A Regency brass, pewter and tortoiseshell contre-partie 'Boulle' inkstand by Wells & Co. circa 1820

with a rosewood lined drawer, the sides with applied gilt bronze female masks, including two removeable cut glass ink wells, the interior with a paper label printed with 'Wells & Co. Pocket Book, Portable Desk, Dress & Copying Machine Makers To his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, Cockspur St., London, (no.29).'

Inventory 1880, recorded in the Green Satin Room
Illustrated 'Powderham Castle III', Mark Girouard, Country Life, July 18^th 1963, Vol. CXXXIV, p. 140. in the Music Room.

This piece is in `country house' condition. The metal work is dirty and could benefit from cleaning throughout. There are residual traces of polish. The top is lacking a section of brass mount from the back edge. The lid to the compartment between the bottles is lacking a knob. There are losses to the turtleshell adjacent to the pen recess, along the front and back. There are some losses to the pewter inlay adjacent to the keyhole on the drawer. There is also some 'liftign of this metal. There is no key. The drawer does open but is very very stiff. The trade label is at the back of the drawer and is in good order. The side masks are very pretty.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

J. Wells are recorded as trading from premises at 29 Cockspur St., between the years 1817-1825 (see Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert, The Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840, 1986, p. 957).