A Russian Tula Neoclassical polished and gilded steel inkwell, circa 1780. Shaped as a globe, surrounded by a band with leaves connected by garlands. Fixed on a piédouche resting on a square base, it can be opened by pressing down the two-quarters of the globe by a thumbpiece on the urn on top of the handle, revealing an inkwell and caster fitting into a small circular plateau. A similar piece was sold at Sotheby's: Property from the Collections of Lily & Edmond J. Safra, Lot 92, 03 November 2005, New York. Sold for $48,000. Dimensions: H: 8 3/4 in., (22.5 cm.) Good overall with some staining to surface.

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