Benedict Inkwell – Athenic Pattern

This inkstand is an example of early 20th-century American desk ware, manufactured by the Benedict Manufacturing Company of Syracuse, New York. It features a glass inkwell set into a decorative metal base from the company’s popular “Athenic” line.

• Glass Inkwell: The inkwell itself is made of clear, heavy glass. The base of the glass is decorated with a geometric, grid-like “waffle” pattern.
• Metal Base: The glass inkwell rests on a metal base with a bronze finish. The base has a curved, raised lip in the front that serves as a functional pen rest. The bottom of the metal base is impressed with the model number “1455”, which is the catalog number for this inkwell model.
• Lid and “Athenic” Pattern: The lid, which is hinged to the glass inkwell, is topped with a distinct decorative relief. This design is part of the company’s “Athenic” pattern, and it features a detailed bust of a classical Greek woman wearing a helmet – likely Athena. This design was part of a popular line that drew inspiration from classical antiquity.

The “Athenic” Pattern

The “Athenic” pattern was a popular and widely produced product line by the Benedict Manufacturing Company. It was part of a broader trend in early 20th-century American decorative arts to create items with a sense of classical elegance and historical gravitas. The pattern was applied to a variety of desk accessories beyond just this inkwell, including letter holders, blotter corners, and paperweights. The use of a bronze finish and classical motifs like the female bust gave the “Athenic” pieces a sophisticated aesthetic that was sought after for office and home use.