1850s Aqua Cone Ink Bottle

Overview: This small, conical ink bottle embodies the charm of early American glassmaking. Likely produced in a glasshouse catering to everyday writing needs, it reflects both the haste and artistry of hand-blown utility ware from the 1850s.

Key Features:

• Color: A luminous aqua hue, typical of iron-rich sand used in mid-19th century glass production. The tint varies slightly with light, adding depth to its visual appeal.
• Shape: Classic cone form—wide base tapering to a narrow neck—designed for stability on a writing desk and ease of dipping a quill.
• Lip: The crude rolled lip is uneven and thick, formed by reheating and manually rolling the glass rim. It shows tool marks and asymmetry, emphasizing its handmade origin.
• Neck: Offset and irregular, the neck leans slightly off-center—a charming flaw that speaks to the spontaneity of hand-blown work.
• Surface: Whittled texture throughout, with ripples and undulations caused by uneven cooling and tooling.
• Pontil Scar: A prominent open pontil mark on the base—rough and unpolished—where the pontil rod was snapped off. This is a hallmark of pre-machine glass and confirms its hand-blown nature.

Historical Context:

• Date: Circa 1850s, possibly made in a New England or Mid-Atlantic glasshouse.
• Use: Intended for ink storage, likely sold cheaply and used in homes, schools, or offices.
• Manufacturing Technique: Free-blown or mold-assisted with pontil finishing—prior to the widespread adoption of pressed or automatic bottle-making.