Dog – Hound’s Head Inkstand

Two examples are pictured. The first one is made of painted cast iron and is unmarked. The second example is made of plated white metal and is marked “JB 347”,

1. Breed of Dog

The breed depicted is a Bloodhound. While often confused with a Basset Hound due to the long, pendulous ears and wrinkled brow, the head structure is definitively that of a Bloodhound. Specifically, look at the prominent “peak” (occiput) on the top of the skull and the narrow, noble proportions of the head—traits characteristic of the Bloodhound. In catalogs from this era, it was frequently marketed simply as a “Hound Head” or “Bloodhound” inkwell.

2. About Jennings Brothers (JB)

Founded in 1890/1891 in Bridgeport, CT, Jennings Brothers (marked with the “JB” logo) was one of the premier American manufacturers of art metalware during the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau periods.

• Quality: Unlike many mass-produced items of the time, JB employed skilled artists and sculptors to create their molds. Their finishes were considered superior and more durable than those of their competitors.
• Markings: The “JB 347” mark on the bottom is their specific pattern/catalog number. While individual JB catalogs from the 1890s are rare, this number sequence (3-digit and 4-digit) was used to identify their wide range of desk sets, bookends, and clocks.
• Dates: This specific model likely dates from approximately 1895 to 1915. The oak leaf and acorn motif on the base was a popular theme for “Hunt” or “Nature” style desk accessories during this era.