What is on the podium in front of Nancy Pelosi?

[Danmel]

[luvs2sing]

1. It looks like..

some kind of antique inkwell..maybe..

[demtenjeep]

2. her water ensemble

always classy

[Tree Lady]

3. I have no idea but looks like

A tea set with sugar and cream or coffee.

[KentuckyWoman]

4. Vials full of

Republican tears.?

[dweller]

7. Collecting in progress

✌🏻

[MLAA]

10. Good one! 5 ROFLs for you!

[nolabear]

12. Made me snort-laugh!

I asked the same question in the main thread. It’s an elaborate whatever it is.

[El Supremo]

5. An old inkstand

According to the House of Representatives website, it's a coin-silver inkstand that is placed in the rostrum before the speaker calls each session of the House to order. It was created sometime around 1815 by Jacob Leonard.

"The inkstand is considered the oldest surviving artifact of the House and was made between 1810 and 1820," the House website said. "Although its origins are mysterious, it most likely came into the House around 1819. The inkstand is stamped with the mark of J. Leonard, a Washington silversmith and watchmaker."

https://www.9news.com/article/news/nation-world/silver-display-nancy-pelosi-state-of-the-union/507-7ded4f12-768f-44ba-93c8-21d77f1fd6a4

[Danmel]

8. Thank you!

Very interesting!

[nolabear]

13. Thank you! I thought it looked like one.

I was too wrapped up in how odd that would be to think of it being a historic artifact.

[lapucelle]

6. An inkstand.

Before the Speaker calls each session of the House to order, this coin-silver inkstand is placed on the rostrum. The inkstand is considered the oldest surviving artifact of the House and was made between 1810 and 1820. Although its origins are mysterious, it most likely came into the House around 1819. The inkstand is stamped with the mark of J. Leonard, a Washington silversmith and watchmaker. It contains three replacement crystal inkwells and is adorned on both sides by swags and eagles. The feet of the tray take the form of fasces with snakes winding around them, classical symbols of unity and wisdom, respectively.

https://history.house.gov/Collection/Detail/29585#:~:text=Before%20the%20Speaker%20calls%20each,into%20the%20House%20around%201819

[FSogol]

9. President Biden.

[DemocraticPatriot]

11. Who was the "gentleman" seated to the left ?

Must have been a Q-publican, since he never stood up, as far as I saw