A large and unusual mid-19^th century Indian colonial silver inkstand, Calcutta circa 1855 by Lattey Brothers and Co (active 1843-55)

formed as a broadly oval rocaille edge base, two scallop shell supports to the front, the centred section formed as a detachable classical dolphin, the tail curled up to a chamberstick support, the front of dolphin forming a reserve modelled a flowing water, flanked either side with two square supports with rocaille edge. Fitted with two associated later silver capped clear glass inkwells. Marked underneath with LB, fouled anchor, lion passant, gothic L, and crown. (2)

Length – 36.8 cm / 14.5 inches

Weight – 2258 grams / 72.6 ozt