18th to early 19th century pounce pot, or sander, in ebony and bone, excellent original condition. No cracks or repairs. Measures 3 inches high by 2.75 inches wide. Pounce pots are small containers with perforations at the top that were used to store pounce, a fine powder made from crushed bones, pumice, gum sandarac resin, sandstone, or talc. Pounce was sprinkled on parchment or ink to help it dry and to prepare paper for writing. Pounce pots are also known as sanders. The pounce was gently sprinkled all over the writing on the paper. When using a quill or a steel nib, and with inks that are made up to match those typically in use during the 18th and 19th centuries, and provided the pen has been used with the fine strokes typical of handwriting of that period, the handwriting will be sufficiently dry within 10 seconds to allow the paper to be folded without blotting. Gently vibrating the paper while the pounce or sand is on it ensures that little or no pounce or sand sticks to the handwriting and excess sand or pounce is shaken off before folding the paper.

18th to early 19th century English brass inkstand. All handmade from heavy stock brass. Measures 7 inches high by 7 inches wide by 2.75 inches deep at the center.

Fine hand made reproduction Georgian travel lap desk made by M. Barba May in 1994 of solid mahogany. A superb exact copy of an original from circa 1800. Measures 14.5" long x 10.25" wide x 4.5" high.

Early Massachusetts lift-top advertising box with original red washed surface, circa 1840. Inner paper reads "W. I. GOODS, which he will sell VERY LOW for cash, Palm Leaf Hats or approved credit. Those wishing to purchase as above, will do well to call and examine for themselves before purchasing elsewhere. All kinds of Country produce taken in exchange for Goods. CHARLES B. MOSELY. New Salem, Aug. 1840." This charming box is 8.5 inches wide, 4 inches deep and 2 inches high.

Antique pair of faux painted bookends circa 1900. The faux books are Gardiner's History of England Ducie, Vol 111 and Vol IV. The two are so heavy and so well painted to resemble leather bindings and marbelized paper that it is hard to tell they are not real. They are felt lined to protect books, and so strong they can support most any desktop book collection. Each bookend measures 7.5 inches high, 5 inches deep with a 6 inch base. Excellent original condition.