Dated 1896 British Victorian Brass & Hoof Inkwell Mounted by A&N.C.S. Ld
By Rowland Ward, Army & Navy CSL
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional, documented 1896 Victorian equestrian taxidermy inkwell, commissioned to commemorate a cherished horse named "Dandy." Mounted by the prestigious Army & Navy Co-Operative Society Ltd. (A. & N.C.S. Ld.), this piece exemplifies late-19th-century British memorial taxidermy and campaign-era luxury craftsmanship.
The real preserved hoof is accented with silver-toned square nails around the wall and fitted with a heavy brass hinged lid stamped "DANDY" across the top. The front toe of the fitted brass shoe is hand-engraved with the date "AUG. 24TH 1896." The brass shoe base is stamped on the underside with the maker's hallmark: "MOUNTED BY THE A & N.C.S. Ld". Opening the hinged lid reveals the internal cavity designed to hold a glass ink reservoir (insert missing).
Victorian horse hoof inkwells mounted by tier-one London stores like Army & Navy or Rowland Ward hold significant appeal among militaria, equestrian, and oddities collectors.
An exceptional, documented 1896 Victorian equestrian taxidermy inkwell, commissioned to commemorate a cherished horse named "Dandy." Mounted by the prestigious Army & Navy Co-Operative Society Ltd. (A. & N.C.S. Ld.), this piece exemplifies late-19th-century British memorial taxidermy and campaign-era luxury craftsmanship.
The real preserved hoof is accented with silver-toned square nails around the wall and fitted with a heavy brass hinged lid stamped "DANDY" across the top. The front toe of the fitted brass shoe is hand-engraved with the date "AUG. 24TH 1896." The brass shoe base is stamped on the underside with the maker's hallmark: "MOUNTED BY THE A & N.C.S. Ld". Opening the hinged lid reveals the internal cavity designed to hold a glass ink reservoir (insert missing).
Victorian horse hoof inkwells mounted by tier-one London stores like Army & Navy or Rowland Ward hold significant appeal among militaria, equestrian, and oddities collectors.
Good, age-appropriate antique condition. The horse hoof wall is solid and stable with natural wear and graining. The brass displays a rich, untouched historic patina with minor surface scratches, small dents, and light oxidation expected on late-19th-century brassware. The hinge opens smoothly. Missing the removable interior glass well insert.
Keywords: Victorian horse hoof inkwell, 1896 horse hoof inkwell, Army Navy Co-Op Society inkwell, ANCS Ltd taxidermy, Dandy horse inkwell...
Category
1890s British Late Victorian Antique Bone Decorative Objects