Description
This wonderful Ottoman silver writing case was an indispensable accoutrement of any scribe since ancient times throughout the Near and Middle East. For that reason, all such cases were watched over and their use tended to conform to the writing habits and requirements of its owner.
The present silver pen-case dates to c. early 1800’s and was designed to be completely portable. The scribe simply slipped the case in his belt. The long compartment contained the quill(s) and the ink was restricted to the “cup” attached to its side. The quill case or the ink container did not need to be water tight because the ink was in the form of a dry paste which would instantly become “ink” as we know it with the simple addition of a few water drops.
It is not signed, and it has no official hallmark; the owner was probably Turkish or possibly Greek as evidenced by three inscribed faint letters.
Size: 8 7/8 inch long.
