An unusual third quarter 19th century Austrian 950 standard silver and abalone shell inkwell, Vienna 1867-72 by AH (untraced) with import marks for London 1890

the silver inkwell section of spirally ridged spherical form, resting with a carved abalone shell, all upon a nickel spreading foot. The hinged lid opening to reveal a gilt interior with removable silver rimmed clear glass inkwell. Import marks to inside of lid and part-import marks to well mount, Austrian standard marks to base section and outside of lid, the inkwell mount also struck twice with assay office control mark (1867-1872).

Diameter – 14.8 cm / 5.9 inches