Unknown pewter item

Hi everyone,

Anyone know what this is? It came in a lot of pewter items, most of which were either victorian or Georgian. However this one has me stumped.

Thanks

 

Lamp fitting?

 

Ink well

 

I don't think so, it has solid base, and I'd say it's too big. It's 2 1/2" tall and 3 3/4" wide

 

I'd say it's got some age to it too

 

That did cross my mind so it's good for you to confirm that. Do you know how old it might be?

 

I'd guess late 1800s, but could be earlier. Doesn't have the usual tone of older stuff though.

 

Great, that makes sense, thanks

 

It would have had a glass insert from the look of it. It could have been around a while.

 

Can you show the bottom?

 

Here are other pewter ink wells similar to this one. The small holes around the edge are quill holders:
https://www.google.com/search?q=ant..._-oarSAhWIq1QKHW2ZBBUQsAQIRg&biw=1280&bih=513

--- Susan

 

100% an inkwell, but as the others have said, the insert is missing. This would've been made of either clear glass, porcelain or milk glass. The four holes are for the dip-pens or quills. You'd have something like this in a big public place like an office or library or bank or whatever, where loads of people needed to do a lot of writing all at once. It's basically the Victorian equivalent of the mug of pens that everyone helps themselves to. As Susan's shown, they are extremely common, I've seen loads of them myself.