Sampson Mordan & Co. Inkwells

These interesting inkwells were crafted in Britain between the Victorian period and early to mid-20th century. The works have been created from horse hooves, applied with sterling silver mounts. Each hoof has been set onto a silver horseshoe and features a silver top and lid. Two of the tops have been engraved to imitate real horse hair, while the third is more simple, with banded ornament. All three have been given covers, two of which feature commemorative inscriptions. One lid states, ‘The Grey/1907-1917’ — presumably the name of the favourite racehorse, whose hoof this is — and another reads, ‘Mavourneen/ Died June 29th / Aged 53’. ‘Mavourneen’ is an Irish Gaelic word meaning ‘my beloved’. The dedicatee’s age of 53 implies that they were a human, perhaps a jokey, or racehorse owner. The lids open up onto a silver-lined interior, intended to be used for storing ink as part of a desk arrangement. The inkwells are stamped, on their underside, with silver hallmarks and maker’s marks, ‘J.T.’ and ‘C & CS’. This set of three horse hoof inkwells...

A handsome antique English inkwell cast in solid English brass in the form of a Tortoise retaining his original glass eyes. The lid lifts to ...

Sterling silver-mounted, Pairpoint "controlled bubbles" crystal inkwell, Goodnow & Jenks, Boston, circa 1890s-1900. Monogrammed (script, interlocking HLL?) sterling silver lid has se...

Large, Victorian period, sterling silver-mounted controlled bubbles crystal inkwell with hinged lid, Boston, circa 1895, Bigleow ,Kennard and Co. makers. Measures: 3 3/4 inches high ...

This is only the second time in many years of being in the antiques business that I have come across this wonderful figural equestrian inkwell. B...

A rare and highly collectable letter opener made from solid English sterling silver with the handle mounted with a charming Duck figure. The underside is fully hallmarked London ...

English Victorian silver plated inkwell with 2 cranberry glass wells and back handle.  

Antique early 20th Century English solid silver bookmark. The top of the bookmark has an ornamental pheasant. A wonderful addition to any book lover or as a collectable item. This also can also be used as a letter opener. Hallmarked English silver (925 Standard), Chester, year 1918 (S), Maker's mark SM Co...

A truly outstanding and rare find, this is an outstanding Victorian figural inkwell made from a winning combination of brass and silver plate and retaining his wonderful two original...

French Victorian bronze square inkwell with 2 cornucopia pen holders.  

Edwardian, sterling silver - mounted onyx inkwell, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1915. Measures 3 3/4 inches wide (at widest point) x 2 1/4 inches high x 4 inches deep. So...

English Victorian brass owl inkwell on rectangular tray.