Inkstand 18th century British Known in the eighteenth century as ink standishes,” inkstands were a common desk accessory. This example features a compartment for a glass inkpot with a bell cover and four spaces for quills, which were frequently made from goose feathers. The two drawers beneath provided storage for seals and pounce, a dry substance used for drying ink and preparing paper. This inkstand was designed to contain all of the necessary tools for writing, which made it easily transportable. A rare survival in pewter, it is unusual for its compact design and cube shape.. Inkstand. British. 18th century. Pewter, glass. Metalwork-Pewter