1939 New York World’s Fair Souvenir Inkwell

Description of the Inkwell

• Design and Motif: This nautical-themed inkwell is cast in the form of an anchor intertwined with a lifebuoy (or life ring) and a stylized rope. The ring of the lifebuoy serves as the central frame for the ink reservoir.
• The Lid: The octagonal, hinged metal lid features a circular celluloid medallion protected by a domed cover. The image is a colorized view of the Fair Administration Building, depicting it with flags flying, manicured lawns, and the iconic streamlined architecture of the era. The text on the medallion reads: “NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR 1939 THE FAIR ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.”
• Materials: The body is made of white metal with nickel plating. It features a removable, clear faceted glass inkwell with an octagonal rim that fits snugly into the metal base.
• Markings: Metal Base: The underside is stamped “MADE IN FRANCE”
  • Glass Inkwell: The bottom of the glass reservoir is embossed with “ORPEAR PARIS” (or a very similar French glass-maker mark) and the number “17”.

Historical Context

The Fair Administration Building

The building depicted on this inkwell was the very first structure completed on the Flushing Meadows site in April 1937. It served as the nerve center for the New York World’s Fair Corporation, housing the offices of the fair’s president, Grover Whalen. Its inclusion on souvenirs was significant because it represented the “birth” of the Fair and the administrative triumph of transforming a former ash dump (the “Valley of Ashes” from The Great Gatsby) into the “World of Tomorrow.”

The French Connection

While the building shown is American, the inkwell itself was manufactured in France. This was a common practice for high-quality souvenirs of the 1939 Fair.

• The French Exhibit: France was the first nation to officially sign on to participate in the 1939 Fair. The French Pavilion was one of the most lavish and popular attractions, featuring “Five Centuries of French Art” and high-end luxury goods.
• Souvenir Production: French manufacturers, particularly those in Paris, were world-renowned for “bijouterie” (small decorative metalwork) and desk accessories. Many “official” or premium souvenirs for the 1939 Fair were commissioned from European craftsmen to be sold in the fair’s various zones – most likely the Marine Transportation Zone (given the anchor motif) or the specialized gift shops within the International Zone.

The Nautical Theme

The anchor motif likely refers to the Marine Transportation area of the fair, which featured exhibits on ocean liners and naval technology. During this era, travel by sea (specifically the “French Line” or Compagnie Générale Transatlantique) was the height of luxury, making nautical desk sets a popular choice for sophisticated fairgoers.

Summary

This is a relatively rare and high-quality souvenir. Most 1939 Fair items were mass-produced in the U.S. from cheaper materials like wood or thin pressed tin. The fact that this is a French-imported piece with a specific glass inkwell from a Paris maker places it in the higher tier of 1939 Fair memorabilia.