**Originally Listed At $400**

North America, United States, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A very interesting inkwell! Comprised from a horse hoof, the bottom is trimmed with a silver shoe nailed along the edge with a small tab protruding from the front, much like how the horse would have worn a shoe in life. The hoof is hollowed out then fitted with a brass bowl and silver lid. The lid contains an ovoid bezel with a photograph of the horse coated with a clear resin to preserve the image. The lid is also decorated with incised triangular linear patterns and opens on a hinge to reveal the shallow brass and gold washed ink basin. While somewhat macabre, horse hoof inkwells were a popular way to commemorate race horses that had gone on to greener pastures. The silver furnishcings were sometimes engraved with the horse's name and achievements. This certainly is an unusual container! Size: 5.5" L x 4" W x 3" H (14 cm x 10.2 cm x 7.6 cm); quality of silver: 92.65%

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

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#161275

Natural wear on bottom of hoof. Horse image on top is a bit blurred. Indentations, minor tears, and scratches to silver areas. Lid articulates and ink well is removable.