The Silver Pen Box (Kalamdan) of the Princess Royal Victoria, Empress of Germany, Queen of Prussia

This silver scribe’s pen box or kalamdan from Kutch is notable for two reasons. It is the only silver pen box made in a Kutch style of which we are aware. And the base is engraved the Monogram for Queen Victoria’s eldest child and daughter, also known as Victoria (1840-1901), as the Princess Royal for the United Kingdom, suggesting that this box was Victoria’s personal property.

The Monogram comprises a coronet and the letter ‘V’. The V stands for Victoria, but not Queen Victoria (otherwise there would not be a coronet but a crown) and so this is indeed the emblem for her daughter, Victoria Adelaide Mary Louise.

Later, Victoria became Empress of Germany and Queen of Prussia by virtue of her marriage to Frederick III, German Emperor. She was Empress for only a short period – Frederick III died in 1888.

She was well educated and took an active interest in governance and foreign policy matters, so it seems fitting that she might have had a pen box engraved with her Monogram.

As for the box itself, it has the proportions of a classic Islamic North Indian or Persian kalamdan. It is worked all over the traditional Kutch silversmithing motifs – floral and leaf scrolls, and the sliding lid is also worked with an animal chase scene. Included is a lion, a rabbit, a deer, and an elephant.

The box slides open revealing the draw for pencils and quills. One end is fitted with an inkwell compartment.

The pen box is rare in any event, but the unique provenance makes it historically notable. The silver used is relatively pure and the box is in excellent condition. There are no maker’s marks.

 

Above: Victoria, Princess Royal

 

Above: Victoria’s Monogram as Princess Royal of the United Kingdom. The base of the pen box here is engraved with this Monogram.