WMF
inkstand with letter scale

maker: Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Gieslingen/Steige, Germany bruine lijn

silver-plated inkstand with letter scale, maker WMF

A silver-plated inkstand with letter scale from the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik from Gieslingen/Steige in Germany. This scale is marked on the bottom and on the edge of the letter plate. The WMF logo is on the bottom. This inkstand can be found in a catalog as model number 20. The WMF logo in the square with the horizontal bars showing a diamond with an ostrich and the letters WMF G, dates from the period 1903-1910. The indication I/O on the edge of the plate means that 1 gram of silver per square decimeter has been applied. Another source says that the normal amount of silver was applied per unit area, which is quite vague. I found most of the information about WMF on the Pewterbank and on the next ASCAS page. Search for WMF Mark on the first site mentioned.
The measuring scale of the letter scale shows the unit of measure Gr. The scale goes up to 50 grams and has a stripe per five grams. Between 10 and 20 grams there is even a stripe per gram.

back of the silver-plated inkstand with letter scale

The inkwells are probably not the original ones, those orignals are made of crystal according to the catalogue, these inkwells are made of normal glass. They protrude slightly at the bottom and are slightly larger than the specimens on the catalog drawing. Yet they don't look out of place. There are many more letter scale models from WMF, see for example WMF letter scale, the WMF No.117, also this WMF letter scale, this WMF No. 525, and this WMF No. 229. These are mainly differences in the design of the scale base. Some models have a stamp box, other models an ink set, other more extensive models have an ink stand, an envelope holder, ink blotter, pen holder, stamp box and a thermometer. These scales quickly become black and dull. I cleaned this scale for the photos. Below are some more images of this WMF letter scale with inkstand.

side view

animation: make the two inkwells disappear
[move the pointer over the photo]

van opzij

side view

animation: place the ink pen
[move the pointer over the photo]

side view

stripes per gram between 10 and 20	the sawn stem ensures a light clamping	the I/O on the edge means that 1 gram of silver per dm² has been applied
bottom	top side	complete
the silver layer of the collar has partly worn away	both glass inkwells with silver-plated lids	the collar is quite corroded
this collar is also considerably damaged	the WMF brand is located below on of the inside of a midfoot	the characteristic ostrich and the letters WMF + below that the letter G
a graceful pattern on the feet	the graceful scale base	The handle with the pen holder attached to it also has an elegant pattern
the scale goes up to 50 grams	the midfoot at the front	the base has a decorative edge
the WMF inkstand with letter scale and an ink pen	the WMF No. 20 inkstand with letter scale	this image on page 278 of the 1906 WMF catalogue shows slightly different shaped inkwells

« collection part 26 «

version: November 28, 2023

WMFinkstand with letter scale

WMF
inkstand with letter scale