An Edwardian novelty silver Inkwell and stamp box in the form of an automobile.

A rare Edwardian silver Inkwell and Stamp Box in the form of an automobile – a De Dion-Bouton type Q – London 1903, by Alfred Clark. The seat hinges to release the ink reservoir, one seat slides forward to allow a pen to be dipped; the rear compartment with gilt interior. The detachable headlamps have glass lenses.
A silver combined cigar box and table lighter in the form of a motor car, of the same period as this inkwell, but lacking a date letter, was sold at Sotheby’s Belgravia 27/07/1978, lot 333 and is engraved with the retailer’s name ‘Clark, 33, New Bond St.’ and marked in London by Hukin and Heath with a pattern number 18477.

The ink reservoir, which lifts out, from the body of the car is unmarked.