An inkwell of possibilities

A few years ago I did a random E-Bay search of "inkwells" and found this brass beauty. I don't recall why I did the search or what I was hoping to find. I might have been researching a story, or I might have been hit by a Pinterest-inspired search impulse. Whatever the impetus, I never expected to find something so intricate. I never knew inkwells could be more than little pots.

I took the inkwell to an antique store to find out how I might fix the pin at the back of the helmet. It had fallen out and I wasn't sure if I should do more than just slipping it back in place. While he was looking at the inkwell, the antiques dealer said it was probably circa 1850 and French, but he didn't know much else about it.

It's definitely brass--not only is it super heavy, but you can smell the brass. I should probably shine it up, but I kind of like the patina. Plus, getting in all of those crevices would be a bear. I'm betting a guy with servants owned this thing.

Looking at the face makes me smile. This dude looks so old and grumpy--like he sat for a portrait in his old suit of armor and grumbled for hours while they sculpted him. Such a character! When you open it, the feathers prop open the helmet. It's a pretty sweet design. I tried to find more like it on the internet, but haven't come across any this intricate.

Do you collect inkwells or know anything about the antique variety? Do you have one you like best? Please share in the comments. And, if you can tell me anything more about mine, I'd love to know!

Thanks for dipping into my post!

Stay gr8!

~K8