WMF Rally Car Inkwell and Pen Tray Compendium

Description This WMF rally car inkwell and pen tray compendium dates to the Art Deco period, circa 1928. The compendium is formed as a finely cast silver plated pewter rally car, modelled on early twentieth century Mercedes touring models, with a driver and co driver seated within the vehicle. The car is mounted upon a shaped base incorporating a pen tray to the front cast with a laurel wreath design. The bonnet of the car lifts to reveal the original partitioned stamp compartment, while the rear section opens to house the original glass inkwell concealed within the body of the vehicle. Both compartments retain their original fitted components. The bonnet carries the engraved inscription “On To The Centenary”, referring to the approach of a one hundred year milestone. The front pen tray is further engraved with presentation inscriptions reading “Presented by the Members of the Young Zorastrian C. Club”, “Diamond Jubilee Slow and Steady 1928” with the YZCC monogram, and “To the President Mr. M. P. Bharucha In Appreciation of his Valuable Services.” To the edge of the base the piece is stamped with the WMF ostrich mark within a rhombus, used during the early twentieth century, alongside the letter H, confirming manufacture by WMF – Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik. A rare and highly decorative WMF desk compendium combining inkwell, stamp compartment and pen tray in a sculptural Art Deco form. View the full Accessories Collection. Reference The Young Zoroastrian Cricket Club (YZCC) was a prominent Parsi cricket club based in Bombay (now Mumbai) during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Parsi community were among the first in India to adopt cricket during British rule and played a central role in the early development of the sport. YZCC was one of several important Parsi clubs contributing to this movement, competing in major local tournaments including the Bombay Quadrangular. The club formed part of a wider cricketing network that produced players for the Parsee XI, which toured England in 1886 and 1888, marking one of the earliest instances of Indian international cricket. The engraved presentation on this piece directly relates to this historic sporting context and reflects the club’s organised structure and social significance within the Parsi community. Literature Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik, Geislingen an der Steige, Musterbuch, 1920, page 166, inkstands, model number 23970, formerly number 196. WMF – Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) was founded in 1853 in Geislingen an der Steige, Germany, originally established as Metallwarenfabrik Straub & Schweizer. By the turn of the twentieth century the firm had grown into one of the largest producers and exporters of household metalware in the world. WMF became particularly well known for its work in the Jugendstil style, the German interpretation of Art Nouveau, with designs developed in the WMF Art Studio under the direction of Albert Mayer, who served as artistic director from 1884 to 1914. The company’s production during this period included a wide range of decorative and functional objects, often combining sculptural forms with practical use, as seen in novelty desk compendiums such as the present example. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.