ornate vintage? inkwell stand

[treasurehunter300172]

I found this ornate inkwell stand and was wondering how to clean it as I don't know if it is brass or something else. Can someone tell me what material it is made of and maybe what year it is from.  It is fairly heavy.  Thanks

[siddieswans · Accepted solution]

It is a reproduction item -

http://www.rubylane.com/item/320674-MT-9536/Virginia-Metalcrafters-Rococo-Brass-Inkwell-Glass

It would seem there are different qualities of casting here - the Virginia Metalcrafters one as seen above, which has makers's stamps. It is said to be solid brass.

There are several for sale on eBay

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/20-OFF-Vintage-bronze-ink-well-w-Lily-of-the-Valley-Butterfly-4-3-4-tall-/271...

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Ornate-Gilt-Metal-Inkwell-with-Butterfly-Lily-of-the-Valley-Glass-Insert-/381...

which may not be of the same quality of casting, and therefore may not be solid brass - very difficult to tell from a photo what yours is made from. Does it have the Virginia Metalcrafters stamps, which are shown on one of the RL photos? It may simply have been given a brass / bronze finish. To me it's not really a very decorative  / saleable item without the ink well. Without knowing what it is made from, I would be hesitant about using any abrasive cleaning agent; perhaps warm water, some dishwashing liquid and a toothbrush.

[treasurehunter300172]

There is no makers stamp at all.  Thank you for your response.  You have been very helpful. Cheers, Kim