Expert: Martin G Roberts - 7/21/2007

Question
I have an item that I assume is an inkwell. It is about 3" high and is slightly tapered with a base about 4" across with the top about 3" across. The top has one large hole in the middle with 5 smaller ones surrounding it. It has a stamp on the top "S O" with a crown in between. Any ideas?

Answer
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Yep, and inkwell. It should have a ceramic cup for the ink, but they often go missing. The smaller holes are for pens.

The form is known as a capstan inkstand, and dates back to the medieval period. They were made until the mid 20th Century, and yours is probably somewhere between 1900 and 1950. SO = Stationery Office, and is very commonly seen on these very common items, suggesting use in a post office.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk