Ransome Patent Inkwell by Perry & Co.

Ransome Patent Inkwell by Perry & Co.
A white metal with mahogany surround, Ransomes Patent Travel Inkwell by Perry & Co.

Ransomes design is simple but effective with the inkwell sliding to one end of its supporting frame to fold down it. When packed, the release button for the lid is protected and when set up the frame forms a stand. The vast majority of Ransomes inkwells were made by De La Rue but they only took off in popularity once they promoted it.

It's likely that this version by Perry & Co. was made before De La Rue took on the license for the design. James Perry and Co. started as dip pen manufacturers in Manchester in 1824. They soon moved to London becoming England's largest manufacturer of dip pens as well as broadening their range of writing and stationery equipment. They became a limited company in 1876 after buying Josiah Mason, who made their pens, and Wiley & Son who were pencil case makers. The company continued well into the 20th century.

This inkwell is a little smaller than most Ransomes we see. It is probable that this inkwell was made after the patent of 1861 and before Perry became a limited company in 1876.