|
CLICK PICTURES FOR MORE DETAIL
Vintage Grotesque Brass Devil Imp Inkwell
This little strange guy is 4 inches tall, 2 and 3/4 inches deep, and 2 and 1/2 inches wide and is dated around 1880 to 1900.
It is a figural cast brass, and there are two different versions of this brass beast and what they were originally used for.
This particular brass devil was used as an inkwell, the lid lifts up to reveal a glass ink well, the ears have holes in order to serve as
pen holders.
There is second version (which I also have for sale by clicking here) which is an extremely rare
figural devil cigar or pipe lighter.
The Devil's head was tilted back and embers from the fireplace were placed inside, hence the
two holes on top of the lid. Once properly heated, wire lighting
elements were removed when needed and placed at the end of the cigar or into the pipe bowl.
I had also read that the devil lighter could also be used with coal oil. The body was filled
with the oil and a wick extended out the top. The elements were filled with wick material and
removed to light from the wick. This amazing devil lighter supposedly predates the modern lighter by
about 50 years.
Back to this brass devil. It stands solidly on two feet, and its beard serves as a front
balance and its little stub tail as back balance, no markings. Figure reminds me of an imp or
devil's head. It is old and fresh from an estate auction. Definitely not some new reproduction.
It is truly an unusual piece of work. The detail is very fine, you can see the detail of the
pointy teeth on this piece, and nearly every hair on his legs. The original glass inkwell is intact,
though you can see from the pictures it has some chips and needs a good cleaning.
Order by ITEM# Vintage-287
THIS ITEM IS SOLD
|
Copyright © 2000-2007 BDP. All rights reserved.
|
