The ultimate Republican trophy inkwell
Sotheby's sale on Jan. 18 boasts decorative arts and books once owned by President Ulysses S. Grant, and his elephant-form inkwell is touted as the inspiration for the Republican Party symbol. The pachyderm sports a gilt metal blanket, which lifts to reveal a brass and glass inkpot. The gilt-metal elephant inkwell is lot 166 and carries a presale estimate of $25,000-$35,000.