Regency Sterling Silver Inkstand, hallmarked Sheffield, 1812-1813, by John Roberts & Co., of rounded rectangular form, with gadrooned rim quartered by shell-and-scroll motifs, with a pair of pen trays centered by an urn-shaped nibs compartment with taperstick cap, flanked by a pair of receptacles fitted with cut-glass inkwells fitted with silver caps, the whole decorated with gadrooned banding and raised on four lion's paw feet, the caps engraved with a crest of castle with three towers and the motto "Labor Omnia Vincit", h. 4-3/4", l. 10-1/2", w. 7-1/4", 22.12 total t. oz. (excluding glass inkwells).

Overall Condition: Good. No dents, breaks or repairs noted. Light scuffs consistent with age and use; some loss to the detail of the leafy scrolls at their high points of relief. The underside scratched at the edges from the removal of the retaining pin over the years. Glass elements are later replacements as evidenced by the loose-fitting silver caps; one bottle has a fingernail-sized chip on the (hidden) bottom edge and another on the underside. Engraving excellent. Hallmarks (on the underside): 1) the sterling lion passant; 2) the Sheffield crown; 3) the date letter "D" for 1812-1813; 4) the maker's mark "I.R. & Co." for John Roberts & Co., and 5) the George III bust cusped duty mark. Marks very good; fully legible with minimal wear. Each of the six detachable pieces are likewise fully marked, but with the combined crown & date letter: the receptacles on the sides, the nibs urn on the lower edge, and the three caps for these on the sleeve. These marks are generally more rubbed than those on the underside of the tray, but again all are legible and confirm that all the silver elements are all original. A handsome piece with no significant condition issues of note.