Marks Antiques Mayfair, London A VICTORIAN SILVER-GILT 'UNION' PATTERN INKSTAND JOSEPH ANGEL & SON LONDON, 1840 STRUCK WITH THE RETAILER'S MARK 'SOBEY' FOR W. R. SOBEY OF EXETER In the form of a blasted tree trunk chased and richly detailed with knots and other features including rose, thistle and shamrock sprays, with three hinged lids to each compartment, the interior of one engraved with a crest and fitted with a detachable inkwell, maker's mark rubbed but certainly that of Joseph & John Angell, London, 1832, also struck: 'SOBEY' Height 10.7 cm, 4 1 / 4 in, width 17.7 cm 7 in previous / home

Joseph Angell & Son The 'Union' pattern refers to the decorative details of items such as this inkstand, which incorporate roses, thistles and shamrocks illustrative of the union of England, Scotland and Ireland. This inkstand was probably retailed by W.R. Sobey, the manufacturing and retail silversmith of Exeter.