Baden & Foss Lobed Glass Inkwell

The Inkwell’s Design and Manufacturer

This is a crystal glass inkwell with a hinged sterling silver lid, marked “B & F” for Baden & Foss Inc., a New York City-based company active from the 1940s to the 1970s. The glass body of the inkwell features a classic design with rounded projections on the sides of the glass body, giving it a fluted or scalloped shape.

On the bottom of the glass, the cut pattern is a starburst . This motif, also known as a hobstar, is a type of decorative cut-glass pattern that was popular from the late 19th century through the early 20th century. It consists of a series of miter cuts (V-shaped grooves) that radiate out from a central point, creating a brilliant, star-like effect that catches and refracts light.

The Sterling Lid and Its Golden Hue

The lid, despite being marked “sterling” and made of sterling silver (92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper), appears golden. This is because it has a gold wash, also known as vermeil. This is a technique where a layer of gold is electroplated onto a sterling silver base. This finish provides the luxurious appearance of gold at a much lower cost.

Estimated Age

Considering the history of Baden & Foss Inc., the inkwell can be estimated to have been manufactured in the mid-20th century, most likely between the 1940s and 1950s. This period saw a demand for elegant, yet functional, desk accessories, and the combination of cut crystal and gold-washed sterling silver was a popular and high-end choice.