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Traveling inkwell
François Riel (French, master in 1769, died in 1788)
French
1771–73
Object Place: Europe, Paris, France
Medium/Technique
Metal; silver
Dimensions
8.7 cm (3 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Elizabeth Parke Firestone and Harvey S. Firestone, Jr. Collection
Accession Number1993.467a-j
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsSilver
DescriptionA round bombe-form inkwell, the body engraved with swags of berried laurel and with a chased border of bound reeds. The seperate lid engraved with panels and circular rosettes with a mushroom-shaped finial. The inside fitted with a plate supporting three crescent-shaped containers surrounding a central round container, all with seperate lids and loop handles. The round lid fitted with a cork stopper; one of the crescent containers with a pierced panel inside.
Marks
Maker's Mark: crowned fleur-de-lys, 2 grains, FR, a heart (Nocq II p 402): Underside of lid, underside of body, undersides of all 4 lids and all 4 bodiesof interior fittings.
Warden's Mark: 1771-72, a crowned H (Dennis 37): Under side of body, undersides of all 4 interior fittings, undersides of 3 crescent-shaped lids [not circular lid].
Charge Mark: for large work, 1768-1775, a crowned A (Dennis 37): Underside of lid, Underside of body, undersides of 4 fittings and 4 lids.
Discharge Mark: for work intended for export, 1733(?)-1775, alittle cow (Dennis 157): Rim of lid, Underside of body, Rims of 4 fittings, r ims of 3 crescent-shaped lids, handle of round lid.
Import Mark: from 1893, and ant in an oval (Rosenberg IV #5907): same places as little cow, except twice on rim of round fitting and not at all on round lid.
Warden's Mark: 1771-72, a crowned H (Dennis 37): Under side of body, undersides of all 4 interior fittings, undersides of 3 crescent-shaped lids [not circular lid].
Charge Mark: for large work, 1768-1775, a crowned A (Dennis 37): Underside of lid, Underside of body, undersides of 4 fittings and 4 lids.
Discharge Mark: for work intended for export, 1733(?)-1775, alittle cow (Dennis 157): Rim of lid, Underside of body, Rims of 4 fittings, r ims of 3 crescent-shaped lids, handle of round lid.
Import Mark: from 1893, and ant in an oval (Rosenberg IV #5907): same places as little cow, except twice on rim of round fitting and not at all on round lid.
ProvenanceS. J. Phillips, Ltd., London; October 1967, sold to Elizabeth Parke Firestone