Charles II Antique Silver Inkstand, London 1682.

Object Description

A rare and exquisite example of 17th century chinoiserie silver. This box has an excellent provenance. The rectangular casket inkstand has a hinged cover with finely executed flat chasing of oriental figures in a landscape setting, the sides with exotic birds in flight amongst foliage. The interior has four compartments, with removable inkwell and sanding pot. Each corner is supported by an openwork scrolling foot with cast leaf ornament. Large size and excellent weight.

Weight 2,389g, 76.8 troy oz.
Length 27.3cm, 10 ¾ins.
London 1682.
Maker Isaac Dighton.
Sterling silver.

This chinoiserie inkstand is particularly outstanding both in terms of quality and of fascinating appeal.

Marks. Stamped inside the base and inside cover with a full set of English silver hallmarks. The inkwell and sander with maker’s mark only under bases, the covers unmarked. The maker’s mark “D” in script listed in Jackson page 139 and David Mitchell page 265 identified as possibly for Isaac Dighton.

Maker: Isaac Dighton

Isaac Dighton, London silversmith, apprenticed to William Browne, Citizen and Haberdasher, in 1665. Free 1672. Mark (Britannia) entered as largeworker undated, presumably 1697. Died 1707.

Isaac bound 5 apprentices in the Haberdashers Company during his working career.

Free Shipping Worldwide

Object History

Sold by Christie’s, London, 13 July 1926, lot 110 (£527 to Willson). Anonymous sale [Charles Haggins, Valuer and Art Dealer, 3 Bury Street, St James’s, London];
Sold by Christie’s, London, 31 March 1971, lot 147 to Dr John Constable (1927-2016), Massachusetts and then by descent. Anonymous sale.

Object Literature

This inkstand is recorded in D. Mitchell, Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London Their Marks and Their Lives, Woodbridge, 2017, p. 265.
A pair of caskets of similar size (not fitted as an inkstand) from the Sizergh toilet service are on view at the V & A Museum, London, dated circa 1680, maker Robert Smythier.

Object Condition

The box is in good condition with a moderate amount of wear compatible with age. Lovely antique patina. The chinoiserie decoration retains good definition. Some minor dents, a possible small restoration to one corner, the retaining nuts on the underside are probably replacements.

Object Details