Silver Plated Inkwell — English Silver Plate & Cobalt Blue Glass, c.1900s–1920s

Round, low, and quietly confident. This is a desk inkwell that knows exactly what it is.

The form is satisfying — a wide flat foot, a barrel-shaped body, a beaded detail running around the middle where the two halves meet. The cobalt blue glass liner sits inside, vivid as the day it was made, and lifts out completely. The silver plate is bright, with some tarnishing and light surface marks consistent with age and use.

Marked Silver Plated / Made in England on the base. No maker's name — simply a quiet declaration of origin. Late Victorian or Edwardian, most likely early twentieth century.

It would sit well on a writing desk, a windowsill, or a dressing table. It would hold a single stem as readily as it once held ink.

DETAILS

Dimensions: approx. 4.5 cm tall × 5 cm diameter across the top Maker's mark: Silver Plated / Made in England, stamped to base Material: Silver plate, cobalt blue glass liner Origin: England, c.1900s–1920s Condition: Good vintage condition. Some tarnishing and light surface marks consistent with age. Beaded detail intact. Cobalt glass liner intact, no chips or cracks. Liner removes completely.

THE STORY

It came from somewhere. A dressing table, perhaps, or a small writing desk in a room that caught the morning light. Someone reached for it without thinking, the way you reach for things that have always been there.

The cobalt liner is the colour of deep water. Of the sky just before dark. Of something you are trying to remember.

It was made in England, in the early years of the last century. Silver plated, beaded, well-proportioned. Modest enough to be useful. Beautiful enough to be kept.

Someone kept it.

Now it is yours to keep.

Moss & Maye