Doulton Lambeth Isobath De La Rue Inkwell

In his book ‘The Doulton Lambeth Wares’ (Hutchison, 1975), Desmond Eyles says of the Isobath “It is not known how many were made but they are seldom seen nowadays and are regarded as very unusual collector’s items.” (p167). This example is in pristine condition and complete with all parts including the internal black hard rubber mechanism.

From the antiques Mark Hill publication in the journal of the Society of the Inkwell Collectors, below are details of this unique piece:

“One remarkable period is the Victorian age, with its rise of industry and invention, and varied yet recognizable decorative styles. It was during this period that one of the most beguiling inkwells was manufactured – the ‘Isobath’, made for the De La Rue Company by Doulton in Lambeth, London. De La Rue are perhaps better known as manufacturers of the ‘Onoto’ range of fountain pens as well as printing many British banknotes, certificates, and cheque books.

You can easily imagine an Isobath on the heavy mahogany desk of a Victorian gentleman. The lidded ink chamber itself is large and has a small cylindrical dish protruding from the side for dipping the pen nib into.

But it is when you remove the lid that the technically minded can become interested. Half of the inkwell is blocked by a ‘floor’ of black hard rubber which moves when pushed on one side, revealing that it is a rotating hemisphere attached to a shallow ring that sits on an internal shelf. As the writer dipped his pen into the side well, the internal hemisphere moved slightly allowing the ink used from the side well to be replenished from the main reservoir. This intriguing system was designed by William Thomas Shaw and patented on the 15^th of December 1888, dating the piece to the very late 1880s to the 1890s.

Inkwells as fine and rare as this usually command a comparatively high price, and the Isobath is typical of this, appealing to collectors of Doulton as well as inkwell collectors. In complete, undamaged condition, they usually fetch between £300 and £600 at auction. The piecrust edged dish is delicate and chips easily and the area around the lid, or the lid itself, often acquire chips through use. Collectors should also ensure that the internal black hard rubber mechanism is intact as this is often removed or lost. Complete, undamaged examples are extremely scarce.”