Antiques & Collectables
Lot 185:
Description
This quality Edwardian sterling silver-mounted horse hoof inkwell is fashioned from a natural, polished horse hoof. The commemorative desk accessory features elaborate silver mounts including a base band simulating a horseshoe and a textured upper collar finely chased to resemble the hair of the horse’s pastern. A flat, circular hinged lid opens to reveal a recessed inner reservoir for an ink pot. The silver is marked in multiple locations including the base rim, the textured hair section, and the interior of the lid. The marks include the maker’s mark J.W.B for John William Barrett, the lion passant standard mark for .925 sterling silver, the anchor for the Birmingham assay office, and the date letter e for 1904. This style of animalier art was a popular form of commemorative object in Britain during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often created to honor a notable horse.
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