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Inkwell and Liner

Decorative Arts and Design

On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
MEDIUM Silver-plate on white metal
DATES ca. 1886
DIMENSIONS 4 x 6 1/2 x 3 1/4 in. (10.2 x 16.5 x 8.3 cm)  (show scale)
MARKINGS On bottom in interlocking circles: "B.MERIDEN / COMPANY" surrounding scales and "QUADRUPLE PLATE; 37 / U.S.A."
SIGNATURE Unsigned
INSCRIPTIONS no inscriptions
ACCESSION NUMBER 1990.158a-b
CREDIT LINE H. Randolph Lever Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Inkwell (a) and liner (b) realistically modeled as head of an elephant with projecting tusks and curved trunk; hinged lid corresponds to head trapping of elephant and has a realistically modeled figure of a monkey playing a flute as finial. Inside lid is simple cylindrical liner (b) with flaring, out-turned rim; liner fits into circular socket under lid. CONDITION: Normal wear with slight corrosion but very good; inkwell retains traces of original oxidized surface. Liner is worn and corroded in interior.
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
CAPTION Meriden Britannia Company (1852–1898). Inkwell and Liner, ca. 1886. Silver-plate on white metal, 4 x 6 1/2 x 3 1/4 in. (10.2 x 16.5 x 8.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, H. Randolph Lever Fund, 1990.158a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1990.158_bw.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 1990.158_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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Meriden Britannia Company (1852–1898). <em>Inkwell and Liner</em>, ca. 1886. Silver-plate on white metal, 4 x 6 1/2 x 3 1/4 in. (10.2 x 16.5 x 8.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, H. Randolph Lever Fund, 1990.158a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1990.158_bw.jpg)