Silver Inkwell stand of Rebbe Shalom Dov Ber Schneerson, the Rebbe Rashab of Lubavitch.
A tray with two small inkwell stands, and a small candlestick. Ornamented with decorative vegetal patterns, resting on four elegant legs. Silver-plated; marked (probably manufactured by Martin Hall & Co., Sheffield, England; late 19th century or early 20th century).
Letter of authenticity enclosed (handwritten note, in English), signed in Hebrew by Rebbetzin Chana Gurary (1899-1991), eldest daughter of Rebbe Rayatz and granddaughter of the Rashab: "I hereby gift... the silver double inkwell stand of my grandfather the Rashab. The inkwells themselves broke when we moved from Russia to Latvia. The stand would hold the inkwells and had a place to put a candle. In Lubavitch there wasn't any electricity. My grandfather used it in the months of Tishrei and Nissan and on special days. Even while in Rostov he used it. My grandmother gave it to me as a gift shortly after he passed away". Dated – 17th December 1989. A wooden box which may have also been used by the rebbe or his family is enclosed (the box was given together with the inkwell, though it is not mentioned in the letter).
Maximum size: Approx. 26.5X17.5 cm. Good condition. Minor blemishes. Without the inkwells and writing instruments, which were part of the original desk set, alongside the inkwell stands and candlestick.