The casting in the form of a Scallop Shell, the hinged lid opening to reveal a fitted twin inkwell, supported by a Dolphin on its original Rouge Marble square base on an ornate ormolu support.
Condition: Good condition for such an early piece, nice patination to surfaces. The outer lid does not meet perfectly, leaves a tiny gap to the right, not noticeable when viewed, see final image.
Thomas Messenger: The firm Thomas Messenger (1767-1832), began in 1797 with Thomas Phipson was to become the most important manufacturer of oil and gas lighting of the 19th-century. Listed initially as: “Brass Founders, Manufacturers of Church Candlesticks, Patent Lamps, etc. their successors were to survive into the 1920s. Their partnership lasted until 1823, the year after they opened a London office at 21 Grenville Street, Hatton Garden. For the next two years Thomas Messenger is listed in London city directories alone and then in 1828 with his son Samuel as “Thomas Messenger and Son” at the same address. After Thomas’ death in 1832, the firm became known as “Thomas Messenger and Sons” continuing at Hatton Garden, London and Broad Street, Birmingham into the 1860s.