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Antique 19th Century T. & J. Creswick Old Sheffield Plate Armorial Double Inkwell Casket
Up for sale is a magnificent, structurally complete mid-to-late 19th-century Victorian English double inkwell casket (historically referred to as an inkstand or standish). This piece comes directly from a single-family heirloom collection and boasts incredible historical provenance, featuring verified manufacturer marks and hand-engraved armorial lineage.
**Key Features & Maker Attributions:**
* **The Maker's Mark:** The historic T. & J. Creswick "crossed arrows" manufacturer stamp is clearly struck on the front, confirming its high-grade Sheffield, England origins.
* **The Armorial Crest:** The center of the domed lid features a beautifully preserved, crisp hand-engraved heraldic crest depicting a demi-lion rampant holding a crescent moon rising from a ducal coronet (historically associated with the Davies family and prominent British lineages).
* **Completeness:** Unlike most surviving examples, this casket is completely intact. It features its original four stylized ball feet, clean dual glass interior collar rings/inserts, and the central lidded nib/stamp box compartment.
**Condition Details:**
This antique is in excellent structural condition with structural warping on left front of the lid and no broken hinges. The lid opens smoothly and sits squarely. In accordance with its 19th-century age, it displays an authentic, untouched matte patina with dark spot oxidation across the dome and visible wear to the silver plating on the lower front tray where pens historically rested. This honest wear beautifully showcases the base metal transition, a trait highly prized by collectors of genuine Old Sheffield silver plate who prefer historical character over heavily stripped or chemically polished metals.
**Dimensions & Shipping:**
* Weight: Approx. 5 lbs (unpacked)
* Will be shipped with extreme care, packed in an oversized box with heavy bubble wrapping to completely protect the delicate lid hinges and ball feet.
Please review all close-up photographs to appreciate the exquisite detail of the Creswick stamp and the hand-engraved heraldic line work. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
