Victorian French Book Double Inkwell – Leather & Gilt, c. 1880, French History

A poetic treasure from the Victorian writing desk: a double inkwell disguised as a leather-bound book, complete with gilt tooling and two original glass ink wells. Crafted circa 1880, this clever desk accessory merges literature and the art of correspondence in one charming object.

The “book” is wrapped in pressed leather with decorative gilt borders, its edges painted a warm, aged red to mimic the pages of a well-loved volume. Lift the lids to reveal two crystal-clear glass ink reservoirs, each topped with its original tooled leather lid—a rare and desirable detail for a piece of this age.

Perfect styled on a desk beside stationery and a fountain pen, or layered into a library vignette with antique books, magnifiers, wax seals, and correspondence. A thoughtful gift for a writer, collector, or admirer of the romantic rituals of old-world communication.

Details

• Era: Victorian, c. 1880
• Materials: Leather, gilt, wood, glass
• Two original inkwell reservoirs
• Original tooled leather lids
• Hand-painted page edges
• Size: 6.5″ L × 4″ W × 1.5″ H

A rare survival of a time when writing was an art form—and the desk a stage for beautiful objects.