Greetings all,
I was wondering/hoping that someone out there with a LOT more knowledge than myself could tell me if this is truly an ANTIQUE inkwell, or (gasp!) an extremely well made reproduction? It was sold to me as a true ANTIQUE (1850's - 1890's), but I know how clever forgeries/reproductions can be these days, and seeing as how I paid just over $350 for it I'd like to be as certain as possible while I'm still able to return it...!
Now, it certainly LOOKS old, and there is a bit of age-appropriate wear on the feet where it rests.....but the inside looks pretty "new" (although this "could" be because a glass insert (not there any longer) protected the metal.
In addition to the "Geschutzt Depose" mark (German for "patented") there are a few very indistinct letters on the bottom that cannot be deciphered.
That being said, I would MUCH appreciate any thoughts you folks may have about this- especially if you've ever seen one before.
Thanks in advance!