Barometric Glass Crown Inkwell

Two examples of a Myer Phineas inkwell are shown here: one with a patent date of 1862 and one with a revised patent from 1869. Both are topped with a crown type reservoir. The points of the crown shape could hold two pens. The inkwell has a concave curved front with a font opening to access the ink. Made using a snap case, there remains a polished pontil.

The inkwell showing “Pat’d 19 August 1862” has a small glass lid to cover the dipping font. “MYER PHINEAS AIRTIGHT INKSTAND” is marked with raised letters on the top. The second example shows in raised letters: “MYER PHINEAS, PATENT, RENEWED, AUG. 18.1869”.

Myer Phineas was born about 1814 in either Poland or Russia, and was one of the most successful, at least measured by longevity, pen makers in America up to that point. He made pens for 20 years in a wide variety, with several patents to his name, and prestigious customers like the War Department and the United States Senate.

Myer Phineas was not only a businessman, but also a manufacturer and an inventor. He was able to develop a rather large line of pens and pen holders in addition to this popular inkwell.