Cincinnati Iron and Steel Company (CISCO)

This double inkwell, made of metal with a brass finish, holds two glass inserts covered with hinged lids. Prominently displayed on the front is a shield bordered in red with embossed text: “ THE CIN’TI IRON & STEEL CO, CINCINNATI U.S.A. CISCO”.

The Cincinnati Iron and Steel Company (CISCO) was a significant industrial entity based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

• Establishment and Operations: CISCO was a major distributor and fabricator of iron and steel products. They dealt in a wide range of materials, including plates, bars, structural steel, and more specialized products. Their “CISCO” branding was a well-known identifier.
• Location: Their primary location was in Cincinnati, Ohio, a major industrial hub in the Midwest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, benefiting from river transportation and railway networks.
• Role in Industry: Companies like CISCO were crucial suppliers for the burgeoning construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries of the era. They would have supplied steel for buildings, bridges, machinery, and various other infrastructure projects.
• Advertising and Brand Recognition: This inkwell was a tangible advertisement for CISCO, placed on the desks of clients, potential clients, partners, or even executives within the company itself. Every time someone used or saw the inkwell, they would be reminded of “CISCO” and its products.