EAPG Sofa-Seat Inkwell

This piece of Early American Pattern Glass (EAPG) belongs to the whimsical era of glass novelties that dominated the 1880s.

The Manufacturer

This amber glass settee was manufactured by Bryce Brothers of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Patent Details

The “Pat Applied For” mark on your piece refers to a design patent filed by Andrew H. Bryce. It describes the design specifically as an “inkstand… consisting of a base having the form of a sofa-seat.”

Description

• Form: A high-back, Victorian-style settee or “sofa” inkstand. It features curved “scroll” arms and is supported by three short, stylized cabriole feet.
• Pattern: The backrest is decorated with a Block and Star (sometimes called English Pattern) variant. The octagonal blocks provide the “upholstery” look, while the seat area transitions into a textured, stippled hobnail or “Thousand Eye” style to simulate fabric cushioning.
• Wells & Lids: The piece features two integrated circular inkwells. The “set-on” lids are decorated with a 20-point sunburst or radial star pattern, which provides a nice contrast to the geometric blocks on the back.
• Color: The Amber (or “Old Gold”) color was one of Bryce’s signature shades, produced by adding sulfur and charcoal to the glass batch.