-glass inkwell originating from the esteemed Edinburgh firm of Hamilton & Inches. The piece features a heavy, sparkling cut-glass base supported by four polished silver ball feet, complemented by a finely stamped sterling silver collar bearing traditional Scottish hallmarks. Perfect for a classic executive desk or as a collector's piece of fine British silver and glass.
Key Features
Scottish Edinburgh assay marks, prestigious maker Hamilton & Inches, heavy cut-glass construction, and four supportive ball feet.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) collar and feet combined with heavy, thick-walled lead crystal or cut glass base.
Finish & Decoration
High-gloss mirror polish finish on the sterling silver components with simple geometric linear cutting on the glass body and four spherical ball feet.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Edinburgh assay office castle mark, lion passant for sterling silver (.925), maker's mark (HI for Hamilton & Inches), and a date letter stamp visible on the silver base plate.
Construction Details
Combination of heavy molded and cut glass with machine-formed or cast silver elements soldered and fitted securely to the glass base.
Functional Features
Designed as a desktop inkwell or desk accessory to hold ink, featuring a heavy stable glass base to prevent tipping and ball feet to elevate the piece.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; handled via the solid glass and metal body structure.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality British assay standards with crisp, legible hallmarks and precise fitting between the silver elements and heavy glass body.
Authentication Indicators
Clear British hallmarks including the Edinburgh castle, the lion passant for sterling silver, and the maker's initials guarantee authenticity.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Edinburgh, Scotland, by traditional Scottish silversmithing and manufacturing standards.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Mid-20th Century traditional British deskware design.
Age Estimate
Likely early to mid-20th century, circa 1900-1950, based on standard Edinburgh hallmark styles for the maker.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of traditional desk accessories during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when handwritten correspondence and fountain pens made fine inkwells essential desk items.
Condition Notes
Very good vintage condition. The silver components show minor surface hairline scratches consistent with light age and polishing, while the glass base is clear and bright without major chips or cracks. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $150 and $350 USD depending on the exact date letter, pristine condition of the glass interior, and collector demand.
Care & Maintenance
Clean the silver components gently with a specialized silver polishing cloth, avoiding harsh liquid dips that could damage or cloud the glass base.
Similar Pieces
Similar cut-glass inkwells with silver collars by makers such as Mappin & Webb or Asprey.
Interesting Facts
Hamilton & Inches received their first Royal Warrant in 1893 from Queen Victoria and have remained a symbol of high-end Scottish craftsmanship and luxury retail.