Inkipedia
“The Sweesy”
| Categories | Glass - Non-figural |
| Material | Glass, Rubber |
| Markings | See narrative |
| Manufacturer | W L Mason & Co |
| Origin | United States |
| Date or Era | Circa 1890 |
| Measuring | 2 ⅞” x 2 ¼” x 2 ¾” high |
| Patent | Patent No. 418,544 – Patented Dec. 31, 1889, and Patent No. 451,741 - Patented May 5, 1891 |
Named “The Sweesy”, after its inventor, Thaddeus Sweesy of Bradford, PA, this inkwell also bears on its cap the manufacturer’s name of W. L. Mason & Co. of Keene, NH. This clear glass inkwell, square cut with beveled edges, has a round hard rubber cap with the words:
“THE SWEESY PAT. DEC. 31, 89 MAY 5, 91. / W. L. MASON + CO. KEENE, N.H., U.S.A.”
The patents involve an elastic air-tight cover for inkwells with a cone or funnel entry which would prevent evaporation or dust contamination of the ink, as well as having the ink delivered to the pen in just the quantity desired.
Listed in the Keene NH directories as importers of French steel pens, W. L. Mason & Co. probably sold “Sweesy” inkwells to accompany and help advertise their main sales item.
Three examples pictured.
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