Amethyst Pressed Glass Inkwell

The glass is a striking example of pressed amethyst glass, likely dating to the late 19th century (c. 1880–1900). This deep, “black purple” hue was a favorite of the Victorian era, often appearing black until held up to a strong light source.

Description

This inkwell features a heavy, square “swirled cube” body. The exterior is defined by deep, diagonal ribs, terminating at a scalloped shoulder.

• The Lid: A matching lift-off cover (not hinged) continues the swirled motif, resembling a stylized flower or rosette when viewed from above.
• The Interior: The top of the well has a wide, circular mouth designed to hold the ink.
• The Base: You can clearly see the “straw marks” or cooling lines and tiny air bubbles (seeds) inherent in late-Victorian pressed glass.

Origin and Manufacturer

While many companies produced “swirl” patterns, the specific combination of the heavy diagonal ribs and the beaded top edge is characteristic of several prominent American and British glasshouses of the 1880s.

• Possible Maker: A strong candidate for this specific mold is George Duncan & Sons (Pittsburgh, PA) or the U.S. Glass Company (which absorbed Duncan). They produced many heavy, geometric “Novelty” inkwells in the late 1800s.
• Alternative: It could also be British in origin, specifically from the Sowerby or Davidson glassworks, which were famous for their high-quality pressed colored glass in “Amethyst” and “Saphire.”

Historical Context

• Age: Circa 1885.
• Material: Manganese-tinted glass. Over time, the manganese used to clarify the glass reacts with UV light, deepening the purple “amethyst” color.
• Rarity: Large, colored glass inkwells with their original matching lids are increasingly difficult to find, as the unattached lids were frequently dropped and shattered.

Summary Table