LONG MAY IT WAVE
LONG MAY IT WAVE |
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The collecting of ink bottles and inkwells is an interesting hobby which brings to light a past which has been largely forgotten. Many of the early glass factories in this country made ink bottles and inkwells. These were usually small in size because ink was expensive. In many cases ink was prepared by apothecaries either in liquid or dry powder form. After the ballpoint pen became common in about 1930 the need for ink was greatly reduced One of the best sources of information about ink bottles and inkwells is a book by William E. Covill, Jr. entitled: "Ink Bottles and Inkwells" copyright in 1971 and published by William S. Sullwold, Taunton, MA. Five thousand copies were printed in the first and only edition. It is no longer in print but may be occasionally obtained on the secondary market. It is extremely sought after by ink bottle collectors. Whenever I refer to an ink I will, if possible, give the reference to this book by the letter "C" followed by the illustration number. Other good reference books are: 'Early American Bottles and Flasks" by Stephen Van Rensselaer - 1926 "Old Inks" by Lavinia Nelson and Martha Hurley-1967 "Walter's Inkwells of 1885" by Leo G. Walter Jr.-1968 "Inkstands and Inkwells" by Betty and Ted Rivera-1973 "Digger Odell's Official Antique Bottle and Glass Collector Magazine Price Guide" by John Odell (Volumes 4 and 11) 1995 and 1998 "Collectors Guide To Inkwells" by Veldon Badders (Books I and II)-1995 and 1998 "Inks" by Ed & Lucy Faulkner (Faulkner Publications-Tel: 804-739-2951) -New Book-2005. The book "Old Inks" is available in reproduction form. Walter's Inkwells of 1885" Book I, is available in hardcover and paperback editions. The 1926 edition of "Early American Bottles and Flasks" and its 1969 revision (limited to 1000 copies) are both out of print. |
TEAKETTLE INKS AND DOMED, OFFSET NECK INK |
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(ebb) In this group you will see two teakettle inks and, in the center, a domed, with offset neck ink bottle. The teakettle on the left (C-1237) is vaseline crackle-glass. The one on the right is in bright green. The bottle in the center (C-647) is sapphire blue. The teakettles were made during the last three-quarters of the nineteenth century. They were basically made in England, France and the United States. They are highly collectable. The domed ink is scarce in this color.
(Photo courtesy of Showcase Antique Center, Sturbridge, MA.). |
FOUNTAIN INK AND TAPER STAND |
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An interesting fact about teakettle inkwells has come to my attention. Gabriel Riddle of Southwark, Surrey, England , on June 18, 1840, registered a design for a "Fountain Ink and Taper Stand". This was submitted under the Design Copyright Act of 1839. This fountain or teakettle inkwell is similar in shape to one shown in William Covill's book (C-1280) but with some definite differences.The Riddle design was for a glass fountain inkstand with a bottle fixed into the top. This would contain wax tapers with an inflammable composition. There was a cap or cover consisting of an indented rough part surmounted by a small knob with a socket on top. A taper would be removed and lighted by scratching on the covers rough area. When lit it would be placed into the socket in the top of the cover. It has been suggested that this arrangement aided the letter writiing process. Lighting in the early 19th century left much to be desired. It would be of interest if any reader possesed or had knowledge of this most unusual teakettle ink. |
COTTAGE INK BOTTLE |
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(ebb) This bottle (C-683) is milk-glass. It is embossed on the roof: S.I.COMP. This stands for the Senate Ink Company. This is an eagerly sought after bottle which is scarce. There is a similar bottle in aqua glass (C-681). This bottle also comes in clear glass. There is one example in medium amber. These bottles are blown in the mold with applied lip. None have a pontil mark. A few are known with original labels (C-682) which would increase the value.
(Photo courtesy of Showcase Antique Center, Sturbridge, MA.). |
SAPPHIRE BLUE PONTILED DRAPE PATTERN CONE INK |
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| (ebb) This bottle, (C-27) is rare. In addition to this one there are three others known. Two of those were dug with one having a broken neck. There is a similar one, (C-28) which is larger. This type of ink bottle was very practical because it could not tip over easily. Cone inks were used for about one hundred years beginning in the early 1800.s |
BLOWN THREE-MOLD INKWELL |
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(ebb) This type of inkwell (similar to C-1177), also known as a geometric inkwell, was made early in the 19th century. It was made mostly in regular bottle glass colors of amber, olive-amber and olive-green. Clear and artificial colors are generally rare.
These inkwells have been found in twenty-four distinct patterns. In New England many were made in Keene, N.H. and Coventry, CT. as well as some in clear and choice colors by the Sandwich Glass Company. The majority that are found today are in the patterns: GII-2; GII-15; GII-16; GII-18 and: GIII-29. It is to be noted that the glass houses of Stoddard, N.H. never made this type of glass. |
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| (ebb)A decorated milk glass inkwell (C-1421) embossed inside the stern, "PAT'D AUG. 9, 1870". It has a white metal cap embossed with an anchor and rope. Colors may vary. It was made by the New England Glass Company. This inkwell also comes in undecorated milk glass and in clear glass. |
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| (ebb) A black cast iron chair with glass inkwell (iron cover). These types of inkwells are not easily found in complete original condition. |
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| (ebb) A large stoneware inkwell with the initials GWR. These initials stand for the Great Western Railway. It is English. |
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| (ebb) Four 'igloo' ink bottles (C-647, 633,637.647). These are scarce to rare with the colored ones being desirable. The second from the left is embossed: J M & S. The second from the right has twelve panels on the dome. |
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| (ebb) Two ribbed fountain-type inks. The one on the left (similar to C-1334) is clear but has no pontil. The one on the right (similar to C-1339) is aqua and has no pontil. |
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