A French Louis XVI silver snake handled inkstand, 1777 Paris, with maker's mark FDR and later import marks for London 1953 by the London Assay office, a shaped scroll footed tray with a lead lined ink pot, powder caster and circular bowl, engraved with a contemporary Count's coronet and coat of arms; variously hallmarked, total weight 721gr (without lead liner) length 33 cm. Width 18.5 cm