Inkipedia
1839 Paris Médaille D’Argent Pump Inkstand – Two Fonts
| Categories | Mechanical - Pump / Siphon |
| Type | Pump |
| Material | Bronze, Porcelain |
| Markings | See Narrative |
| Manufacturer | Boquet |
| Origin | France |
| Date or Era | circa 1860 |
| Measuring | 6” diameter; 5 ½” high |
Louis Honoré Boquet was an innovator with pump style inkwells, perfecting a system in which a plunger, when a knob is turned, makes the ink flow into the exterior font. “Médaille D’Argent 1839”, which is stamped into the turning knob, touts an award from the “Societé d’encouragement pour l’Industrie” (Association for encouragement of industry).
This example of a Boquet pump-style inkstand is made of bronze and white porcelain with two pen holders. A distinguishing feature of this inkstand is that it has two lateral fonts. It may have been used on a partners desk. The knob is marked “Medaille D’Argent 1839” in the center and “Encrier Pompe Bouquet Brevet” around the edge.
To see how a pump inkwell works, check out this video:
Estimated value: $150
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