Copper Inkwell Arts and Crafts Era Dble
$425.00
Offering this handsome Arts and Crafts era double copper inkwell with large tray area in front, made of hammered copper and riveted together very securely. Sleek styled domed inkwells with the letter "S" engraved on each lid. Both glass wells are present and secure. There are two hinged doors on bottom that close with a latch where you access the glass wells. The finish on the top is clean with a protective lacqure coating. It is possible this is the original finish and hardly ever used or possibly could have been cleaned and a protective lacquer finish applied to prevent future tarnishing; the underside is a darker patina. Measures 10 inches x 7 inches x 3 inches tall, weighs 3.75 pounds, fine condition, no cracks or dents. The glass inkwells are marked Kenney Bros & Wolkins, Boston Mass. Upon researching - Henry Wolkins sold office equipment to many schools in the Boston area in the late 1800's including Harvard University and Harvard Medical School. His father, FLH Wolkins came to the USA from Bremerhaven, Germany in 1855. He was a fresco artist and calligrapher whose works can be seen throughout the city and has been exibited in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. In 1902 Henry Wolkins merged his company with a furniture company named Kenney Brothers. That would date this inkwell to the early 1900's during the Arts and Crafts movement - maker of the copper inkwell is unknown. Also since Henry's father was a calligrapher, it could be that he is the one who engraved the "S" on the lids of the inkwells. A very handsome piece of craftsmanship and history that would compliment any desk!
