Cornflower Blue Umbrella Ink Bottle

This is a striking example of a mid-to-late 19th-century umbrella ink bottle, characterized by its classic eight-sided pyramidal form and a deep, vibrant dark cornflower blue hue. This specific shade is rare for this bottle type, which is more commonly found in shades of aqua or amber.

Form and Construction

• Shape: The bottle features the iconic “umbrella” silhouette with eight distinct panels that taper from a wide, octagonal base toward a narrow neck.
• Lip/Finish: It possesses a tooled lip, indicating it was finished with a hand tool rather than being purely mold-blown, a hallmark of 19th-century glassmaking.
• Base: The base is smooth, lacking a pontil scar, which suggests a manufacture date typically ranging from the 1860s through the 1880s.
• Dimensions: It stands at a compact and well-proportioned 2 ¾ inches tall.

Glass Character and Color

The glass itself is rich with period character, containing numerous seed bubbles and slight undulations that capture and refract light beautifully. The color is a saturated, “electric” cornflower blue that maintains excellent transparency. The exterior surfaces remain sparkling, retaining much of the original glass luster.

Condition Report

• Exterior: The bottle is in remarkable condition for an item that may have been “dug.” Seven of the eight panels are pristine, while one panel shows a trace of light, barely perceptible wear and faint scratching.
• Lip: There is one tiny, flat, and shallow chip located on the top of the lip. It is minor and does not detract significantly from the bottle’s display profile.
• Interior: There is a light overall haze remaining on the interior, a common trait for bottles of this age, which provides an authentic “as-found” character without the over-polished look of a tumbled piece.
• Structural Integrity: The bottle is sound with no cracks or significant bruising.

This is a high-quality collector’s piece, particularly desirable for its rare coloration and the crispness of its octagonal geometry.