The ink stand was on the dais and used at the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge 19th March 1932. It is not known what was signed on that occasion or whether it was there for the incidental benefit of of the official parties. It is possible that the pen and ink were used by the dignitaries to sign the microphone but as the signatures were consequently engraved it is impossible to tell.

The ink stand was made by an unknown maker, c. 1932

The ink stand was used at the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge 19th March 1932. The ink stand was collected after the event by AWA radio announcer, Philip Geeves, who kept it until he gave it to the OTC historical collection. When OTC became part of Telstra, title for the ink stand passed to Telstra but it remained with the remnants of the OTC collection held at LaPerouse.

Ink stand, including inkwell and pen holder, glass / silverplated brass, maker unknown, used at the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 19 March 1932

The ink stand consists of a square glass tray with an ornate silver plated railing on three sides. At the open edge are two cradles which form the pen holder. Within the 'fence' is a removeable glass ink well for which there are two locating pins. The ink well sits on a thin metal pad mounted on the tray. Holes have been drilled through the glass to provide an anchorage for the railing and pen cradle posts which are secured by nuts.

Made: 1927 - 1937


Used: Sydney Harbour Bridge; 1932

No marks

2007/147/2

1927 - 1937

55 mm

145 mm

145 mm