Burnell and Rowe

Description

This is a handsome, heavyweight Victorian Brass Pen Tray. The pen tray is oblong with rounded ends and stands on four square feet. Around the rim are the names of the four evangelists in Latin: Mathevs (Matthew), Johannes (John), Marcvs (Mark) and Lvcas (Luke). Their corresponding symbols are on the inside of the tray next to their names: Angel (Matthew), Eagle (John), Lion (Mark) and Ox (Luke).

The pen tray was made in Birmingham by renowned metalworkers William Tonks & Sons and dates to around the 1880s/90s. William Tonks established his business in Birmingham around 1790. The firm started out producing screws but soon augmented their range to include household fixtures and fittings, military campaign hardware and ecclesiastical pieces. They exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851 and in the 1860s began to develop a range of art metalware. The company went through various mergers during the 20th century and are now a subsidiary of the Ingersoll-Rand group.

Condition is extremely good, with no dings or dents and just the superficial surface wear and patina that you would expect after over 125 years of use. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The pen tray is 22cm / 8.7ins long, 6.4cm / 2.5ins wide and stands 1.5cm / 0.59ins high. It weighs in at a hefty 396g / 13.97oz.

The underside of the tray is staped with W T & S for William Tonks & Sons along with the eight pointed sun with a face in the centre which was the firm's trademark. It also has the registered design number 80324, which dates the original design to 1887.

Shipping in the UK is £6 by Royal Mail Tracked 24.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.