Finely and densely cast and chased with shells and scrolls, with pull-off cover attached with a chain to one end and a seal engraved to the other, the attached inkwell chased to show a bird.

Ottoman Greece, dated 1746.

Heavy gauge silver and finely worked; a rare and early example showing some European rococo influence in the decoration. The seal appears to read “1746/ Dimitri / ?Toli”, the date and name of the owner.

Very good condition, there are a few links missing to one of the chains, and it is possible that the inkwell has been reattached at some stage - the solder is quite visible.

Pen cases (also known as Divits, or Qalamdan in Iran), were carried by scribes and wealthy elites in the Ottoman and Persian empires as status symbols in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Length 7 1/2 inches

9 oz.