“Double Pen Rest” Office Inkwell

Date: c. 1900–1920

Origin: American. This heavy, utilitarian style of pressed glass was produced by major glass manufacturers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia (such as U.S. Glass Co. or Fostoria) specifically for the booming office supply market.

Detailed Description

• Form: A heavy, rectangular block of clear pressed glass. The weight is functional, designed to prevent the inkwell from sliding around on a desk while dipping a pen.
• Features: The defining feature of this design is the double pen ledge (or pen rest). There is a deep, molded channel running along both the left and right sides of the central ink pot. This allowed the user to rest a dip pen on one side.
• Lid: It features a simple, hinged brass cap attached to a brass collar cemented onto the glass neck.
• Base: The underside features a large, polished concave recess (or “ground” bottom). This technique was used to ensure the inkwell sat flat on a desk without wobbling, as pressed glass molds sometimes left uneven bottoms.

Summary:

Object: Pressed Glass “Double Groove” Office Inkwell. Date: c. 1900–1920. Origin: USA. Description: A heavy, clear glass block inkwell featuring molded pen troughs on either side of the central reservoir. Fitted with a hinged brass collar and lid.