Antique Armenian Brass Divit Qalamdan 18th Century Inkwell
Buckland, United Kingdom
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Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Brass
Style
Antique, Oriental, Traditional
Product Details
Description
Presenting to your attention a unique historical artifact - a traveling writing instrument, dating back to the 18th - first quarter of the 19th century. In Armenian, such traveling pen cases with inkwells are called kagamaran.
The main value of this item lies in its absolutely pristine, untouched condition. Unlike many antique items that modern dealers subject to aggressive chemical cleaning and mechanical polishing for the sake of momentary commercial shine, this kagamaran has retained its authentic historical patina. The thick oxide film, traces of century-old dust in the deep lines of the ornament, natural crystallized corrosion in hard-to-reach places, and the cavernous structure of manual casting in a sand mold - all these are undeniable visual markers of authenticity. Deep signs of wear from constant carrying behind a belt and rough manual filing of the ends eloquently confirm that before us is a real working tool of its era, which has avoided modern intervention. True collectors and antiquarians hunt precisely for such items unspoiled by restoration, highly valuing their absolute historical authenticity.
In the Ottoman Empire of the 18th-19th centuries, Armenian master casters and chasers occupied a very special, privileged position. They formed the basis of the main craft guilds, setting the highest standards for processing copper and brass for the entire empire. This kagamaran was made by the hands of exactly such an Armenian master. Most likely, the item was created in the largest centers of metalworking - Erzurum or Constantinople, where the traditions of Armenian craft art intertwined with the demands of the Ottoman market.
Special historical significance is given to the instrument by the creator's hallmark. In the central rectangular cartouche of the pen case, the Armenian letters ՊՐ Հ (Paron H...) are clearly engraved, denoting the respectful address Mister or Master and the capital letter of his name. On the end head, there is also a stylized hallmark imitating Arabic calligraphy - a traditional technique of Armenian masters to comply with the official standards of craft guilds of that time.
Finding such a writing instrument with confirmed Armenian origin, and even in such flawlessly authentic condition preserved through two centuries, is a huge antique stroke of luck.
This kagamaran will be a truly wonderful and status gift for someone who deeply appreciates the history and heritage of outstanding Armenian master craftsmen, whose unsurpassed art and talent stood out for centuries and glorified their names in the Ottoman Empire.
Dimensions:
Length 21.5 cm
Weight: 309 grams
Technique:
Sand casting, hand chasing, engraving, and hand filing.
Provenance:
Ottoman Empire (Eastern Provinces or Constantinople), 18th to early 19th century. Made by an Armenian master.
Rarity:
Highly rare due to the presence of Armenian maker's marks combined with a completely untouched original state.
Analogies:
Similar signed Armenian brass divits of this period are preserved in museum collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.
Condition report:
Original untouched antique condition, unpolished, with natural heavy patina, crystallized oxidation, and historical contact wear.
Wear Condition
Good
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Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
No
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 4 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
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Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
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Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
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| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
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| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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