19th Century French Champleve Enameled Desk Set

Description

A fabulous French Champleve enameled brass and bronze desk set. Circa 1880s

Born in France during the Belle Époque period, … more A fabulous French Champleve enameled brass and bronze desk set. Circa 1880s

Born in France during the Belle Époque period, featuring an inkstand with a single finial topped hinged lid inkwell, rising on an ornately shaped tray with scrolled openwork handles, resting on short sturdy feet; accompanied with a matching polychrome decorated Champleve enamel blotter, this writing tool was particularly handy when writing with a dip pen, because with it one could easily clear the writing paper of the surplus ink, with today's modern writing instruments it makes for a wonderful display, paperweight, or decorative table object / objet d'art. circa 1880s

Decorated with elaborate foliate and floral scrolls in turquoise, cobalt blue, green, pale pink, ruby red and cream, it's sure to add an elegant splash of color to any space.

Provenance:
The collection of oil magnate Jim Musselman. Musselman has an impressive track record of finding oil, leading multiple successful oil and gas ventures, including establishing Caelus Energy, JM Petroleum, founding partner of Kosmos Energy, Triton Energy, and various other oil explorations. He found accidental celebrity when he starred in the film Big Men, produced by Brad Pitt.

Acquisition:
J. Garrett Auctioneers had the privilege of selling the contents of Mr. Musselman's Dallas, Texas mansion.

Dimensions (approx):
Inkwell: 7.25"w, 4.5"d, 3.5"h
Blotter: 3.125"w, 1.5"d, 2"h

Condition:
Great shape overall. Presents splendidly, bright coloring, beautifully patinated, with stunning scattered verdigris patina, that does not detract from the aesthetics but only adds to the rich antique character and charm. less