An exceptional Edwardian tortoiseshell desk stand with silver mounts and inlaid with silver pique decoration.
 
The desk stand itself is of shaped rectangular form with serpentine front, and flared side panels, with convex flared back panel, the base inset with intricate silver pique inlay decorated with Neoclassical style festoons and floral garlands, surrounding a central two-handled urn, the body of the piece is mounted in silver bluebell flower heads, the central cast and applied square silver mount contains an equally fabulous inkwell, the glass body etched with Neoclassical festoons in keeping with the pique decoration to the tortoiseshell body, the hinged cover is crafted from hallmarked sterling silver and surmounted by a tortoiseshell top with similar applied silver mounts, the piece rests upon four applied silver bifurcated bracket feet.
 
The cover to the inkwell, as well as it hinges, are all fully and correctly hallmarked, as is each individual bifurcated bracket foot. All hallmarks are matching and clearly struck. This piece is completely original, with no replacements.
 
William Comyns.
London, 1909.
 
Dimensions:
Length (across the back): 22.1cm.
Length (across the front): 18.6cm.
Height (measured at the back): 4.8cm.
 
Condition:
Superb antique condition. Tortoiseshell is in fantastic order. No losses anywhere. All inlay is as it should be. The glass inkwell is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks. The piece stands true on a flat surface. One might be guilty of rolling out superlatives too frequently, however, it must be said, that this piece is stunning.