RARE Antique French Poodle Inkwell, Ink Well, Pen Stand, Silver Plate on Bronze
Charming, no? This is a mid-1800s French silver plate inkwell stand and pen holder (2) with the cutest figure of a French Poodle ever, isn't he? Heavy bronze casting that has been plated in silver (you see a little bronze peeking through on places where the old silver has been polished away). The tilt-back head opens to reveal the repository for the ink pot, which would have been a small glass or ceramic insert, but we don't have the old original inset. These are usually easy to replace and several companies do make the replacements for these old wells. I have a few - if one fits, we'll add it to the dog. The tray is also a desk tray into which compartments (4) one can organize a desk top). The only maker mark we find is impressed on bottom, J L E or perhaps it's a C? I didn't find any reference to it. And in fact I've never seen another similar, so perhaps it's the artist/sculptor's signature. I'm unable to be certain. If you know or recognize it, please do email us. The tray is 6" in