Lot #31: Early 1800’s Silver Plate Desk Inkstand with Candle Holder and Two Inkwells

- Item: Desk inkstand / inkwell with candle holder (inkstand) - Material: Silver plate (electroplated) - Finish: Heavily tarnished with surface discoloration - Features: Two inkwells, central holder, pen rest, lids included - Maker: Maker's mark present (e.g., sterling/silverplate stamp) - Dimensions: Estimated small desk piece, 8–12 in long / 3–6 in height Early 19th-century English Old Sheffield Plate inkstand / writing desk stand, attributed to Robert Gainsford, Sheffield, circa 1820–1840. Rectangular platform with heavy gadrooned border and four paw/scroll feet, featuring two circular wells for inkwells, twin pen troughs, and a central rectangular stamp/wax box. Stamped underside with the elephant cartouche and “GA” maker’s mark used by R. Gainsford of Sheffield (active early 1800s). Original glass ink pots and lids are missing and the center box lid is not present; an old stabilizing wire repair is visible on the underside. Silver-on-copper surface shows period wear and copper bleed-through consistent with genuine Old Sheffield Plate. A classic Regency/early Victorian desk piece with attractive form and documented maker. Pickup category timeslot {A}