This is a very fine old travelling pen or quill holder (Antique qalamdan).
This writing accessory is also called a divit and relates to its origin in the Ottoman Empire
The writing implements would be popped into the long oblong metal tube - the end is hinged and flips open and closes tight to keep your pens etc all safe and secure inside. The hinge is kept in place with hand-made copper rivets.
You can see the patina of age on the inside of the pen holder - and on a stylistic basis, I am dating this one to being made in the 19th century.
At the side of the pen-holder section is an attached bombe-shaped inkwell or inkpot. It has a little hidden lid - which is formed from a little shell shape on the lid - which when raised allows you to open the inkwell.
It is a very fine example - it is engraved all over with Arabic lettering and symbols. These are added to the exterior with great detail.
The scribe is in excellent condition with no damages - nice shiny exterior with no dents or damages. All hinges are secure and firm.
The overall length is 8 1/2 inches. The width at the widest point is 1 3/4 inches.
The price reflects the quality of this item and the intricacy of the engraved decoration - which must have taken a long while to add to the scribe. The only part with no decoration is the base of the inkwell - where it would have rested on a table.
It is a very smart example - you will be able to ascertain the quality of the decoration on this one and it would be a great addition to your collection - which is reflected in my asking price.
This writing accessory is also called a divit and relates to its origin in the Ottoman Empire
The writing implements would be popped into the long oblong metal tube - the end is hinged and flips open and closes tight to keep your pens etc all safe and secure inside. The hinge is kept in place with hand-made copper rivets.
You can see the patina of age on the inside of the pen holder - and on a stylistic basis, I am dating this one to being made in the 19th century.
At the side of the pen-holder section is an attached bombe-shaped inkwell or inkpot. It has a little hidden lid - which is formed from a little shell shape on the lid - which when raised allows you to open the inkwell.
It is a very fine example - it is engraved all over with Arabic lettering and symbols. These are added to the exterior with great detail.
The scribe is in excellent condition with no damages - nice shiny exterior with no dents or damages. All hinges are secure and firm.
The overall length is 8 1/2 inches. The width at the widest point is 1 3/4 inches.
The price reflects the quality of this item and the intricacy of the engraved decoration - which must have taken a long while to add to the scribe. The only part with no decoration is the base of the inkwell - where it would have rested on a table.
It is a very smart example - you will be able to ascertain the quality of the decoration on this one and it would be a great addition to your collection - which is reflected in my asking price.