Glass Inkwell with Dog

A desk accessory featuring a cast spelter figure of a terrier standing next to an inkwell. The well is a heavy, beveled clear glass cube held in a metal strap frame, fitted with a hinged metal collar and a domed glass “bullseye” lid.

Date: c. 1890–1915  Origin: Likely American or Austrian.

• The American Case: The specific style of the inkwell—a heavy, beveled glass cube with a “bullseye” or lens-shaped glass lid—was a common form produced by American office supply manufacturers during this period.
• The Austrian Case: The figural dog is cast in spelter. Austria (specifically Vienna) was the world center for “cold painted” metal animal figures. It is possible this is an American glass well fitted with an imported novelty figure, or an American casting inspired by the European style.

Detailed Description

• The Figure: A charming cast metal figure of a dog, appearing to be a Terrier or Spaniel mix with floppy ears and a shaggy coat.
  • Pose: The dog is in a standing pose next to the inkwell.
  • Material: The metal is Spelter (a zinc alloy) or “white metal.”
  • Decoration: There are traces of original red paint visible on the dog’s collar area, suggesting the figure was originally “cold painted” (painted with unfired enamels), which was a popular technique for novelty items of this era.
• The Inkwell:
  • Form: A heavy cube of clear glass with deeply beveled (chamfered) corners.
  • Lid: The hinged lid features a thick, domed glass insert (often called a “lens” or “bullseye”) set into a metal ring.
  • Reservoir: The interior glass is molded into a conical shape to concentrate the ink at the bottom for the pen nib.
• The Mount:
  • The glass cube is held in a simple, utilitarian metal strap frame with a “cross” brace on the underside. The dog is riveted or soldered onto this frame.