Edwardian Equestrian Jockey Cap & Horseshoe Inkwell

A highly decorative Edwardian equestrian novelty inkstand, dating to circa 1909-1910. The inkstand is mounted upon a shaped oak base and features an attractive combination of horse-racing motifs. The central glass inkwell is concealed beneath a wonderfully modelled hinged jockey’s cap, surrounded by a horseshoe-form mount. An upright stirrup-shaped support rises above the inkwell and incorporates a tubular holder suitable for a dip pen. The combination of the jockey’s cap, horseshoe and stirrup creates a particularly appealing desk accessory for collectors of antique equestrian and horse-racing memorabilia. The jockey-cap cover lifts to reveal the original removable glass ink reservoir. The surrounding mount is impressed: “REGISTERED 574442” This British registered design number dates the design to the early Edwardian period, approximately 1909-1910. At the front there is a British Victorian registered-design diamond, rather than an ordinary manufacturer's mark. These marks were used between 1842 and 1883, with coded letters and numbers identifying the date a design was registered. The warm colour of the oak complements the polished metalwork beautifully. It is an unusual and very displayable piece that would make an excellent addition to a study, library or racing collection.