A wonderful piece of Victorian desk history — a double-sided ceramic advertising pen rest, circa 1880s.
Made in Staffordshire for Hockin, Wilson & Co., Manufacturing Chemists, 38 Duke Street, Manchester Square, London. One side reads “WITH HOCKIN, WILSON & Co’s COMPLIMENTS” and the reverse advertises their proprietary formula “LIQ. PODOPHYLLIN (HOCKIN)” — the mayapple resin that every Victorian chemist would have known as a powerful cathartic.
These were trade giveaways for wholesale chemists to their customers, designed to sit beside the inkwell and hold 4 steel dip pens. The 4-notch scalloped rest is the classic form.
Details:
• Origin: England, Staffordshire, for Hockin, Wilson & Co., London
• Date: c.1875-1890
• Material: White ironstone / whiteware
• Form: 4-notch pen rest / nib rest
• Markings: WITH HOCKIN, WILSON & Co's COMPLIMENTS / LIQ. PODOPHYLLIN (HOCKIN)
Condition:
Good antique condition. Light crazing throughout, light staining consistent with age, tiny nibbles / fritting to the top edge of the crests as shown. No cracks or repairs. Glaze wear on base. Please see photos — both sides photographed.