A Victorian electroplate inkstand by Elkington & Co.

A Victorian electroplate inkstand by Elkington & Co., decorated in the theme of raw materials, manufacturers and commerce, depicting figures in the pursuit of these activities, with an outer band of inscribed ribbons with the names of the men responsible for advances in these sectors, with a globe inkwell hinged to reveal a cut glass liner, the base stamped 'ELKINGTON & CO. 921', 22.7cm diameter.

The original inkstand was designed by John Leighton (1822-1912) and was originally made for the 1851 Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace, London. See the Victoria and Albert Museum for a similar example.