An important and rare Edwardian silvered-metal inkstand modeled on the 1907 Lorraine-Dietrich, and depicts Arthur Duray, victor of the 1906 Circuit des Ardennes, and his riding mechanic at speed on the powerful 130 hp racer. The bonnet of the inkstand in hinged, and lifts to reveal the original glass liner. To the rear, the spare tire hinges open to allow stamps to be stored, and there is a rest for a fountain pen set to the front, above the (vacant) cartouche surrounded by acanthus leaves and scrolls, which could easily be engraved. Kayserzinn-Lorraine-Dietrich, German, circa 1907.

Lorraine-Dietrich, distinguished by the Cross of Lorraine emblem to the radiator, built some of the finest racing cars of all time. Duray’s victory is commemorated in ceramic tile form in a rendering of his historic victory by foremost French illustrator Ernest Montaut, forming a sequence of 34 panels and destined for the Michelin headquarters in London’s Brompton Cross. All the panels mark the pioneer racing achievements of the tire maker and, still extant, are widely admired by visitors at the suitably named Bibendum restaurant.

Size: 13.5 x 7 x 5.5 in. (34 x 18 x 14 cm).