Art Nouveau Cast Brass Inkstand

This Art Nouveau inkstand captures the fluidity of the Art Nouveau style. Made of cast brass with swirling patterns adorning its surface, the inkstand’s smooth, undulating curves create a sense of movement.

This inkstand is pictured in Rivera’s book Inkstands and Inkwells, (published 1973) on page 156, photograph 118, and is described as “Art Nouveau style made of heavy cast brass.” Some examples of this inkstand that I’ve seen had no maker’s mark.  One example was marked on the underside “The Artisan Metal Mfg. Co. New Castle, Pa.” This example was monogrammed and the year 1909 inscribed in the front (pictured).

I’ve seen three examples of this inkstand marked “American Car & Ship Hardware Mfg. Co. New Castle, Pa.” (pictured). This company was established in 1901 by George W. Johnson in New Castle, Pa., primarily manufacturing brass and bronze fittings for trains and ships. Around 1910, the company shifted its production line and began making bronze bushings and bearings for automobiles, farm equipment, and trains. In January 1916, the company, employing 350 workers filling two 10-hour shifts, changed its name to the Johnson Bronze Company.

For a complete history of the American Car & Ship Hardware Mfg. Co. follow this link: Johnson Bronze Company – New Castle PA | Lawrence County Memoirs (lcmemoirs.com)

Making inkwells must have been a “side” business. They also manufactured letter clips and pocketknives – examples are pictured. The Johnson Bronze Company continued to make consumer goods (bookends, ashtrays, novelties, candle holders) but I could find no record of any inkwells made by The Johnson Bronze Company.