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Rare Matthew Boulton Old Sheffield Plate & Cut Crystal Rococo 2-Bottle Inkstand

About the Item

Quite possibly one of the finest pieces of original Matthew Boulton Old Sheffield Plate, this two-bottle Inkstand or Standish is a magnificent example of the silversmith with whom Old Sheffield Plate is identified as its "Rembrandt" - an absolute masterpiece and of museum quality! And it retains its original superbly hand cut crystal ink bottles which are in pristine, age-appropriate condition. Please note the exaggerated "shell-shaped" handles in bas relief. The is a lion's head hand-engraved in the front pen well indicative of a family crest (origin unknown). There is a removable taper stick (in the shape of a chamberstick) which was used for wax-sealing and beneath the taper stick is a vessel for holding the sand used for drying the ink. Boulton's famous "double sun" maker's marks are clearly visible on the underside of the inkstand. There is the expected age-appropriate plate loss or "copper bleed" to be expected from more than 225 years of polishing and use. Otherwise it is superb. The only "adaptation" is the method of attachment of the components to the stand itself. This appears to have been replaced at some point in the past, professionally done or so it appears.
  • Creator:
    Matthew Boulton (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 5 in (12.7 cm)Width: 12.75 in (32.39 cm)Depth: 7 in (17.78 cm)
  • Style:
    Rococo (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1785-1800
  • Condition:
    Replacements made: The bent wires to hold the components of the inkstand to the base have been professionally replaced at some point in its lifetime, but well-done. Wear consistent with age and use. Other than expected copper bleed (light plate loss), it is in near-perfect condition. (Please see many images provided.).
  • Seller Location:
    Charleston, SC
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: EAA030123/5741stDibs: LU1891334530722
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