Antique Silver Inkstands & Inkwells
The silver inkstand — or "standish" — was the centrepiece of the Georgian and Victorian writing desk. A guide to identifying, dating and valuing these handsome desk pieces and their cut-glass inkwells.
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Before fountain pens and biros, every desk of substance carried a silver inkstand — a tray holding inkwells, a place for pens, and often a taperstick or pounce pot. Finely made and frequently presented as gifts, these "standishes" are among the most decorative pieces of antique desk silver, and the best examples are keenly collected.
What is a silver inkstand?
An inkstand (or standish) is a silver stand or tray, usually on small feet, holding one or two inkwells — cut-glass bottles with hinged silver lids, one for ink and sometimes one for pounce (a sand used to dry ink). Many have a central pen tray or recess, and grander examples add a taperstick (for melting sealing wax) or a small bell or box.
The parts to check for
The tray & feet
The silver base, usually footed, often with a gallery or pierced border. Look for crisp edges and no splits at the feet.
Inkwells & lids
Cut-glass wells with hinged silver mounts. Original, undamaged glass with matching lids is a major value factor.
Taperstick / pounce pot
Grander stands add a wax taperstick or a pierced pounce pot — desirable extras that complete the piece.
Inscriptions
Many were presentation pieces; a clear, attractive inscription can add interest and provenance.
What Determines Value
The factors we assess on an inkstand:
- Sterling vs plate — Hallmarked sterling (lion passant) over EPNS; a big value difference.
- Maker & date — Georgian and good-maker stands command premiums; the date letter dates it.
- Completeness — Both original inkwells with matching lids, plus any taperstick or pounce pot.
- Weight & quality — Heavier-gauge silver, fine casting, piercing and chasing.
- Condition — Sound feet and hinges, no splits, original undamaged glass.
- Inscription — A tasteful presentation inscription can add to the story.
Find the lion passant on the tray — see our hallmark guide if unsure.
Sterling or plate? Check first
As with all silver, confirm whether it's solid sterling or electroplate before anything else. Look for the lion passant on the tray and ideally on the inkwell mounts; EPNS or A1 means plated. Our guides to reading silver hallmarks and EPNS vs sterling walk you through it.
More desk and table silver: our cruet sets and photograph frames guides. When ready, sell via sell your silver.
Value Your Inkstand or Inkwell
Send photographs of the piece and the marks and we'll give you an honest, no-obligation valuation.
⚠️ Strictly by appointment only — no walk-ins at either showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Antique silver inkstands and inkwells — common questions.
What is a silver standish?
"Standish" is the old name for an inkstand — a silver tray holding inkwells and pens. The terms are used interchangeably for antique desk inkstands.
Are silver inkstands valuable?
Good ones can be. Georgian and fine-maker sterling inkstands, complete with original glass wells and any taperstick, are sought after. Plated or incomplete examples are more modest but still saleable.
Does it matter if the glass inkwells are missing or chipped?
Yes. Original, undamaged cut-glass wells with matching silver lids add value; missing, replaced or chipped glass reduces it. The silver tray retains its value regardless.
How do I tell sterling from plate?
Look for the lion passant hallmark on the tray. EPNS or A1 indicates electroplate, which is worth considerably less than sterling. Send a photo of the marks and we'll confirm.
Does an inscription affect value?
A tasteful presentation inscription can add interest and provenance, especially if to a notable person or event. A worn or crudely added inscription has less effect.
Send Us Your Silver Photographs
Attach photos of the inkstand and the marks. We'll respond within one working day.