Derby All British Cobalt Blue Ink Bottle

This cobalt blue glass ink bottle is sometimes referred to by collectors as a “tepee” or “pyramid” style due to its distinct triangular silhouette.

Description

• Form: The bottle features a wide, stable triangular base that tapers sharply up to a cylindrical neck. A raised horizontal rib or “shoulder” encircles the middle of the body, adding structural reinforcement and a decorative element.
• Color: A deep, rich cobalt blue. This color was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as it protected the ink from light degradation while looking elegant on a desk.
• Condition: The mouth shows a sheared or ground lip that appears somewhat rough or chipped, which is common in utilitarian bottles of this era that weren’t finished with a formal applied top. This “sheared” or “burst” lip (the rough edge at the top) indicates it was a utilitarian “penny” ink bottle, intended to be sold cheaply and stopped with a simple cork.
• Embossing: The base is boldly embossed with:

DERBY ALL BRITISH

Age and Attribution

Based on the manufacturing style and the “All British” slogan, this bottle likely dates to the early 20th century (c. 1900–1920).

The “All British” marking became particularly prominent during and shortly after World War I. During this time, there was a significant patriotic push in the UK to promote domestic manufacturing and discourage the purchase of imported (specifically German) goods.

The Derby Ink Company

Information on the specific “Derby” brand is a bit niche, but here is what the historical record suggests:

• Manufacturer: These bottles are associated with the Derby Ink Company, which operated out of Derby, England.
• Product Line: They produced a variety of writing fluids, including standard blue-black ink and specialized “marking” inks.
• Marketing: The company leaned heavily into the “British Made” identity. You will often find their larger master ink bottles (the ones used to refill smaller desk bottles like this) with similar embossing or elaborate paper labels featuring the “Derby” name.
• Rarity: While clear and aqua “tepee” bottles are very common, finding them in a deep cobalt blue with specific brand embossing like “Derby” makes this a more desirable piece for ink bottle enthusiasts.