A mid-Victorian silver inkstand of shaped rectangular outline, decorated with a border of foliate motifs and geometric patterns and standing on four leaf capped bun feet, having a presentation engraving before a central well with a figural cover modelled as a lady holding an official scroll for the 52nd Light Infantry, and flanked on either side by two silver mounted glass ink bottles. Hallmarked Sheffield 1866 with maker's mark F. Brs., bottle mounts hallmarked Birmingham 1866. Maximum length of stand measures 12 1/2 inches (31.7 cm), weight excluding glass bottles 32.24 ozt (1002.7 grams). 'Presented to Bugle Major Alexander White by the Officers 52nd Light Infantry as a mark of Esteem & Respect April 1867.'
The inkstand appears in fairly good overall condition, displaying some general wear including surface scratching, marks and tarnishing commensurate with the age and use. Would benefit from a polish. Some minor surface dints and nicks. The stand wobbles a little. Hinged lids to glass pots appear in working order. Minor edge chips and nicks to glass. Some slight rubbing or distortion but the hallmarks are all still legible. Removable parts all hallmarked. There is a small newspaper cutting believed to be an obituary for Alexander White, who died on 19th June 1904 and is described as Bandmaster for the 4th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles.