Cut Glass Inkwell – Wilcox Silver Mounting

This inkwell’s combination of heavy cut glass and sterling silver suggests it was a high-end item for its time.

Item Description

This is a monogrammed cut glass inkwell featuring a squat, globular body. The glass is intricately worked with inverted beveled ribs (deep vertical miter cuts) that provide a prismatic effect. Each rib is meticulously outlined by tiny, raised projections, often referred to in glass cutting as “zipper” or “serrated” edge detailing.

The base features a deeply cut starburst (or hobstar) pattern, which was a hallmark of high-quality American Brilliant Period glass, designed to catch the light from below.

Manufacturer: Wilcox Silver Plate Co.

The “X16” and Wilcox Markings

The stamp “WS X16” is a production code used by the Wilcox Silver Plate Co. of Meriden, Connecticut.

• WS: This is the standard factory mark for Wilcox. While they were primarily famous for silverplate, they produced a significant line of Sterling Silver holloware (like this inkwell collar and lid), which is why this is stamped “Sterling.”
• X16 Pattern Number: In the catalogs of the International Silver Company (which acquired Wilcox in 1898), pattern numbers were used to identify specific shapes and designs.
  • The “X” prefix was often used to denote “Specialty” or “Sterling” lines within their production.
  • “16” refers to the specific design of the silver mount—likely the exact dimensions and the beaded edge detailing on the hinged lid.
• Monogram: The “JGM” initials are engraved in a classic Victorian/Edwardian script. This was typically done at the point of sale or by a jeweler, making it a personalized luxury gift.

When and Where was it Made?

• Date: Circa 1890–1910.
• Location: Meriden, Connecticut, USA (known as “Silver City”).
• Manufacturer: The silver was made by Wilcox Silver Plate Co.

The Glass: Rare In-House Production

While many silver companies “outsourced” their glass from other factories (like Libbey or Hawkes), Wilcox is unique because they established their own dedicated cut glass department in 1885. This department operated for only about 25 years, closing around 1910.

• Pattern Details: This inkwell features “inverted beveled ribs” and “zipper” cuts (the tiny raised projections). These required intense hand-labor on a stone wheel.
• The Base: The deeply cut starburst on the bottom is a hallmark of high-end American Brilliant glass, designed to catch and reflect light upward through the ink.