Antique French Art Nouveau Desk Inkwell Marked Bossu Spelter Glass Well Insert For Sale

An antique late 19th to early 20th-century French Art Nouveau desk inkwell bearing the foundry mark "BOSSU" cast along the collar. Produced by the historic Bossu foundry in France, this piece exemplifies classic Belle Époque desk sculpture with fluid whiplash contours, an integrated scooped pen rest, low-relief trellis patterning, and scrolling foliate accents. The term bossu also translates to "hunchback" in French, a fitting nod to the raised, arched silhouette of the inkwell housing.

The stand retains its rare original removable faceted clear glass well insert, complete with its attached hinged repoussé metal cover. The cast metalwork displays an honest, untouched historic patina featuring deep pewter tones, silvery highlights, and warm underlying bronze wear. A small historic cork pad was placed beneath one foot to provide a level sit on flat writing surfaces. A distinctive, documented French foundry piece for a desk, library bureau, or study vignette.

ERA & FOUNDRY SPECIFICATIONS
Era: Circa 1890s–1910s (French Belle Époque / Art Nouveau)

Foundry: Bossu Foundry (France)
Markings: Cast "BOSSU" below the inkwell collar
Materials: Cast spelter / white metal (régule), molded clear glass insert, vintage leveling cork

Features: Integrated curved pen rest, removable glass well with hinged metal lid

CONDITION
Good antique condition with authentic, untouched historic patina. The cast metal structure is sound with no cracks or breaks. The metal finish shows honest age-related surface darkening, oxidation, and exposed metal undertones consistent with turn-of-the-century régule. The original glass insert is intact with no major chips, and the lid hinge functions properly. An early cork pad is present on the underside of one foot to level the stand for stable daily display

DIMENSIONS (approx)
5 7/8" (5.875") wide x 4.5" deep x 3.75" tall