Vintage Ornate Silver Makeup Brush or Pen Holder

A wonderfully substantial vintage desk accessory crafted in an architectural square form with richly embossed foliate scrollwork covering each side. Raised beaded borders frame the decoration, while the flared footed base gives the petite piece considerably more presence than its scale suggests.

The open top is finished with a fixed divider designed to separate pens and pencils, making this an especially handsome addition to a traditional writing desk, library, study or home office. A deep navy blue interior provides a beautiful contrast against the aged silver finish, while the underside is finished in blue velvet.

Despite measuring just 4" high, the holder is exceptionally heavy for its size and feels beautifully substantial in hand. The combination of elaborate metalwork, classic silver finish and navy detailing gives it exactly the sort of collected, old-school desk presence we love.

CONDITION
Very good vintage condition with age-appropriate surface wear, light scratching, tarnish and variation to the silver finish consistent with age and use. Blue velvet underside remains intact. 

SIZE
Approximately 2.5" square × 4"H.

PROVENANCE
Vintage estate-sourced desk accessory. An exact comparable example has been identified as a vintage pen and pencil desk holder with divider. 

MATERIAL
Silverplate or silver-tone plated metal with blue velvet underside and navy interior. Due to the absence of a visible sterling hallmark, this piece is not represented as sterling silver.

STYLING SUGGESTIONS
Give the home office the same attention as the rest of the house. Style this beside a leather blotter, tortoiseshell accessories and a stack of correspondence on a traditional writing desk, or use it in a library filled with handsome fountain pens and pencils. Its silver-and-navy combination is particularly good layered with leather, mahogany, plaid and equestrian-inspired details.