W. E. Bonney Barrel Ink Bottle

Two Examples:

#1 – Aqua colored barrel-shaped ink bottle with an open pontil scar on the bottom and a crude rolled lip. The bottle has a blank oval panel on the front for a label, which would have been for the W.E. Bonney Ink Co.

#2 – This barrel-shaped inkwell comes from the William E. Bonney Ink Company of South Hanover, Massachusetts. It is aqua in color, has a rolled lip, and an open pontil scared base. It is embossed W.E. BONNEY.

From page 147 of William E. Covill Jr.’s Ink Bottles and Inkwells: William E. Bonney of South Hanover, Mass. Was the largest user of these barrel ink bottles. He started to manufacture ink at this location in 1865. Several of the small size barrels have been found with a pontil which proves he used this barrel shape during his early years. Their use continued for many years, probably until the end of the 19^th century. The ink was sold in four sizes of barrel bottles, up to and including one quart. The bottles were no doubt made by a glasshouse in South Jersey, the glass being very clear and brilliant. The Bonney factory was closed in 1910 according to local sources of information.