DOES ANYONE KNOW THIS MARKING AND WHAT THIS IS?

[Rietta]

Hi, 
Does anyone know what this is?  Its hexagon shaped, kind of heavy, looks to be made out of some kind of glazed clay, there is an indentation in middle of top and then around that are 6 holes (for pencils maybe?)  There is a mark on front bottom that reads MADE IN SPAIN and the symbols N: and the # 3 inside a small hexagon and the # 108, and above that a few more symbols that I can't tell (see photos).
Thanks!
Rietta

 

[Walter Del Pellegrino]

Its an ink pot. The center was used to hold the ink and the holes held the quill pens. This is a modern reproduction from one of the many potteries that exist in Talavera, Spain, which for centuries has been famous for its majolica.

Walter Del Pellegrino

[Rietta]

Hi Walter, thank you SO much for the info on what this is. I just saw something on ebay today with the exact markings as mine that says its an original circa 1900 and they're asking $5500! What is it that tells you mine is a repro? Thanks again!
Rietta

[Walter Del Pellegrino]

First clue - "Made in Spain" in English. Secondly I've seen several of these in the past. The one you saw on ebay is probably also a reproduction.

[Rietta]

Great info, thanks again. How modern would you say mine is? 50's? 60's? My dad had this on his desk for as long as I can remember.
Rietta

[Walter Del Pellegrino]

As early as mid 1945

 

Walter