Vintage Large Square Cut Glass Inkwell with Faceted Ball StopperPierced Metal Floral Gallery on Scroll Feet, Attributed 19th Century,12 cm

In the age of the dip pen, a writer’s greatest fear was knocking over the inkwell. Glassmakers answered by making inkwells as heavy, squat blocks of thick glass that were almost impossible to tip. The thick walls had another advantage: you could see at a glance how much ink was left. Grooves cut into the top gave a place to rest a wet pen without staining the desk.

This large inkwell follows that sensible design. It is a heavy square block of clear glass with a deep well at the centre, and channels cut into the top surface along each side for resting pens. A brass collar circles the opening and holds a tall glass stopper finished with a large faceted ball. The ball is cut with many small flat faces that catch and break up the light. The block sits in a pierced metal gallery, a decorative low frame worked with garlands of flowers and ribbons, standing on four scrolled feet.

The inkwell is in good condition, with no cracks or chips to the glass. The stopper fits well, but it may not be the original, so it should be regarded as a matching later addition. There are faint traces of old ink residue on the glass. It makes a striking centrepiece for a writing desk, and it can still be filled for use with a dip pen.

In short, this is a vintage large square cut glass inkwell with a faceted ball stopper, in a pierced metal floral gallery on scroll feet, attributed to the nineteenth century. It is 12 cm tall with the stopper, and exactly as pictured.

DETAILS

Size: Base 8.5 × 8.5 cm (3.3 × 3.3 in); height 12 cm (4.7 in) with stopper. About the height of a large coffee mug.
Material: Clear cut glass; brass collar; patinated metal gallery
Style-Period: Classic desk style; vintage, attributed to the nineteenth century
Shipping: Professionally packed, fully insured, worldwide. We handle the paperwork, with all import duties paid by us; nothing to settle on delivery.
Condition: Good; no cracks or chips to the glass; faint traces of old ink residue; stopper fits well but may be a later replacement.
Returns: Accepted within 30 days.

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A decorative style is not a guarantee of a particular maker or date. See the individual listing for the stated attribution and period.

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