Inkstand

PewtererMade by Unknown

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Solomon Porter (American, 1758 - 1821)

ConservatorConserved by Wayne A. Hilt and Phyllis Hilt (American)

Date1785-1790

MediumCast pewter, blown glass

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width at base x depth at base): 4 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 3 1/4in. (10.8 x 8.3 x 8.3cm)

ClassificationsMetalware

Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection

DescriptionCast pewter inkstand with a dome on top, a rectangular body with two drawers, and a low, square base. The inkstand holds a glass ink bottle (.c), which is accessible by removing the lid. The lid (.b) of the inkstand consists of a dome with a small finial, joined by a hinge to a flat, square plate. The plate has a large round hole in the center which is covered by the dome; this hole provides access to the ink bottle opening. The plate has a small round hole at each corner and four pairs of incised lines outlining the top. The underside of the plate has a square lip with arched sides. The body of the inkstand (.a) has a shallow compartment at the top. This compartment holds the rectangular, mold-blown, colorless glass ink bottle (.c) with a pontil mark on the bottom. Below this are two drawers, one over the other. Each drawer has a small knob on the front. The bottom drawer has a plate that is soldered in place inside the top edge of the drawer sides; the plate has many small punched holes. The bottom of the inkstand consists of a low, square platform with ovolo, or quarter-round, curved sides. The inkstand is constructed of cast pewter that is soldered together. Skimming marks are visible on all exterior surfaces of the inkstand.

Skimming Marks: Skimming marks are concentric rings left on cast pewter objects by skimming tools. Skimming is the process of removing metal and smoothing rough surfaces by scraping the pewter object as it rotates on a lathe.

Object number1950.377.0a-c

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