A Victorian parcel-gilt silver inkstand, Rawlings & Summers, London, 1851

in the form of a monkey in military dress playing a drum, detachable hat and drumsticks, glass liner, mounted on a wood base, Patent Office Design Registry mark for 27 February 1851, parcel number 4

Some very minor wear to gilding; the base is probably original; good clear hallmarks on body, rim of drum with clear maker's mark and lion passant, top of drum with slightly worn marks and very light surface wear; might benefit from a professional clean to remove remove small areas of tarnish but overall the colour is excellent and condition is very good.
"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."

The Design Registry representation for this inkstand, a pen and ink drawing, is annotated 'Ornamental Ink Stand Class One Charles Rawlings and William Summers of 10 Great Marlborough Street London' (UK National Archives, BT 47/7, no. 77093, registered on 27 February 1851).