Was That A Sterling Ink Well On The Desk During The State Of The Union?

[MHBru]

Did anyone else notice that? I was trying to figure out if it was possibly something else but kept coming back to a tray with multiple wells. It was really something.. Anyone else catch that? I'm really not into inkwells but that really caught my eye.

Edited January 31, 2018 by MHBru

[Inkling13]

hahahaahah. An inkwell garners more attention....

[pepsiplease69]

I didnt watch the address.

[alanshutko]

Yes, it is!

 

From the Collection of the House of Representatives:

 

​Before the Speaker calls each session of the House to order, this coin-silver inkstand is placed on the rostrum. The inkstand is considered the oldest surviving artifact of the House and was made between 1810 and 1820. Although its origins are mysterious, it most likely came into the House around 1819. The inkstand is stamped with the mark of J. Leonard, a Washington silversmith and watchmaker. It contains three replacement crystal inkwells and is adorned on both sides by swags and eagles. The feet of the tray take the form of fasces with snakes winding around them, classical symbols of unity and wisdom, respectively.

 

[MHBru]

Yes, it is!

 

From the Collection of the House of Representatives:

 

Now that is cool. Thanks!

[Inkling13]

Very neat. I wonder what other pen artifacts the government has squirreled away?

[Carrau]

Yes, it is!

 

From the Collection of the House of Representatives:

 

Thank you for providing this. It’s interesting that the House of Representatives does this at the beginning of the session, and in Great Britain it is the Royal Maces presented at the beginning of the session of Parliament. The symbolism is much different however.