Early 1900s Antique Native American Indian Chief in Headdress Inkwell Judd Mfg

  

This is a stunning early 1900s Antique Native American Indian Chief in Headdress Inkwell by Judd Mfg. This original HEAVY metals inkwell depicts a high detail Native American Chief with a beautiful headdress and large hooped earrings. What makes this piece so undeniably unique is the precision and masterful manipulation of the metals at hand.

The face of the old chief is remarkably anatomically accurate. This is not some vague depiction of an old Native chief - but rather truly captures the face of wise and weathered man it strived to depict. I for one have always been taken by the chiefs steely gaze - the gaze is not hostile, but rather cautious, wary. The headdress the chief is wearing wraps around his face entirely, with each and every feather boasting a finite level of detail giving the feathers a truly realistic feel. Personally, while the design is something in and of itself on this piece - I find the natural patina that has developed on the metal through the many years to be absolutely stunning.

Take for example the chiefs face. Quite incredibly, the patina on the face actually makes it look as though this chief is covered in face paint, or even as if he has rubbed clay over his beautifully designed facial features. This is down to the fact that the brass coating on the face has given way some to the metal lying underneath. Those areas where the brass has rubbed away on the face are a bright and reflective silver tone!

The peeking silver areas, out from behind that matted weathered brass - gives the face an otherworldly look this is something that only time can accomplish. It is the wear on this piece that truly makes it what it is. Structurally, this inkwell is impeccable.

No loose hinge, no dents, no flaws of note anywhere. This inkwell comes with the ink holder! This is a model I have VERY seldom seen in original form a Judd Mfg. Make, and the only model I have ever seen complete with an ink holder.

The glass ink holder has a slight chip at the top lip, though this is purely an aesthetic flaw, and does not effect its ability to hold ink in any way, shape, or form. This piece is a top open inkwell, flipping open via a hinge at the back. The top of the headdress functions as the lid.

There is a beautiful and unique Judd Mfg. Hallmark at the back (the stretched out snake). This piece is VERY heavy! Quite possibly the most solid, bulky inkwell Ive come across in my 40 years collecting I guess things were made to last back in the early 1900s, as this piece is simply indestructible. It measures 7 1/2 inches wide, 6 inches deep and 4 3/4 inches high.

Stunning condition, and with the glass insert included. Overall, this is a must have for any antique fans after a western aesthetic. Sad to see it go, but hoping it will be heading off to someone who can actually give it the time in the light it so deserves! I will get back to you promptly. The item "Early 1900s Antique Native American Indian Chief in Headdress Inkwell Judd Mfg" is in sale since Monday, November 2, 2020.

This item is in the category "Collectibles\Pens & Writing Instruments\Inkwells". The seller is "nae_mud_1iupyzywe" and is located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. This item can be shipped worldwide.

1. Modified Item: No
2. Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
3. Material: Metal and Brass
4. Vintage: Yes
5. Ink Color: Any
6. Featured Refinements: Antique Inkwell
7. Style: Native American
8. Original: Yes
9. Year: Early 1900s