Inkwells and Inkstands

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This page last updated on 8/25/08


Vintage Inkwells
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Pencil Sharpeners Spindles Blotters



Corning Cat

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




Looking for pen trays and other pen storage items?
We carry pen cases, cabinets, and 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





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.
 
W591 $55 Inkwell - W591
Dome shaped pressed Glass Inkwell - very fine grid pressing on base on inkwell, black hard rubber lid lifts in and out. Base measures 3 in dia and inkwell is 2 in tall. Very good condition showing just some light wear around the pen hole in the hard rubber lid.
 
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
 
W664 $85
Inkwell - W664
Sengbusch Model 51 Inkwell - This clear pressed glass Sengbusch inkwell made in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is one of the cleanest we've had in some time. Shiny crisp black bakelite cap with bright red center inset around the pen hold. Pressed diamond pattern on base. Measures 3 in dia and is 3 inches in height. Original cork inside lid is not stained, the entire inkwell and self closing unit inside appears to have never been used. Excellent-plus condition!
 
W665 $90
Inkwell Set - W665
Three piece set includes Inkstand, Memo Holder and Pen Tray with Calendar Holder. Very beautiful set with deeply embossed detail on all pieces. Note Greek marking in the photo. Made of a white metal with mythical creatures on each piece. Inkstand measures 6 inches square at base, height is 2 inches. Hinged lid covers a small metal inkwell insert. The inkwell was re-soldered to the stand at one point in time and is now securely in place as it should be. Pen tray has a perpetual calendar holder at center back. Tray measures 8 x 2 inches at widest points, height including calendar holder is 2 inches. Note that the calendar sheets are no longer there, but I expect a creative person could make a new set of months. The memo pad holder, sadly, needs some attention. The top cover needs to be re-hinged. The bottom of the memo holder has been re-soldered to the frame and it appears that the bottom piece is most likely not original - it is a much thinner metal than the frame. Measures 3 3/8 x 5 5/8 inches. No dings or dents, a very elegant look.

Inkwell 665
 
W668 $100
Inkwell Set - W668
Art Metal Five Piece Desk Set includes inkwell, rocker blotter, pen tray, perpetual calendar and letter opener. Deep multi-hued brown finish, the simple design is stamped into the metal. Inkwell has hinged lid and clear glass inkwell insert, measures 3 in sq and 2.25 in tall. Rocker blotter face is 2.25 x 4 in and height is 2 in. Brass rocker pops out to easily change blotting paper. Pen Tray is 8 x 2.5 in - note green corrosion spot! Letter opener has quite the fancy blade and measures 9 inches long. There are also several small areas of corrosion on the letter opener. Perpetual Calendar has a brass easel on back to stand it up, measures 3 in sq. The inkwell, calendar and rocker blotter are all in very nice condition and the prize pieces in this set! Unfortunately the finish is damaged as noted above on the pen tray and letter opener.
 
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!
 
W670 $45
Inkwell Set - W670
Sengbusch Model No. 51 Self Closing Inkstand - Clear pressed glass with starburst pattern in base with No. 51 embossed in center of star. Black hard rubber lid is marked: Sengbusch Self-Closing Inkstand Co. Made in USA Milwaukee, WIS Pat Apr 21, 03 - Aug 23, 04 - Jan 15, 07. Measures 3 in diameter and is 3 inches tall. Black hard rubber lid shows some oxidation and raised imprint is not as crisp as it once was. This is a fairly early version of the No. 51 with hard rubber lid and early patents listed.
 
W676 $250
Inkwell - W676
Victorian Cast Iron Ink Stand - Pressed glass inkwell with cast iron set on lid. Pen rack behind the inkwell holds 3 dip pens. Base measures 4.5 inches square, height at rear from bottom of base to top of the pen rack is 5 1/8 inches. There is some corrosion on the inside of the lid, but all other metal finishes are in great condition, as is the glass inkwell. Quite elegant on a Victorian era desk!
 
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.
 
New
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.
 
New
W685
$85
Inkwell - W685
Clear Glass Inkwell - Crystal clear glass inkwell with hinged lid, beveled shoulder on inkwell. Faceted edges on hinged lid. Polished brass bezel and hinge. Deep well can accommodate most fountain pen nibs. Base measures 2 in square, height is 2.75 inches. Excellent condition.
 
New
W687
$55
Inkwell - W687
Clear Inkwell with embossed brass lid - clear pressed glass inkwell has crosshatch pattern embossed on the bottom, beveled shoulders. Set on lid is of stamped brass with a pretty floral design on the top. Base measures 1.5 inches square, height is 2 1/8 inches. Excellent condition, no nicks or chips.
 
New
W688
$85
Inkwell - W688
Rosewood Traveling Inkwell - cylindrical wood case holds a clear glass bottle. Lid is threaded and screws down over the glass bottle. At the top of the lid is a small round “cushion” that seals the opening of the glass bottle. The seal, as is typical is not quite as cushiony as it once was, but it does still have some spring to it! Measures 1 1/16 inch diameter, height is 2 inches. Rosewood finish is in excellent condition and glass insert is intact.
 
New
W689
$75
Inkwell - W689
Swirl Inkwell with hinged Petal lid - a rather petite inkwell in the swirl pattern with petal patterned hinged lid. .Inkwell is six sided, base measures 1.5 inches at widest points. Brass bezel holds the hinged lid with petals radiating from a small round raised center button. Height of inkwell is 2.25 inches. Very good condition, no nicks or chips.
 
New
W690
$45
Inkwell - W690
School Desk Inkwell in Wood Holder - Set into this nice dark wood block is a school desk styled inkwell with self filling funnel inside. I’ll guess that the wood block was hand made by someone to hold this inkwell. It was very nicely done and is finished beautifully, not amateurish at all. Base measures 2.75 inches square, height is 2 inches. Very good condition.
 
New
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.
 
New
W693
$60
Inkwell - W693
Sengbusch Crystal Inkwell - Large and very heavy Sengbusch inkwell with hard rubber collar lid and self closing insert inside, beveled edges on shoulder and each corner of inkwell. Measures 3 inches square at base, height is 3 inches. Black hard rubber lid and collar are oxidized to dark brown. The lid is embossed: Sengbusch Self Closing Inkstand Co Milwaukee Wis Made in USA Pat April 2. 03 Aug 23. 04 Jan 15. 07. There is one tiny nick to top face of one corner, otherwise very good.
 
New
W694
$75
Inkwell - W694
Crystal Inkwell with polished brass hinged lid - clear crystal is beveled on all edges. Polished brass hinged lid. Measures 1.75 inches square at base, height is 2.25 inches. Simple, but elegant. There is a small ding to the top of the brass lid as you can see in the photo. Other than this blip to the lid, very good condition and no chips or nicks to the crystal.




Desk Top Accessories

Desk Top Accessories

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


MM332
Letter Opener - MM332
Vintage French Letter Opener - Silverplate handle marked Le Carbone with beautiful engraving on both sides. Celluloid letter opener blade. Measures 5.5 inches long. Very good condition.
Letter Opener - MM331
$50
MM343
Desk Organizer - MM343
Tin Desk Organizer - This is a quite old tin desk organizer. I'll venture a guess that is was once painted, probably with some sort of pretty motif along the back panel. I've seen similar before and all have been painted. Regardless, this one is NOT painted and is as I found it (except cleaner now!) and I'm not going to be the one to make the decision as to whether to paint it or not! The organizer measures 12 inches across the front, 8.5 inches deep and 8 inches tall at highest point in back. Across the entire front is a deep groove for pens. There are two removable tin inkwells on the right side. A hinged door lifts on the left side to access storage space below. There is one little bend in the metal on the right hand upright near the back. Hinges on lid are very solid, no dents - it's actually in great condition except for the missing painted finish!
$50
MM357
MM357
Letter Opener, styling looks to be from the 1960s to me, bright steel finish with a handle wrapped in brown, faux-gold tooled leatherette. Fairly large size at 8.75 inches long. Very good condition.
$10


Scratch Knife Erasers

Scratch Knife Erasers, also referred to as Ink Erasers, were used in days before erasers as we know them now were invented. Instead of rubbing off your inky mistakes on paper or parchment, one would use a scratch knife eraser to scrape off mistakes. Handle materials ranged from basic woods to elaborate sterling silver with just about anything else suitable in between. Blades were made by many of the major cutlers primarily in England and the United States.

Sorry, none available at this time



Paperweights and Moisteners


Hand Blown Glass Paperweights
Made in Arkansas!

Each paperweight is unique with subtle variances in design and size. Base is ground glass.

Limited supplies are available!

PW-009 $10
Arkansas Paperweights - PW009

Arkansas Paperweight, clear blown glass with lemon yellow and white swirly flower. We have several of this color available, slight variances in design and size, please allow us to select for you.






Moisteners

MM297
Sengbusch Moistener - MM297
Sengbusch Ping Pong Ball Moistener

From the makers of the Self Closing Inkstand and other creative items, we have a Ping Pong Ball Moistener! I'm sure it had a better name than this, but is only marked Sengbusch, Pat Applied For and Made in USA. Black plastic container holds water in the base, the ping pong ball rotates to pick up water and you can moisten your stamps and envelopes. Measures 3.5 inches diameter and is 2 inches tall. When I stop and think about it, this probably prevented many a spill on a secretary's desk in days gone by. Most of the moisteners were the open style porcelain with the wheel, this one is much more spill proof. Excellent condition.

OF NOTE: A reader has told us that she thought this "ping pong ball" moistener very likely held glycerin instead of water. About 20 years ago (1980s), working in a bank she would run her fingers across the little ball to apply a thin film of glycerin to her fingertips to provide "grip" when counting money. Effective, but sometimes messy when refilling the container.

$40


Vintage Pencil Sharpeners


These days mechanical pencils seem to be the pencils of choice! Fewer and fewer people seem to use those wonderful old yellow No. 2 pencils that you need a pencil sharpener for! My favorite pencils are still the ones you have to use a pencil sharpener with.

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 - MM353
Sterling Products No. 502 pocket pencil sharpener, ca. 1950s? Translucent ribbed amber pocket pencil sharpener with riveted blade. Later blades were screwed on for easy replacement. Measures 1 inch by 0.75 inches. Marked on back No. 502-PAT'D 145,197 Made in USA and "SP" for Sterling Products in a circle. Shows the slightest of wear along the edges, overall very good. Usually these get tossed!
MM353 Sterling Products Pocket Pencil Sharpener $5



Desk Spindles

Desk spindles add a nice touch to your vintage desk and are great for keeping all those notes you've written with your favorite fountain pen in one place.

Sorry, none available at this time





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@aol.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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