Inkipedia
Bouquet Pump Style Inkstand
| Categories | Mechanical - Pump / Siphon |
| Type | Pump |
| Material | Bronze, Porcelain |
| Markings | See Narrative |
| Manufacturer | Boquet |
| Origin | France |
| Date or Era | circa 1840 |
Louis Honoré Boquet was an innovator with pump style inkwells, perfecting a system in which a plunger, when a knob is turned, makes the ink flow into the exterior font. “Médaille D’Argent 1839”, which is stamped into the turning knob, touts an award from the “Societé d’encouragement pour l’Industrie” (Association for encouragement of industry).
This example of a Boquet pump-style inkstand is made of bronze and porcelain. The porcelain body is painted dark green with gold accents. Notice the exterior font (missing its cover) in the shape of a lion’s head. The knob is marked “Medaille D’Argent 1839” in the center and “Encrier Pompe Bouquet Brevete” around the edge. The inkwell rests in a gilded bronze shell-shaped base. On either side of the central pump are pen holes with serpent figures entwined around them.
To see how a pump inkwell works, check out this video:
(1) French pump inkwell – YouTube
Sold for $250 in April 2024
Content disclaimer. The information posted is the owner’s best knowledge and may not have been vetted by the SOIC. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, working to make our website information comprehensive and accurate.
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