Antique Solid Silver Writing Desk with Bell. France, Mid 19th Century

This beautiful piece is a solid silver Inkstand coming from France and manufactured in the mid nineteenth century. The silver is hallmarked at the base with marks that attest to its quality and origin, and which are the one used between 1840 and 1879 for the silver pieces destined for exportation. The inkstand is complete and shows various compartments and pieces, designed to carry the pens and ink and a silver bell intended to call the service or secretary. Its style is very baroque and decorative, with a profusion of reliefs and details made with the utmost care. The base of the Inkstand is wide, with the edges decorated with sinuous oval reliefs. Above it, we find the the ink and the blotting sand containers with their respective lids with handles shaped as flower buds. Between them and holding the bell there is a motif of the figure of a lion holding a shield. Over the head of this silver lion stands a solid silver bell with the shape of an Indian, most likely a Caribbean or Polynesian native, who raises his hand holding the feather headdress that he is bearing on his head.The style and beauty of this beautiful old solid silver Inkstand makes it a unique and very decorative piece, ideal for any collection of items of high quality silver pieces. Measurements: Width: 25 cm / 9.84 in. Height: 25 cm / 9.84 in. Depth: 23 cm // 9 in. Weight: 810 grams