Traveling Inkwell

[betweenthelens]

I found this at a large local antiques market here in upstate New York called Stormville. The woman said she'd take $15 for it. I think it was a steal; I love it, though, no matter how much it's worth. Does anyone know more about this, particularly the marking that says PRIV. and the bird (I think it's an eagle and almost looks like a Napoleonic eagle...?) in the third photo? Thanks!

 

By the way, I believe it's missing a closing mechanism for the leather box portion but the lid to the actual well operates via an ingenious spring mechanism, at least I think it's pretty ingenious considering the probable age of the inkwell.

 

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee513/betweenthelens/IMG_4846_zpsff548596.jpg

 

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee513/betweenthelens/IMG_4848_zps05dc9325.jpg

 

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee513/betweenthelens/IMG_4849_zps1bb5b79f.jpg

 

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee513/betweenthelens/IMG_4850_zps656aab55.jpg

 

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee513/betweenthelens/IMG_4853_zpsd6e115a3.jpg

Edited August 30, 2014 by betweenthelens

[jcp1st]

I know absolutely nothing about this inkwell, but I also think you got a bargain!

[sean1e]

Havent got a clue as to the heritage / value, but certainly a lovely acquisition. Enjoy owning and using it

[betweenthelens]

I know absolutely nothing about this inkwell, but I also think you got a bargain!

 

Thank you!

Havent got a clue as to the heritage / value, but certainly a lovely acquisition. Enjoy owning and using it

Thank you!

[Tylerjordan]

Well the double-headed eagle is symbolically related to both the Byzantine and Holy Roman empires along with a Scottish sect of Freemasonry. Priv. could very well be short for that Latin verb privo which means 'release from, relieve of, free from' and could simply be instructions to release the tab to open the well.

Edited August 30, 2014 by Tylerjordan

[betweenthelens]

Well the double-headed eagle is symbolically related to both the Byzantine and Holy Roman empires along with a Scottish sect of Freemasonry. Priv. could very well be short for that Latin verb privo which means 'release from, relieve of, free from' and could simply be instructions to release the tab to open the well.

Thank you so much! I appreciate the information! It's a mystery but a beautiful one. I just love the inkwell.

 

Do you think it could be sterling? I don't see a mark, though.

 

I've also noticed some Russian pieces with the double-headed eagle. So interesting.

Edited August 31, 2014 by betweenthelens

[Vintagepens]

Likely Austro-Hungarian, I suspect, with "PRIV" signifying "patented".

Later 19th or early 20th century.

As usual with these, the original closure inside the cap has disintegrated, leaving the backing spring visible. Originally there would have been a disk of stiff rubber that the spring would hold firmly against the glass inkwell's mouth.

[betweenthelens]

Likely Austro-Hungarian, I suspect, with "PRIV" signifying "patented".

Later 19th or early 20th century.

As usual with these, the original closure inside the cap has disintegrated, leaving the backing spring visible. Originally there would have been a disk of stiff rubber that the spring would hold firmly against the glass inkwell's mouth.

Thank you so much for this information! Much, much appreciated!!!

[fountainpagan]

I agree with Vintagepens.

Austro-hungarian empire for sure (double headed eagle). XIXth century rather than XXth. Sometimes you have K.K. before PRIV.

Very nice catch, and an excellent bargain, betweenthelens.

Edited August 31, 2014 by fountainpagan

[betweenthelens]

I agree with Vintagepens.

Austro-hungarian empire for sure (double headed eagle). XIXth century rather than XXth. Sometimes you have K.K. before PRIV.

Very nice catch, and an excellent bargain, betweenthelens.

Thank you so much! I was pretty amazed when the woman said, "$15." At first, I thought she said, "$50."

[fountainpagan]

You have a good flair for bargains

[betweenthelens]

You have a good flair for bargains

I've been really lucky!

[fountainpagan]

And not only once.

I may as well give you my budget and let you do

[betweenthelens]

And not only once.

I may as well give you my budget and let you do

Seriously, let me know if you're looking for anything in particular.

[fountainpagan]

I will tell you if anything.

You too, let me know.

[betweenthelens]

I will tell you if anything.

You too, let me know.

Thank you, Maria!

xo

[fountainpagan]

You are most welcome.

Xo

[Wahl]

Congratulations, it´s real beauty, and I would also say it´s Austro-Hungarian.

[betweenthelens]

Congratulations, it´s real beauty, and I would also say it´s Austro-Hungarian.

Thanks so much!

[PaperDarts]

That is a gorgeous piece, thanks for sharing with us.