The Syng Inkstand — Official Independence Hall Ink Stand Reproduction for the Bicentennial — Number 371

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Updated on January 1, 2026: This has been sold.

Reproduction of the ink stand used by the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. This limited edition reproduction was created for the Bicentennial and each is numbered. Ours is #371.

The original was made in 1752 by Philip Syng Jr., a skilled Philadelphia silversmith and associate of Benjamin Franklin. The ink stand had been commissioned for the Pennsylvania provincial assembly to facilitate the signing of legislative bills, so when the Second Continental Congress used the Pennsylvania State House for their deliberations, it was there in the chamber for the signing of the Declaration. It was used again eleven years later for the ratification of the United States Constitution. Today the original is displayed in the West Wing of Independence Hall.

Size of wooden base: 12" x 7" x 1 1/2" H

Size of tray: 10 1/2" x 7" x 1 1/2" H

Height of tallest item: 6" H

Shipping: $50. Please allow two weeks for shipping.

Historical background

Silversmith Philip Syng was a friend of Benjamin Franklin's. He made a baptismal bowl for Sally Franklin and co-founded the University of Pennsylvania.

Syng also made this silver inkstand (used for writing with quill pens) for Pennsylvania lawmakers to sign bills into law. It is most famous for being used to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution in Independence Hall.