Amber Glass Inkwell

This faceted amber glass inkwell dates to the late 19th or early 20th century (circa 1880–1910). Its distinctive “diamond” or rhomboid shape suggests it was designed as a “stand-alone” desk piece.

Description

The inkwell is crafted from heavy, thick-walled glass with a rich, warm honey-amber hue.

• Form: Rather than a standard square, the body is a rhomboid/diamond shape with clipped or faceted corners. This geometry, combined with the deeply faceted “jewel-cut” lid, was specifically designed to refract light, making the inkwell appear like a large gemstone on the desk.
• Fittings: The collar and hinge are made of nickel-plated brass. The collar features a “milled” or beaded edge.

How the Amber Color Was Achieved

The deep amber color in antique glass was typically achieved through a chemical process involving iron, sulfur, and carbon.

• The Chemistry: These elements were added to the molten “batch” of glass. When melted under “reducing” conditions (where oxygen is limited in the furnace), the sulfur and iron react to form a chromophore that imparts the characteristic amber/brown color.
• Variations: Depending on the concentration and the length of the “cook,” the color could range from a pale honey yellow to a dark, almost black, chocolate brown. This piece falls into the desirable “Golden Amber” range.

Additional Insights

• Stability: These heavy glass inkwells were often marketed as “tip-proof.” Because fountain pens were not yet the norm, a writer needed a heavy base that wouldn’t slide or flip when a dip pen was repeatedly inserted.
• Design Choice: The choice of a diamond shape over a square was often a way for manufacturers to differentiate their “premium” lines from the standard utilitarian office wells found in post offices or counting houses.