Octagonal “Umbrella” Ink Bottle – Golden Amber

Overview

This specimen is a nice example of a mid-19th-century octagonal umbrella ink, so named for its distinctive eight-sided sloping form that mimics the canopy of an umbrella. In terms of typology, this bottle aligns closely in both silhouette and physical dimensions with the Covill #169 classification, a benchmark for collectors of early American inkwells.

Manufacturing and Technical Details

Produced during the transitional era of American glassmaking (c. 1850–1860s), the bottle exhibits several diagnostic manufacturing characteristics:

• The Finish (Top): The bottle features an applied shear top. After being “sheared” from the blowpipe, the mouth was refired and slightly rolled. This process resulted in a lip that is characteristically “out of round,” a common trait in hand-finished glass of this period.
• The Body: The eight sides are smooth pressed with generally clean lines. The pressing is of good quality, though it displays the slight organic asymmetry typical of mold-blown glass, appearing lightly out of shape.
• The Base: The base is deeply concave and features a distinct basal seam. A notable diagnostic feature is the presence of three embossed dots, which are unevenly spaced across the bottom.

Color and Optical Characteristics

The glass is a rich Golden Amber with pronounced brown undertones. Over its century-and-a-half existence, the glass has developed a significant level of patination. This surface transformation includes:

• Subtle spotting and internal cloudiness.
• A striking iridescent sheen (often referred to as “benign glass sickness” or “rainbowing”), which occurs when the glass minerals react with the environment over time, creating a pearlescent luster.

Provenance

• Origin: While many glassworks produced this form, this specific color and style are frequently attributed to the glasshouses of Stoddard, New Hampshire. It is considered a quintessential piece of New England origin.

Condition Summary

The bottle remains in a well-preserved state that honors its history. The pressing remains crisp despite being slightly out of shape from the original cooling process. Evidence of age is present through a small chip on one corner of the base and the aforementioned heavy surface patination, which serves as a visual hallmark of its authenticity and age.