Interesting WW1 German POW - Antique Black Forest Walnut shaped Inkwell – marked PEDRAS SALGADAS 1916

Here on offer is an interesting and beautifully carved walnut shaped Black Forest wooden inkwell, that I was told relates to a German prisoner of war detained in Portugal during WW1.

The story goes that when Portugal went from being a neutral country to entering WW1 on the side of the allies in 1916, they interned 36 German and Austro-Hungarian ships in Lisbon.

Then on 9th March 1916, Germany declared war on Portugal followed by Portugal declaring war on Germany and they start to organise Portuguese troops to go to the Western front.

This meant that number of German sailors and civilians where detained in POW camps in Portugal.
They were allowed to take in some personal items such as writing equipment with them.

The base of this inkwell has been carved with the name of a Portuguese town, PEDRAS SALGADAS and the year 1916.

Therefore, I believe this inkwell is an antique and was made in the Black Forest (Switzerland) c1900 and was owned and used by a German POW in a camp at Pedas Salgadas, during WW1.

Inkwell itself has been deeply carved and hinges open to reveal a whole where originally a glass liner would have been fitted, which is now sadly missing.

The hinge works well and is a bit loose on the top section. (two nails need tapping in).

The lower section has a metal pin that helps locate and hold down the lid, when it’s closed.
The Inkwell is in excellent condition and the wood now has a nice dark patina to the finish.

It measures 3.5” (9cm) wide by 2” (5.2cm) deep and 2.25” (5.7cm) high and weighs 34g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Thank you for taking the time to look.

Code: 51363