Description

Raised on Four Sterling Silver Legs 

From our Accessories collection, we are pleased to offer this Tortoiseshell and Silver Inkwell by William Comyns. The desk Inkwell of rare design with a tortoiseshell body and finely inlaid silver pique work with ribbon garlands to the rear and further extensive silver inlaid work around the inkwell with garlands and flowers in various motifs. The central inkwell is engraved with further flower and ribbon swags and is mounted with sterling silver and tortoiseshell lid and sits in a sterling silver base. The Tortoiseshell and Silver Inkwell is hallmarked Sterling, London by William Comyns and is dated to the late Art Nouveau period 1913.

William Comyns were a London based silversmith (1858 -1930). The firm was founded by William Comyns who bought Robert Tagg in 1858. He entered his first mark from the original Robert Tagg premises in Soho, London. As the business expanded in 1885 they became William Comyns & Son when his two sons Charles and Richard joined the business. From the 1880s they produced large numbers of silver decorative items which were retailed through leading London retailers, such as Henry Lewis and Howell & James. William Comyns died in 1916, and his son Charles died in 1925 whilst at a sale at Christie’s. They registered as a limited company in 1930 as William Comyns & Sons Ltd with the remaining son, Richard, registered as the permanent governing director. When Richard died in 1953, the company was bought by Bernard Copping. They are now one of the few remaining manufacturing silversmiths in London with premises in London WC2.

Tortoiseshell describes a type of decorative material made from the shells of certain species of sea turtles. The shells of these turtles are composed of a hard, glossy substance called keratin, which can be cut and shaped into a variety of decorative items. Tortoiseshell has been used for centuries to make a range of decorative objects, including combs, brush handles, and other small items. It is also sometimes used to make tea caddies, as it is strong, durable, and can be polished to a high shine. The term “tortoiseshell” is used to describe these decorative items, even though they are made from the shells of sea turtles because the term has been used historically to refer to this material.

Sterling Silver is an alloy composed by weight of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness (parts per thousand) of 925.

Art Nouveau was an international style of art and architecture, especially the decorative arts. It was inspired by natural forms such as the curves of plants and flowers. Other characteristics of Art Nouveau were a sense of dynamism, movement and the use of modern materials particularly iron, glass and ceramics to create unusual forms. It was popular between 1890 and 1910 during the Belle Époque period and before the First World War. It was a reaction against the academic art, eclecticism and historicism of 19th century architecture and decoration.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

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