S. Blanckensee & Son Ltd Small Silver Capstan Inkwell Hallmarked Birmingham 1933

This is a classic example of a silver inkwell by S. Blanckensee & Son Ltd and dating to 1933.

The inkwell has a discoid lid, which is hallmarked on the interior the Lion Rampant and the date letter for 1933. The inkwell steps in below the lid to form a tapering section that merges with the broad sweeping base. The latter is marked towards the base ‘W’ then ‘S. B & S LD’ which corresponds to S. Blanckensee & Son Ltd. In addition, it is followed by the anchor, which represents the Birmingham assay office and the Lion Rampant. The final mark is the date letter for the year 1933.

The base is finished in dark brown celluloid and is unmarked.

The interior of the inkwell contains the original glass liner, which has one tiny chip on the edge. The base of the interior is stamped with a small Lion Rampant.

It has a maximum height of approximately 5.0cm, with a diameter across the lid of about 4.5cm and across the base of about 9.7cm.

It is in fair condition, although there are some dents to the lid and the base. The tapering section, below the lid, appears crumpled and I am not convinced this was part of the original design. It may have been knocked at some point and this section has given in under pressure. It is still a decorative piece and the damage is reflected in the price.