Antique Brass Wyvern Inkstand, Inkwells

An exceptional and grand 19th century figural inkstand. It is crafted in heavy golden brass with two weighty cut glass inkwells either side, there is a pen rest to the front and a wonderful wyvern to the back whose tail becomes the candle sconce on the piece so you could write by candlelight. A wyvern is often confused with a griffin but it is quite a different beast, they have dragon wings and a dragons head, with two legs a serpent body and an arrow tail. They have a long history in mythology spanning back to the medieval period. The Victorian's believed the wyvern to be a protective symbol, one that protected against evil. The wyvern has one red glass eye but is missing one on the other side. Heavy and well made this is a good piece of Victorian craftsmanship and highlights the fascination of the era with all creatures great and small including the mythical ones. Condition: Good used condition overall, some light surface wear commensurate with age and use, one inkwell with a chip to the base, wyvern missing one glass eye. Approx measurements: 8.5" width 10.25" length 5.5" height Any questions or queries please contact us. FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING.