Help with identifying an inkwell

[Chazzozz]

It was my birthday recently, and my lovely wife (who was recently spoilt on her birthday!) bought me something unique and interesting. Not knowing a thing about pens, she decided instead to get me an antique inkwell. (Click a photo to see a larger size.)

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3535853974_f443531662.jpg

 

It looks like it's hand-carved out of a lightweight, hard wood. A cursory search of the Internet suggests that it's from Germany or Switzerland (Balck Forest maybe?), and dates from the late 1800's. Here it is open, showing the insert:

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3535034997_241df8a017.jpg

 

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3535854878_f426d550df.jpg

 

Other examples of similar inkwells I've seen have glass inserts; this one is different in that it's ceramic. I'm fairly certain it's the original insert, too, as it fits very neatly and snug. The hinges are also nailed in place, no screws were used in the construction. I can't find any identifying marks on it so if someone has any ideas about its origins then I'd love to hear about them.

Edited May 16, 2009 by Chazzozz

[pen2paper]

ooooooh-THIS IS Wonderful! imho Very charming!

The information you suggested sounds possible..from my very limited experience..

an actual collector/appraiser will want to see the bottom's, and, if possible, a close-up of the hinge area, top and bottom, as well as a close-up of the cut design.

[GladWriter]

Beautiful.

 

It's hard to tell from the picture, is the leaf shaped to be a pen rest?

[Chazzozz]

Beautiful.

 

It's hard to tell from the picture, is the leaf shaped to be a pen rest?

 

No, it isn't.

 

And to answer pen2paper, I'll try to take some better-quality photos later today when there's better light.

[eilu]

Very charming and interesting. Perhaps a bit of polish? Or maybe not- old wood has such a genteel, organic glow to it.

Maybe it is the sort made by craftsmen in small batches to showcase their skill (and sell as novelty items)?

[ZeissIkon]

Perhaps a bit of polish?

 

Eeek! Never, ever polish or "clean up" a wood antique, unless to remove non-original paint or finish (even then, best to let an expert at least advise). Non-reversible processes are a quick way to convert an antique with its own history into a nondescript piece of unidentifiable wood.

[pen2paper]

Perhaps a bit of polish?

 

Eeek! Never, ever polish or "clean up" a wood antique, unless to remove non-original paint or finish (even then, best to let an expert at least advise). Non-reversible processes are a quick way to convert an antique with its own history into a nondescript piece of unidentifiable wood.

ditto on this eek!!!

Edited May 17, 2009 by pen2paper

[PacificCoastPen]

what a find! Your wife deserves a new pen!