Inkwells and Inkstands

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This page last updated on 2/3/10


Vintage Inkwells Desk Top Items




Vintage Inkwells

W486 $50 W.L. Mason and Co. Inkwell - W486
W.L. Mason and Co inkwell, marked Keene NH USA, clear pressed glass inkwell with black hard rubber collar and self filling funnel inside. Sadly the interior funnel collar as broken away from the funnel, although still intact inside the mouth of inkwell. Base measures 3.25 diameter and is 2.75 inches tall. Roughly bell shaped.
 
W507 $125 Swiv-o-Dex Inkwell
Swiv-o-Dex Inkwell, early model in burgundy bakelite with ribbed black glass inkwell. Base measures 5.25 deep and is 4 inches across at widest point. Height is 4 inches with inkwell in upright position. Inkwell swivels in all directions. Imprint inside the "cup" that holds inkwell reads: Zephyr American Corp Swivodex Trade Mark Pat Pending New York, NY. Very good condition.
 
W563 $100 Victor 95 Inkwell - W563
Victor No. 95 Inkwell - Clear pressed glass with cross hatch on bottom, black bakelite sliding lid with red bakelite circle indicating it was originally for red ink. Measures 3 x 3 7/8 inches and is 1.5 inches tall. Beveled edges. One rough spot on rear right corner - you can't see it, but you can feel it when you rub your finger over it. Hard to find these bakelite inkwell covers intact and this inkwell is in very good condition.
 
W617 $75
Inkwell - W617

Davis Automatic Inkstand, black hard rubber top piece and automatic inkstand in the clear glass inkwell. Inkwell is dome shape and measures 3 in diameter at base and 3 inches tall. The lid is embossed: Davis Automatic Inkstand, New York, Made in USA, Pat Dec 23, 1913, October 18, 1914, April 20, 1926. Excellent condition and color of black hard rubber just may be the best we've seen on a Davis.
 
W624 $160
Inkwell - W624
Paragon No. 548 double inkstand with unusual bakelite lids. Heavy clear pressed glass with 3 stepped pen grooves across front and center rear section for clips, nibs and things. Dark red lid on left, black lid on left for red and black inks. Unlike most inkwells of similar design, these lids do not slide forward or backward for dipping your pen, they are set into a recessed area. In the center of the lid is a small circular swing open hinged "trap door" that when pushed just slightly, it separates to allow you to dip your pen. The trap door on the red inkwell lid is missing. Base measures 8.25 in across, 5.25 in deep and is 1.25 inches at highest point in rear. There is a light flake to glass about center of rear of the small nib/clip compartment.

Overall very good and first time we've seen this unusual lid configuration.

 
W629 $95
Inkwell - W629
Cast Bronze Inkstand - Cecho-Slovakia Mark ca. late 1920s. This stately bronze inkstand with hinged lid measures 6.5 x 6 inches at base and is 3.25 inches at highest point in rear. White porcelain inkwell insert appears to be original and has one small chip on rim. Stamped on base: Cecho-Slovakia. There are use marks to top surface on inkstand and the hinged lid as seen in the photo. I've lightly polished the stand, but am hesitant to do much more for fear of ruining the nice finish!
 
W631 $150
Inkwell - W631
Sengbusch Partners Inkstand No. 351, clear pressed glass dual sided inkstand with double inkwells. This style of inkstand was designed to be placed in the center of a large desk and used by two people, one on either side. Each side has triple pen grooves across the front. There is a compartment in center between the inkwells for clips and nibs and doo-dads. Inkwells are self filling style - note that one inkwell is missing it's self closing mechanism/unit inside. Inkwell lids are hard rubber - black ink lid is showing some spotty oxidation. The red inkwell lid is almost totally oxidized to brown, but has an inlaid bright red ring in the top - most unusual. Base measures 8 x 8.5 inches. There is a small chip on the inner edge of hole for one inkwell. Also a chip on one corner. Normally, I steer clear of Sengbusch inkwells and inkstands with chips to the glass, but this one is unusual enough - very few double partners inkstands found, plus the red inlaid lid. These features make it a good find for the Sengbusch collector!
 
W640 $300
Inkwell - W640
Tatum's Revolving Inkstand - Double clear glass Snail inkwells in cast iron stand. Cast iron stand is very ornate with 3 pen rests across the top. Tatum's Revolving is embossed in the base.
Inkwell - W640
The snail inkwells are clear and embossed Tatum Cinti. One inkwell is in perfect condition. The second inkwell has a repaired crack in it, it holds water, but isn't the best crack repair I've ever seen! Base measures 5.25 wide x 3.75 inches deep and height is 3.75 inches. Finish to the stand appears to be original, showing some hints of verdigris which I have not removed. Aside from the repaired crack in the snail, overall condition is very good.
Inkwell - W640
 
W669 $85
Inkwell Set - W669
Sengbusch Model No, 51 Self Closing Inkstand with original box - Clear pressed glass with starburst pattern in base with No. 51 embossed in center of star. Black bakelite lid is marked: Sengbusch USA. Measures 3 in diameter and is 3 inches tall. Inkwell appears unused and is in excellent condition. The box shows shop wear on edges and the lid is intact but fragile!
 
W678 $40
Inkwell - W678

Inkwell - W678
Swanwell Inkwell - domed clear glass inkwell with black bakelite lid. Lid is marked Swanwell Pasadena Pat. Pend around the outer edge. Measures 2 3/8 in diameter at base and is 3 inches tall. Very good condition.
 

W684
$75
Inkwell - W683
Vintage seashell inkwell - yes, it is a real shell! A small circle was cut out of the top and a white glass inkwell insert is inset. The small circle that was removed is attached to a chain and is the inkwell lid. Black swivel pen holder off to the side (sorry, no pen for this one). These were once sold as souvenir inkwells and I have seen some with beach names and resorts printed on the shell, no names on this shell inkwell. Measures about 3 x 1.75 at widest base points and height is 1.5 inches. Very good condition.
 
W692 $75
Inkwell - W692
Sengbusch No. 55 Domed Self Closing Inkstand - Made by Sengbusch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Clear domed glass holds the black hard rubber filling mechanism inside. Black hard rubber lid is embossed: Sengbusch Self Closing Inkstand Co Milwaukee Wis Made in USA Pat April 2. 03 Aug 23. 04 Jan 15. 07. Measures 3 inches diameter at bass, height is 3 inches. Very good condition.
 
W709 $60
Inkwell - W709
Victor clear pressed glass inkwell, crosshatch pattern is pressed into base of inkwell. The perfect black hard rubber lid is embossed Victor. It slides from side to side to expose the inkwell and dipping hole. Measures 3 inches square, height is 1.75 inches. There is just a slight rough spot on the right rear corner, one of those you have to rub your finger across to feel. Overall very nice condition.
 
W723 $400
Inkwell - W723
Cast Iron Victorian Double Inkstand - ca. 1890s Ornate openwork frame has an open slot across the back for letters, three pen grooves across the top of the inkstand. Matching pressed glass inkwells have contoured corners and are correct for this stand, they fit in two depressions across the front. Set on lids have pressed cross hatch pattern. Base measures 8.5 x 4 5/8 inches, height is 5.5 inches at rear of inkstand. Very good condition.
 
W724 $40
Inkwell - W724
Morriset Pen-Ink Unit Model B made by the Bert M Morris Co in Los Angeles, California. Very dark hunter green base and top cap. Base is roughly triangular in shape with curved back edge, measures 3 x 4 inches at widest points. Height is 3.25 inches. Glass ink container inside is missing. The dark green Morriset is not often found and an unusual color. Very good condition.
 
W737VT $150
Inkwell - W737

Liberty Bell Inkstand, ca. late 1900s, cast iron, figural Liberty Bell opens at top to reveal white porcelain inkwell original inkwell insert. Pen rest across front of inkstand. Front f the Liberty Bell is embossed: Independence Bell Proclaim 1776 Liberty. Base is marked: Made by Enterprise Mfg Co Philadelphia. Base measures 6 x 5.25 inches, height is 4.5 inches. Original black painted finish is well worn otherwise very good condition.
 
W738VT $45
Inkwell - W738

Morriset Pen-Ink Unit Inkwell - Deep Green mottled plastic, includes incorrect older clear glass bottle inside, no pen. Very good condition and unusual color.
 
W741VT $25
Inkwell - W741

Morriset Pen-Ink Unit Inkwell - Pinkish-Tan mottled with some dark brown veining, includes correct Morriset clear glass bottle inside but bottle lid missing, no pen. Several scratches in top of lid, otherwise very good condition. Unusual color.
 
W743VT $25
Inkwell - W743

Morriset Pen-Ink Unit Inkwell - Ivory plastic, includes correct Morriset clear glass bottle inside but bottle lid missing, no pen. Light staining around pen hole, and some light surface wear that shows up well on this light color!
 
W744VT $40
Inkwell - W744

Morriset Pen-Ink Unit Inkwell - Medium green with lighter green mottled plastic, includes correct Morriset clear glass bottle inside, but the bottle lid has been replaced with a blue plastic Clorox Bleach lid altered with a hole (it works!), no pen. Rare color. Very good condition.
 
W745VT $35
Inkwell - W745

Morriset Pen-Ink Unit Inkwell - Medium and dark brown mottled plastic, no bottle inside, no pen. Unusual color. Very Good condition.
 
W746VT $35
Inkwell - W746

Morriset Pen-Ink Unit Inkwell, Custom Imprint on lid for Beechcraft, shiny bronze/gold unusual colored plastic, no bottle inside, no pen. Very unusual color, perhaps custom for Beechcraft? Very good condition.
 
W753VT $75
Inkwell - W753

K & Company Brass Inkwell, Hinged lid with clear glass inkwell insert below. Top of lid, top and sides of inkwell are delicately engraved with a house on the front panel, trees and birds on other panels. Measures 3 inches square and 2.25 inches tall. Marked with K & Co symbol on bottom. Very good condition.
 
W754VT $175
Inkwell - W755

Cast Brass Inkwell, ca. 1900, Neo-Japanese Style, hinged lid with clear glass inkwell insert below. Most of the pressed design is a floral leaf pattern, but there are also two birds on the stand - one in each of the front corners; duck (or other waterfowl) on the left and a hen on the right. The inkwell lid is topped with a beautiful figural butterfly. Measures 7.75 x 5.25 at widest points of base, height is 3.5 inches. Marked 01 on underside, but no maker's mark. Very good condition.
 
W757VT $80
Inkwell - W757

K and Company Bright Copper finished Inkwell, hinged lid with clear glass inkwell insert below, raised ball feet. Measures 3 inches square at base, height is 2.75 inches. Marked with K & Co symbol on bottom. Very good condition.
 
W759VT $150
Inkwell - W759

Figural Horse Head Inkwell, polished brass finish, lifting the ear to the right opens the hinged lid to reveal the clear glass inkwell insert below - nicely finished work on this lid, if you didn't know this was an inkwell, you might miss that there is a lid at all! Measures 5 x 4.5 at widest points. Marked Patent 35060 underside of base. Very nice detailing throughout. Very good condition.
 
W760VT $125
Inkwell - W760

Copper Inkstand - The artistic work on this inkwell is not signed, but it should have been, it's quite unusual. Embossed into the tray are pretty flowers (they remind me of pansies) with waves of leaves and stems. The pansies repeat on the hinged lid of the inkwell and on the sides they are interspersed with 3 beautiful owls, each with wings spread. The base measures 12.5 inches across the front and is 5 inches deep. The inkwell has a very large clear glass insert inside, perfect for fountain pen filling, it is 1.75 inches deep. Height of the inkwell is 3 inches. Very good condition with a nice patina.
 
W762VT $75
Inkwell - W762

Swiv-o-dex inkwell, ca. 1940s, black glass base measures 4.25 inches diameter, black swivel inkwell with grey and black mottled collar. Swiv-o-dex inkwells were manufactured by the American Zephyr Corp and were very popular during WWII. No chips or nicks and in very good condition.
 
W764VT $75
Inkwell - W764

Swiv-o-dex inkwell, ca. 1940s, white glass base measures 4.25 inches diameter, white swivel inkwell with bright red collar. Swiv-o-dex inkwells were manufactured by the American Zephyr Corp and were very popular during WWII. No chips or nicks and in very good condition.
 
W766VT $85
Inkwell - W766

Swiv-o-dex inkwell, ca. 1940s, black glass base measures 4.25 inches square, black swivel inkwell with solid grey collar, this color combination, while not bright and exciting is quite unusual. Swiv-o-dex inkwells were manufactured by the American Zephyr Corp and were very popular during WWII. No chips or nicks and in very good condition.
 
W768 $400
Inkwell - W768

Good Luck Horseshoes Victorian Double Snail Inkstand - This is without a doubt one of the more unusual Victorian snail inkstands I've come across over the years. Totally themed for the horse lover with amazing detail. And in amazing condition, too which is not the norm! Base measures 8 x 3.5 inches, height is 4.5 inches. No dents, no dings, the clear glass snails are not cracked. This Good Luck Inkstand is in excellent condition.
 
W770-VT $30
Inkwell

Sengbusch Art Deco styled ivory colored opaque glass inkwell, Single pen hole in front, domed lid removes and this should have a clear bottle to feed ink to the pen hole, but the bottle is missing in this one. Base measures 4 7/8 x 3.25 inches, height is 3.25 inches. Very good condition.
 
W772-VT $150
Inkwell

Britannia Inkstand, England, ca. early 1900s - Large grey finished metal inkwell with a large clear glass inkwell below hinged lid. Four quill holes surround the inkwell insert. Clear marks on the bottom read: Britannia Trade Mark Philip Ashberry & Sons Sheffield 4 1/2 59 Measures 7.5 inches diameter at base. 3.5 inches diameter at top of inkwell and 5 inches in height. There are a few light scratches on bottom of base and a small bend at rim of inkwell at top, left center area, otherwise it is in superb condition.
 
W774-VT $35
Inkwell

Carter’s Stylewriter Desk Set, ca. 1940s, Art Deco styling, Ivory and Black, no ink bottle, no pen. Horseshoe shaped base is 5x4 inches at widest points. Height is 3.75 inches. Uses inverted Carter's cube style bottle to feed ink to pen point. There are some light ink stains at edge between lid and inkwell, otherwise very good condition
 
W776-VT $30
Inkwell

Madison Inkwell Desk Set, ca. late 1940s-early 1950s, New old stock Madison Inkwell Desk Set made by the Preferred Products Co. in Toledo, Ohio. Styron (Dow plastic) desk set in deep aqua, the black lid unscrews and you can refill the clear glass inkwell below. Single pen groove across the front of base. Measures 3.5 x 4.75 inches. The original Madison label is on bottom of the base. Desk set is in excellent condition.
 
W777-VT $30
Inkwell

Madison Inkwell Desk Set, ca. late 1940s-early 1950s, New old stock Madison Inkwell Desk Set made by the Preferred Products Co. in Toledo, Ohio. Styron (Dow plastic) desk set in bright yellow, the black lid unscrews and you can refill the clear glass inkwell below. Single pen groove across the front of base. Measures 3.5 x 4.75 inches. The original Madison label is on bottom of the base. Desk set is in excellent condition.
 
W778-VT $25
Inkwell

Madison Inkwell Desk Set, ca. late 1940s-early 1950s, Madison Inkwell Desk Set made by the Preferred Products Co. in Toledo, Ohio. Styron (Dow plastic) desk set in army green, the black lid unscrews and you can refill the clear glass inkwell below. Single pen groove across the front of base. Measures 3.5 x 4.75 inches. About half of the original Madison label is on bottom of the base. Desk set is in very good condition.
 
W782-VT $75
Inkwell

Spil-Pruf Desk Set Inkwell - This is a nifty inkwell set in brown bakelite with some light orange swirls on the front curved surface. The embossed knob at back unscrews and you can refill the reservoir inside, ink feeds to the pen hole. The small drawer pulls out from bottom front edge and the original label is still inside the drawer. The label is ink stained but still readable: "Spil-Pruf" Desk Set Caution - Follow Instructions. Remove cap and fill reservoir to white marker with any standard grade writing ink Do not exceed the level of white marker inside back wall. Material and workmanship guaranteed for 90 days. Patent No, D-146.656 Made in USA. I looked inside and no white marker anywhere! Base measures 2 7/8 x 3.5 inches, height is 2.5 inches. It's in very nice condition, has been used and there is the ink stained label, but no cracks or other damage.
 
W783 $75
Inkwell

Porcelain Pounce Pot - This pounce pot, also sometimes referred to as a "sander" was recently made in England. You might not guess that it is not an antique, very high quality and attention to detail on this excellent hand made reproduction. The glazed white circular shaped porcelain pounce pot has beautiful blue and lavendar flowers on the sides and a hand formed delicate little flower bud in the center of the shaker area. Measures 2.25 in diameter, 2.25 in tall. Not mass produced, but made by an individual with a love of early writing equipment.
 
W784-VT $40
Inkwell

Sengbusch Self Closing Inkstand, cylindrical clear pressed glass with black bakelite lid, complete inner assembly. Measures 2.75 inches diameter and 2.5 inches tall. Top is embossed: Sengbusch Self Closing Inkstand Co. Made in USA Milwaukee Wis Pat Apr 21, 03 Aug 23, 04 Jan 15, 07 Sept 1, 15 (They made sure to get ALL those patent dates included!). There are several light nicks to the top of the inkwell where the lid screws on, you don’t see them and they don’t affect function, but they’re there. Otherwise very good condition.
 
W785-VT $165
Inkwell

Japanese Inkstand and Rocker Blotter Set - Black lacquer finish with hand painted metallic gold cherry blossom design. Base measures 6.25 x 4.25 inches and has a triple pen rest across the front. Inkwell in center is clear pressed glass with lift off lid to match the inkstand. Height is 9 inches. Matching rocker blotter face measures 5.25 x 2.75 inches and is 2.75 inches tall. Blotter knob easily unscrews to separate blotter face from rocker and add new blotting paper when needed. A most unusual inkstand and in very good condition.
 
W786-VT $400
Inkwell

French Pump Inkstand, ca. 1850s - White porcelain inkstand with brass pen rack and pump cover. Measures 5.25 inches diameter and is 5 inches tall. Ornate pen rack across back holds three dip pens. Top of pump is marked: Encrier Bouquet Inventeur BTH Paris Medaille D’Argent 1839. Pump inkwells have a rather complex filling system, the one on this particular inkstand is intact, meaning it is all there, but will require repairs in order to work. Since not too many people use these elaborate inkstands, we have not had it repaired. This pump inkstand is in very good condition and they are indeed quite rare.
 
W787-VT $150
Inkwell

Figural Deer cast brass inkstand - Three footed base holds a detailed bed of forest for this reclining deer. Soapstone inkwell with hinged brass lid sits behind and above the deer, single pen rest behind the inkwell. Overall measurements roughly 7 x 7 inches, height is 5 inches to top of inkwell. Soapstone (so very soft a stone!) shows light wear on edges which is typical. The brass base appears to have been repainted in a to approximate gilding. Not a bad job, but not original finish. Very nice condition.
 
W788-VT $90
Inkwell

Figural Horse and Tree Stump Inkwell - Painted metal finish has a soft sheen and is very well done. Inset into the tree stump is a small white plastic inkwell insert, no lid, nor does there seem to have ever been one. Measures approximately 2 x 3 inches at the base (outside area of tree stump and horses legs), height is 2.75 inches. Very good condition.
 
W789-VT $100
Inkwell

Deer Foot Inkwell - American, ca. 1910-1920, deer foot has been inserted with a brass inkwell insert and matte black finish collar and hinged lid. The inkwell insert and lid are actually removable and have been slid down into the foot. Very good condition.
 
W790-VT $25
Inkwell

Sengbusch Handi-Pen Inkwell Deskset, shiny black plastic in a sort of half-egg shape. Silver metallic art deco design on front face. Measures 4.5 x 3 inches at widest points. Designed to include a Sengbusch Handi-Pen (similar to the Esterbrook DipLess), unfortunately the pen is missing from this set. Many vintage dip pens, however will fit nicely. Original Sengbusch label on backside of inkwell. US and Canadian patents embossed on bottom of base. Very good condition.
 
W791-VT $25
Inkwell

Inkwell

Morris Art Deco Desk Set Inkwell - Black, roughly triangular in shape with nice art deco detailing. Measures 3 x 4 inches at widest points. Original Bert Morris Los Angeles label on the cork bottom. This would have originally held a Morrisette fountain pen, but it has gone missing and we've filled in the pen hold with an older red wood dip pen instead. Installed a new old stock antique dip pen nib: Eugene Adcock, Somerville, Mass No. 455 - it's a slightly flexible fine point in a bright nickel finish. Desk set in excellent condition, dip pen shows a little wear to the paint at point end.
 
W795-VT $110
Inkwell

Victor Double Inkstand in clear pressed glass with black bakelite sliding lids. Double pen rest across the front of the inkstand. Center depression between the two inkwells for clips, pins and nibs. Base measures 7.5 x 5.5 and height is 2 inches. Very good condition.
 
W797-VT $95
Inkwell

Sengbusch No, 51 Self Closing Inkstand - unused perfect condition in original box with instructions brochure. Pressed glass has a beautiful starburst pattern with No. 51 pressed into the base. Crisp black bakelite top. Even the box and instructions are in exceptional condition. Sengbusch inkwells were popular and well used, so it's nice to be able to offer one in pristine condition from head to toe.
 
W799-VT $60
Inkwell

Double Inkstand in white and grey veined marble - Two pressed glass cube inkwells with lift off lids, letter rack at rear of stand, pen rest at front of stand. Four chrome plated finials add a nice touch in each corner. Base measures 5.5 x 7 inches. Each inkwell is a 1.75 inch cube. There is a light stain around front right pen rest support and a small chip on the inner edge of one inkwell lid. Very good condition.
 
W801-VT $100
Inkwell

Davis Automatic Inkstand in clear Early American Patterned Glass with hard rubber lid and self filling mechanism. Edge of lid is marked: The Davis Automatic Inkstand Pat Mar 19th Oct 22nd '89 Feb 14th '93 Jun 6th --- and then there is a chip at the edge of the lid --- New York. Also 1905 is marked about the edge markings. Base measures 2 3/8 inches dia, height is 3 inches. Aside from the small chip in lid edge noted above, excellent condition. Complete Davis Inkstands have become harder to find.
 
W803-VT $100
Inkwell

Terry Pen Filler Inkwell - Brown bakelite inkwell with black collar that is actually the top of the "filler". Terry Co. designed this inkwell in Janesville, Wisconsin to auto fill early fountain pens. In the center of the hole is a little flexible rubber piece that your pen nib would fit into and below that is a hard rubber self regulator to move the ink upwards and into the pen. This company wasn't around for long and I'm guessing that the auto fill feature wasn’t a huge selling point for most of the pen using population in the early 1900s. The inkwell measures 3 inches square, corners are contoured. Inside is a clear square glass bottle that is embossed on the bottom: Terry Pen Filler Co Janesville Wis USA Pat 1854814. The narrow bottom edges of the bakelite inkwell are also marked: with the same info as above. Excellent condition.
 
W805-VT $15
Inkwell

Sengbusch Self Closing Inkstand - Clear pressed glass. Black hard rubber lid has oxidized to brown, raised Sengbusch imprint is still very clear and readable with earliest patent date being 1903. Self closing filler unit inside is intact, seal inside lid is crumbling. Measures 2.5 inches diameter and is 2.75 inches tall. Perfect ones sell for about $50. This one is $15
 
W806-VT $30
Inkwell

Bradley & Hubbard Inkstand - Cast Brass Bradley & Hubbard marked inkstand is roughly oval in shape, large front section for pens and nibs, oval hinged inkwell lid has a beautiful art deco design. The finish on this inkstand is very well worn with corrosion on the edges, no inkwell insert beneath lid. Measures 8.5 x 4.25 at widest base points and is 2 5/8 inches tall. Correct Bradley & Hubbard mark on base. B&H made very high quality metal inkwell and desk accessories. Perfect example of this inkwell would sell for about $100. This one is $30
 
W808 $85
Inkwell

Swiv-o-Dex Inkwell, early model in burgundy bakelite with ribbed black glass inkwell. Base measures 5.25 deep and is 4 inches across at widest point. Height is 4 inches with inkwell in upright position. Inkwell swivels in all directions. Imprint inside the "cup" that holds inkwell reads: Zephyr American Corp Swivodex Trade Mark Pat Pending New York, NY. Ribbed glass center section is cloudy in about a 1.75 x 1.25 inch area. Otherwise in very good shape.
 
W809 $250
Inkwell

Ma and Pa Carter Inkwell Set - ca. 1914, made in Germany for the Carter Ink Co. Ma and Pa were a promotional item, adverts in the Saturday Evening Post encouraged you to fill in the coupon and send in your money for a Ma & Pa Carter inkwell set. Each one was hand painted, there were slight variances in each set. The back of each inkwell is embossed Carter INX. The bases are stamped Made in Germany and Pa has a date on the bottom as well: Jan 8, 1914. That makes this set of Ma and Pa about 95 years young! Each measures 2 inches diameter at base and height is 3 5/8 inches. This set of Ma and Pa have replacement corks, I’m sure the old ones must have just plum worn out after 9 decades! No chips or nicks, this set is in very good condition.
 
W813-VT $70
Inkwell

Cast Brass Inkstand - Highly polished brass finish, deeply cast floral sprays on opposite sides of the base and also at top corners of the hinged lid. Recessed tray across the front for pins and nibs. Measures 5.25 across front, 4 5/8 inches deep and 2 inches tall at highest rear edge. Shows a few specks of wear to the finish in the front tray, otherwise very good condition.
 
W814-VT $150
Inkwell

Cast Iron Inkstand with Indian motif. Lots of detail on this inkstand, you almost have to step back and study it a bit to soak it all in. The back piece design appears to be based on a gate or entryway - supports with engraved faces. Perhaps this open circle once held a loved one’s photograph? Raised center of base holds a faceted inkwell, lift off lid is black ebony wood with a small brass decoration at top center. Measures at widest points: 6.5 inches wide, 5 inches deep and 6.75 inches tall. Unusual and in very good condition.




Desk Top Items

Desk Top Accessories

In addition to inkwells, we sometimes have interesting desk accessories that are perfect for the pen aficionado's desk top.


New
MM412
organizer
Vintage Desk Organizer - ca. 1920s solid dark wood desk organizer has a slot across the back for holding stationery and envelopes (or whatever else you want to put there!), a single pen groove across the front edge for your favorite fountain pen and an empty vintage ink bottle with metal screw on lid and an old, aged label. The label reads: Paragon Jet Black Ink/An Ideal Writing Fluid/Cumberland Mfg Co/Nashville, Tenn. The bottle is permanently attached to the base of the organizer. Overall measurements: 8 in wide x 6 in deep x 4 5/8 inches tall. Very good condition.
$45



Pencil Sharpener - MM301
Streamlined pencil sharpener - grey metal, quite heavy and very well made. Clear celluloid receptacle is printed in a teal color with Tower logo. Wood knob on crank, one hole for sharpening. Measures 3.25 x 2 and is 4 inches tall. Shows quite a bit of wear, but still functions.
MM301 Tower Pencil Sharpener $25


Pencil Sharpener - MM324
Toy Pencil Sharpener - no maker name, but is marked Made in USA and Pat. Pending on the rear of sharpener. Bright red plastic, pull out drawer for shavings in front. It actually works! Measures 2.5 x 2 inches at base and is 2.5 inches tall. The lower right corner of the drawer front has been glued back on, otherwise very good and quite an unusual little sharpener!
MM324 Toy Pencil Sharpener $15


Pencil Sharpener - MM338
Boston Bulldog desk mount pencil sharpener has a bright yellow plastic receptacle, and office grey metal mount. Wood handle. Every part of this sharpener is in great condition except the chrome back edge of receptacle which is showing quite a bit of wear.
MM338 Boston Bulldog Yellow Pencil Sharpener $10


Pencil Sharpener - MM374
Sterling Model 561 bright red and light tan colored pencil sharpener in original packaging. Designed to be mounted on desk or wall. The spare cutter and mounting screws are still in the little compartment on the right of package. Looks to be ca. 1960s. Excellent condition.
MM374 Sterling Model 561 Red and Tan Pencil Sharpener $25


Pencil Sharpener - MM377
Pixie Yellow Pencil Sharpener - APSCO vintage desk mount pencil sharpener in bright yellow with an embossed Pixie on the front side - very cute. Electricity not needed, hand crank included! Showing a bit of wear on the metal parts, but overall very nice and the plastic is not cracked which is usually the problem with old sharpeners.
MM377 Pixie Yellow Pencil Sharpener $10



Looking for items to hold, store and display your pens? We carry an ever changing selection of vintage pen trays, pen stands and other unusual desk top holders for your pens on our Pen Storage page.
1880's Pen Stand



Corning Cat

Click the glass cat to view a short
photo gallery of glass inkwells at the
Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY.



The websites below are great sources for inkwell information

All's Well
This site is dedicated to inkwell and inkstand information. Terminology, patents, manufacturers, info on repros and more.

Waterfowl-Inkwells-Genealogy (eclectic site, I daresay!)
A lovely collection of mostly English inkwells, inkstands and desk accessories.



Looking for replacement inkwell inserts?
Richard Vacca of Rich-Beau-Tiques has a wide selection or porcelain and glass inserts available.
Email: rtvacca@gmail.com



Pump Inkwells Book
Pump Inkwells Book
Vintage Ink Bottles
Vintage Ink Bottles
Collectors World of Inkwells Book
Collectors World of Inkwells

Noodler's Ink



Society of Inkwell Collectors


Society of Inkwell Collectors


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