estateRUTH.

Identification

French Art Nouveau Cast Brass Inkstand Marked DEPOSE G.F

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

The underside is cast with 'DEPOSE' (indicating French registration), model '308', and maker initials 'G. F'. The seller misread the somewhat stylized 'DEPOSE' as 'JECOSE'.

Story

This inkstand originates from France during the Art Nouveau period (circa 1890-1915), as evidenced by the naturalistic bird and floral motifs and the 'DEPOSE' mark, which indicates a registered French design. The specific foundry associated with the 'G. F' initials and model number '308' is not definitively identified, which is common for mid-tier production metalwork of this era. The secondary market for late 19th and early 20th-century Art Nouveau desk accessories remains steady but highly dependent on completeness and condition.

Maker / Origin

G.F

Condition & Value

Based on the provided information, the cast brass body appears to be in good structural condition with no reported breaks, and the non-magnetic test confirms the solid brass or bronze composition. The item exhibits a dark, likely original patina with natural wear on the high points.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for late 19th and early 20th-century Art Nouveau desk accessories remains steady but highly dependent on completeness and condition. Buyers are typically collectors of period metalwork or decorators seeking functional antique desk accents. While highly ornate or signed pieces by premium makers command significant premiums, unsigned or lesser-known foundry pieces like this 'G. F' model trade in a more accessible, decorative tier.

Value Drivers

▲ Exact model matches in the market establish a clear baseline and ceiling for this specific 'G. F 308' casting.

▲ Confirmed solid cast brass construction (non-magnetic) with an attractive, period-correct dark patina.

▲ Classic Art Nouveau naturalistic bird and floral motifs appeal to dedicated period collectors.

Concerns

▼ Unverified ink receptacle — if the original glass insert is confirmed missing, it would drop the estimate toward the $45 floor.

▼ Unidentified specific foundry — without a recognized premium maker name attached to 'G. F', the piece is capped at the decorative market tier.

▼ Unverified dimensions — if the piece is significantly smaller than standard desk inkwells, it may command less presence and value.

Best Venue

Confirm the presence of the interior glass inkwell insert and take clear measurements before listing. If the insert is present, list on a platform like eBay or Etsy with an optimistic asking price around $110, highlighting the 'DEPOSE G. F 308' mark and Art Nouveau styling. If the insert is missing, expect a faster sale closer to the $45-$55 range.

Upside Potential

If the original glass insert is confirmed present and undamaged, and the piece cleans up to reveal exceptional detailing, it could realize the high end of the range near $105. Exceeding this range would likely require definitively identifying the 'G. F' foundry as a highly sought-after maker.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 6 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Mynt Auctions· 2026-09-03
    Vintage 1940s Art Nouveau Brass Inkwell and Pen Desk Set
    Link could not be verified.
    $100
  • William Bunch Auctions & Appraisals· 2026-06-30
    Art Nouveau Brass Inkwell
    Link could not be verified.
    $60
  • Rouillac· 2012-05-08
    ENCRIER Art Nouveau en BRONZE DORÉ à décor d'un couple d'oiseaux côte à côte symbolisant la tendresse ou l'amour et motifs floraux, sous le couvercle floral un godet encrier. Circa 1890-1900. Marqué G F 308.
    Link could not be verified.
    $50
  • Arcana Auctions
    Art Deco Style Cast Brass Inkwell
    Art Deco style, not Art Nouveau.
    $10
  • Swisher Bros. Auction LLC· 2026-08-30
    Art Nouveau Cast Brass and Glass Desk Inkstand
    Link could not be verified.
    $10
  • Blank Auktionshaus GmbH
    Ablageschale mit Tintenfaß, - Frankreich, Messing, Unterseite bez. '308 Depose G.F.'
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price