Carved crystal inkwell

Datec 1920

Object number00031049

NameInkwell

MediumCrystal

DimensionsOverall: 55 x 62 x 62 mm, 0.5 kg

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from M Herman

Terms

DescriptionA carved crystal inkwell with a hatched diamond decoration on its sides and a star burst pattern on its base but is missing its lid. The inkwell is part a desk set (00031046) that was made from timber off HMAS SYDNEY.HistoryHMAS SYDNEY was part of the first Royal Australian Navy fleet. Built in England in 1912, SYDNEY saw spectacular success in World War I during an engagement in the Indian Ocean against the German raider SMS EMDEN. In November 1915 SYDNEY defeated EMDEN in battle - an event that placed the RAN on the map in its own right. For the remainder of the War, the cruiser was deployed to the North Atlantic and West Indies Station, then the South Atlantic Station, the North Sea, and was present at the surrender of the German High Seas Fleet in November 1918. From 1919 to 1928 SYDNEY undertook routine duties with the Australian Squadron until final decommissioning in 1928.SignificanceThe HMAS SYDNEY and SMS EMDEN battle was one of immense significance for the RAN and the people of Australia. It proved the RAN was just as professional as the Royal Navy and also had a significant role to play in the Allied forces. The event was widely celebrated in Australia with many souvenirs and mementoes being manufactured. In addition to these souvenirs some were made from pieces of the ship, such as this desk set.