Our Sold Archive provides information to budding vintage fountain pen/writing equipment collectors and social history students.
Each fountain pen or piece of writing equipment forms part of the collective history of its period and has a history unique to that particular item. In the 1930’s a silver banded fountain pen was purchased by estate workers, with no doubt hard earned wages, and inscribed to present as a silver wedding gift to the land owner. It was reported recently that, in the days before the National Health Service, when health care had to be paid for, a man pawned his fountain pen to raise funds to enable his wife to be released from hospital. A recently sold writing cabinet was originally a presentation piece to recognise 40 years of loyal service in a period when jobs were for life
. Just three examples which only scratch the surface of the lifetime of memories held within each item. A treasure trove of history that no new fountain pen could convey.
The French Lily of the Valley writing set (above right) is an example of the language
of writing equipment. Lily of the Valley is a symbol of purity, humility and sweetness and this set was purchased by a soldier to present to his fiancé on his return home.
Below, and on following pages, are all the desktop items in our Sold Archive, displayed in a random order. If you wish to search the sold archive, then the Search Catalogue page gives you an opportunity to do so. On another page you can find the vintage fountain pens part of our Sold Archive, as well as lists of our current stock of desktop items and pens.
Desktop Item: Italian leather - hand made Pen wallet | Stock number: 9227 |
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Condition: Very Good |
Sold |
This modern pen pouch was made in Italy and is hand made of good quality leather. It has a pleasing polished finish and a leather loop which slips under the strap to keep it secure. As they are hand made they vary slightly in size but all will accommodate a standard size fountain pen and, in some cases, a larger size such as the Parker Duofold Senior. They are an excellent way of protecting, transporting or even just storing your vintage fountain pen. | |
Desktop Item: French - Lily of the Valley Writing Set | Stock number: 9219 |
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Condition: Very Good |
Sold |
This exquisite French writing set, within its original presentation box, comprises dip pen, inkwell and seal. The floral pattern of Lily of the Valley wraps itself around the dip pen, forms the handle of the seal and is echoed in the inkwell lid. The set is in very good condition with a clear lozenge on the seal. The dip pen measures 18.5cm from top finial to tip of nib. The seal measures 8.3cm and is not inscribed. The inkwell is 3cm square.
It has two spare nibs. The nib text reads “No.0, Blanzy Poure & Cie 229”. They manufactured steel nibs from 1846 to 1900 and were based in Paris. They were very successful and exhibited at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876.
The box, which measures 20cm long x 8.5cm wide x 4.5cm deep, shows minor wear on the interior as can be seen from the photograph. The exterior is covered by an olive green leather and has some wear to the lid but overall the box is in fair to good condition with a working clasp.
Lily of the Valley was first cultivated in 1420 and is believed to signify “a return to happiness”. It is much used in bridal arrangements as a symbol of purity, humility and sweetness. It has a particular association with France where it is known as “Les Muguets”. At the turn of the century fashion houses gave sprigs of Lily of the Valley to customers and apprentices on May Day.
Having taken expert advice on the composition of the set I understand that it is "continental silver" which, if purchased at auction, would be classed as white metal as it is not hallmarked.
It is an exceptionally beautiful set which I am sure will provide much pleasure to its next owner.
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Desktop Item: Writing Wallet | Stock number: 9205 |
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Condition: Good |
Sold |
This unusual writing wallet has a crocodile skin style exterior and green leather interior. It opens to reveal a writing pad area, pencil holder (with pencil) and space for stamps and note sheets. It also has a gusseted area for envelopes (some small old envelopes are included). It opens further to reveal a writing surface and blotter. It is an unusual piece of writing equipment. It is in good condition and measures 13cm x 15cm closed, 27cm x 15 cm part open and 38.5cm x 15cm fully open. | |
Desktop Item: London 1894 Silver Inkwell | Stock number: 9201 |
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Condition: Good |
Sold |
Silver inkwell - London 1894. This square inkwell in classical style is hallmarked London 1894. It has an internal glass liner, measures 9cm x 4cm and is 4cm in height. It is in good condition with some minor wear to the lid but no pitting. | |
Desktop Item: Dog Perpetual Desk Calendar | Stock number: 9217 |
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Condition: Very Good |
Sold |
This charming perpetual desk calendar was made in England, probably late 30’s early 40’s. The frame is made of bakelite, which is an early form of plastic. The method of changing the date is the easiest I have come across. There are four knobs on the reverse. One controls the day, one the month, one the tens and one the units. All are in working order. There is a folding metal stand attached to the reverse to keep it upright but it closes down, presumable for ease of packing. The picture on the front (which is protected by glass) is of two delightful dogs awaiting their walk. The date panel has the following text “Green & Marsh Ltd., 2 Burton St., Bath. Your Music Shop. Tel. Bath 4835” It measures 17.5cm high by 12.5cm wide. It is an unusual perpetual calendar in full working order and good condition which would grace any desk or hall table. | |
Desktop Item: Diamine Ink bottle | Stock number: 9211 |
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Condition: Mint |
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This modern fountain pen ink is specially formulated in the U.K. for vintage fountain pens by Diamine Ink – ink manufacturers since 1864. It is packaged in an attractive bottle and outer carton which means it is suitable as gift or a desk item. It comes in a variety of colours however I currently have for sale Blue/Black, Jet Black, Washable Blue, Prussian Blue (dark), Brilliant Red, Saddle Brown (dark brown), Crimson (Pink) and Burnt Sienna (light brown). I also have boxes of cartridges which are standard European size and come 20 to a box. You will see from the picture above that there are two variations of mixed boxes. If you enlarge the picture you will have a better view of the variety in each. Be aware that the ink colour is not noted on the outside of the cartridges but it is marked on the top of the ink bottle. Items will be sent by Royal Mail Recorded Delivery. UK postage is included in the price. | |
Desktop Item: Asprey Horseshoe Paperweight | Stock number: 9221 |
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Condition: Fair-Good |
Sold |
This unusual and rare desk item was produced around 1879 and retailed at the time by Asprey of Bond Street, London and has the Registered Design mark of 26th July 1879 on the top lozenge. On the reverse it is stamped “Asprey 106 Bond Street, 22 Albermarle Street, London. By Appointment to HRH Prince of Wales” Presumably, given its registered design date, the Prince of Wales referred to is the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and was King Edward VII of Great Britain and Ireland from 1901. It is an unusual item which can be used as a paperclip (the paper is held in place by raising the steel horseshoe and releasing, thereby clamping the paper at the point of curve) or as a paperweight. You will see from the photographs, there is some age wear to the steel horseshoe and in my view fairly extensive wear to the purple velvet base. Having said that considering its age and purpose it is in fair to good condition and priced accordingly. It is quite a heavy object measuring 12cm long by 10cm wide at broadest point. A rare desktop item, perhaps of particular interest to an equestrian. | |
Desktop Item: Chester 1923 Desk Calendar | Stock number: 9245 |
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Condition: Good |
Sold |
This delightful English silver and tortoiseshell desk calendar was made in Chester in 1923 and, as you will see from the photograph, the hallmark remains clear. It was retailed by John Bagshaw & Sons a long standing Liverpool family, who produced a range of quality items including leather travelling cases. This particular item is an adjustable calendar, the days of the week are moved by the slide mechanism on the reverse. You simply move this slide to the correct day of the week for the start of the month and the dates will be correct for the rest of the month. It stands upright via the rear support. It is a small desk item measuring 9cm wide by 7cm high and is in full working order. An excellent piece of writing equipment, in good condition throughout and one which will be a pleasure to own. | |
Desktop Item: Birmingham 1920 - amethyst lid silver capstan Inkwell | Stock number: 9200 |
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Condition: Good |
Sold |
Silver capstan inkwell with amethyst lid – Birmingham 1920. This capstan style inkwell is hallmarked Birmingham 1920. It has an amethyst enamel inlay lid and an internal glass liner. It measures 8cm circumference and 4.5 cm in height and is in good condition. | |
Desktop Item: Mappin & Webb Crocodile Portable Writing Wallet | Stock number: 9218 |
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Condition: Very Good |
Sold |
This rare and exceptional portable writing wallet was made for retail by Mappin & Webb around 1920. It has a genuine crocodile leather exterior with a leather carrying handle and a dark green leather interior. The outer clasp is silver with a lion hallmark but no date lozenge. The clasp is in working order but has no key. Despite its compact carrying size of 26cm wide by 22 cm deep, as can be seen in the photograph it opens to reveal a number of letter compartments including one running behind the main paper holding panel. The folder increases its extended size to 51cm deep fully open and so is a good size to also use as a desk item whilst folding to a compact size for easy transportation. It has the Mappin & Webb branding in gold on the interior leather pen/pencil holding strip which reads “Mappin & Webb Oxford Street London W.” The main interior panel has the additional attraction of a leather covered wooden central pen/pencil case with working clasp. On either side of this are leather holders containing on one side a match striker (Lights) and on the other a travelling inkwell (Ink). The striker still has its striking plate and the inkwell its internal ink bottle, although the seal on the well is such that I would not recommend you carrying ink around in this. The leather, both external and internal is in very good condition with only minor signs of age. You will note that it has been initialled “GC” but this does not detract from the overall attractiveness of this genuine and unusually rare item of writing equipment. | |
If you would like us to try to source another copy of a previously sold item, please stating the stock number of the item in question, which you will see above its picture on the right.