This is a large, heavy, paperweight-like lead crystal glass inkwell, with a theme of the “Foxhunt” skillfully painted on the cap. The cap and rim assembly are brass. Did I mention it’s heavy? It is so impressively heavy that I view more as a paperweight.
Well-to-do Victorians often favored classic gilt-mounted silver, crystal, or cut-glass inkwells. Others preferred stylish porcelain pieces featuring lush, hand-painted figural, floral, or scenic motifs. Silver novelties, replicating calvary helmets or celebrating soldiers, were also popular. So were outright inkwell oddities, like ram-horns mounted with silver detail or real, taxidermy horse-hooves.
Elegant, Art Deco Era inkwells were often made of onyx, marble, or cube-cut glass. Others, featuring solid brass bodies, were capped with contrasting copper, cut glass, or bronze lids. Brown, black, and butterscotch-hued Bakelite beauties were abundant as well.