vintage inkwell

[Highlander]

One of my favorite desk accessories. Does anyone have any ideas on when and who made this? I have owned it for 25 years or so, and never seen another like it.

Thanks,

 

[Highlander]

Another view showing the groves for pens. Someone told me they thought this was an old Bank Inkwell.

 

[scotrace]

I don't know squat about inkwells. But that design probably means something or is linked to some larger item. The foot of the Eiffel Tower, or an Olympis event, something. Is it stamped or marked anywhere?

It's a fantastic piece.

 

[DeaconKC]

That is a beauty. I would ask over at www.fountainpennetwork.com to see if anyone there can ID it.

 

[dhermann1]

Ignorant uneducated guess: maybe 1880 to 1920.

 

[Highlander]

as I recall, the only marking was like 1888 right under the hinge on the cap. But no company or trademarks etc.

 

[Subvet642]

Ignorant uneducated guess: maybe 1880 to 1920.

I'd have to agree; late Victorian or early Edwardian (1888 could be a trademark date, or some such). The grooves and hinged lid suggest use with dip pens. I don't think it was for institutional use as it is too pretty and would need to be secured against theft, and I don't see anything to suggest that. At any rate, it is a beautiful piece. I would recommend Sam at Pendemonium.com for further I. D..

 

[John in Covina]

Hit the books.

It's a beauty, looks like a neat business or on the desk of a corporate officer type of ink well.

There are some books on this stuff too, check the Libary, used book stores, ebay and amazon:

The Write Stuff: A Collector's Guide to Inkwells, Fountain Pens, and Desk Accessories

Collector's Guide to Inkwells, Book I: Identification & Values

Collector's Guide to Inkwells, Book II: Identification & Values

The Collector's World of Inkwells, Jean & Franklin Hunting, Schiffer Publishing Ltd ISBN 0764311026

McGraw's Book of Antique Inkwells Volume 1, Vincent D McGraw, published privately 1972

Edwardian Shopping 1898-1913 selection facsimile, Army & Navy Stores, David & Charles ISBN 0715370685

Pens & Writing Equipment, Jim Marshall, Miller's ISBN 184000066X
English Silver Hallmarks, Judith Bannister, W Foulsham & Co Ltd ISBN 0572011814

Handbook of Pottery & Porcelain Marks, J P Cushion, Faber & Faber Ltd ISBN 0571049222

Walter's Inkwells of 1885 Book 1, Leo G Walter, published privately 1968

Inkbottles & Inkwells, William E Covill Jnr, William S Sullwold 1971

Inkstands & Inkwells A Collector's Guide, Betty & Ted Rivera, Crown Publishers Inc,ISBN 0517504197

Inkwells Identification & Values Book 1,Veldon Badders, Schroeder Publishing Inc, ISBN 0891456392

Inkwells Identification & Values Book II, Veldon Badders, Schroeder Publishing Inc, ISBN 1574320203

Western Writing Implements, Michael Finlay, Plains Books ISBN 1872477003

Writing Antiques, George Mell, Shire Publications Ltd ISBN 0852635192

Writing Implements & Accessories, Joyce Irene Whalley, David & Charles ISBN 0715369032

Yesterday's Shopping 1907 facsimile, Army & Navy Stores, David & Charles ISBN 071534692X

The Story of Writing, Donald Jackson, Studio Vista ISBN 0289709857

The Enormous File - A Social History of the Office, Alan Delgado, John Murray ISBN 071953612X

Doulton Ink Wares, Colin Roberts, BEE Publications ISBN 0952054701
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inkwell"

 

[Highlander]

John, thanks for the reference matterial. I love the inkwell. I've always wondered about it, maybe I'll find it.

Thanks,

Steve