Diamond Ink Advertising Display Inkwell

This piece is a countertop advertising display inkwell from the Diamond Ink Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is not just a desk accessory; it was designed as a “point-of-sale” display piece to sit on the counter of a stationery store or a post office to promote their brand.

Detailed Description

• Shape & Form: This is a heavy, pressed glass inkwell in a distinct rhombus (diamond) footprint. Unlike common square or round inkwells, this piece mimics the literal “Diamond” brand logo.
• Dimensions & Weight: At nearly 8 inches long and weighing 4 pounds, its mass served two purposes: it made it nearly impossible to tip over in a busy public setting, and it acted as a functional paperweight for store ledgers.
• Embossing: The phrase “DIAMOND INKS” is embossed in a bold, sans-serif font across all four vertical faces. On two of the larger sides, the text is framed within an embossed diamond border, further reinforcing the brand identity.
• Closure: The top features a wide neck with a black, circular lid (an early hard rubber composition).

The Diamond Ink Company History

The Diamond Ink Co. was one of the most prominent American ink manufacturers of the late 19th century.

• Founded: Established in 1875 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• The Ritz Era: In 1886, August Nicholas Ritz became the owner and manager. Under his leadership, the company became famous for its innovations in packaging. They are credited with being the first company to market a square ink bottle, which was a revolutionary change from the round bottles that were prone to rolling off desks.
• Innovation: The company was known for “Diamond French Copying Ink,” which was widely used by railroads and banks because it was formulated to remain moist long enough to be transferred to tissue paper in a copying press.
• The End of the Line: The company operated successfully until 1930, when it was purchased by the T.C. Esser Paint Co., another Milwaukee-based firm.

Age and Rarity

• Estimated Date: Based on the manufacturing style and the height of the company’s advertising efforts, this piece likely dates from circa 1890 to 1910.
• Advertising Value: Because these were manufactured for stores rather than for individual sale, they are significantly rarer than the standard 2 oz. or 4 oz. Diamond Ink bottles found in old privies or bottle digs.

The Store Setting: A “Counter-Top Ambassador”

This inkwell was what collectors call a “dealer aid” or a “dealer premium.” Around 1900, Diamond Inks provided these large, heavy display pieces to high-volume stationery stores, post offices, and general stores.

• Placement: It didn’t sit on a shelf for sale; it sat on top of the counter, often near the ledger book or the postmaster’s window.
• The “Tester” Role: These were functional. They were filled with “Diamond Writing Fluid” so customers could try the ink with a dip pen before buying a small bottle. Its massive 4-pound weight meant it wouldn’t slide around or tip over when a customer dipped their pen.
• Brand Ecosystem: In a typical 1900s general store, this inkwell would have been the centerpiece of a larger Diamond Inks display. The company produced oak and glass display cabinets (about 3–4 feet tall) with “Diamond Inks” etched into the glass or embossed on tin panels. This inkwell would likely sit right on top of this cabinet.