Antique Gutta-Percha Inkwell, Desk Pen Tray With Glass Insert, Circa 1880s

Exceptional Gutta-Percha inkwell with original glass inserts.  

Beautiful antique inkstand with two crystal inkwells. The base and the lids are made of gutta-percha, a molded resin, France, circa 1880. The lids fe...

Beautiful antique inkwell, made from glass with brass. France, circa 1880.

Beautiful antique inkwell made from gilded bronze. circa 1880. The plate is made of marble. Nice bronze work with a well preserved gilding. The original glass insert is existing....

Beautiful picture frame from France circa 1880. The antique Gutta Percha is in a very good condition.

Beautiful inkwell made of heavy crystal glass, high-quality workmanship with a gold-plated lid. The depiction of Hermes' head is finely crafted and in beautiful condition.

This superb Napoleon III Gutta Percha pen holder was handcrafted in France in the 1880s. The antique desk accessory is exquisitely crafted with different molded designs on each side and delicate ornamentation throughout. There is no known maker. This desk accessory is in overall good condition for a 150-year-old piece. The material is still shiny, with minor scratches and scuffs, but they do not significantly affect the overall appearance. Check the close-up. Measurements: 12.19 in wide (31 cm) x 3.94 in deep (10 cm) x 1.75 in high (4.5 cm). Note: Gutta-percha is a tree of the genus Palaquium in the family Sapotaceae. The name also refers to the rigid, naturally biologically inert, resilient, electrically nonconductive, thermoplastic latex derived from the tree. It is a polymer of isoprene that forms a rubber-like elastomer. The word "gutta-percha" comes from the plant's name in Malay: "Getah" translates as "latex." Percha or Perca is an older name for Sumatra. Long before Gutta-percha was introduced into the Western world, it was used in a less processed form by the natives of the Malaysian archipelago for making knife handles, walking sticks, and other purposes.  William Montgomerie, a Scottish medical officer in imperial service, introduced gutta-percha into practical use in the West. He was the first to appreciate the potential of this material in medicine, and he was awarded the gold medal by the Royal Society of Arts, London, in 1843. This material was scientifically classified in 1843 and was recognized as a valuable natural thermoplastic. During the second half of the 19th century, gutta-percha was used for many domestic and industrial purposes. Gutta-percha was particularly important for the manufacture of underwater telegraph cables...

A wonderful and impressive figural inkwell made from solid cast English brass, beautifully executed with a fabulous patina. Standing on little cast feet, the large leaf is of cour...

An exceptional, fine and impressive, unusual antique Victorian English sterling silver inkwell in the form of a lantern; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver inkwell has been realistically modelled in the form of a lantern. The cylindrical body of this impressive Victorian ink bottle is encompassed with vertical pales. This antique ink bottle...

American Civil War era gutta-percha inkwell with a screw off top. In the mid 19th century, gutta-percha (hard rubber) became very popular. For Civi...

Decorative Victorian brass inkwell with a glass insert a nice size and good conversation piece for any desk. This inkwell could use a good cleaning or po...

A charming antique French faience Quimper double inkwell and pen tray desk set, circa 1900. This gorgeous inkwell is hand painted with a traditional Breton man surrounded by bagpipes...