French Portable Traveling Inkwell

This piece is a 19th-century French portable traveling inkwell (encrier de voyage). Designed specifically to prevent leaks while traveling, it features a spring-loaded push-button catch mechanism and a rubber/gasket seal inside the lid.

Inscriptions

The circular embossed lettering on the brass-capped lid reads:

• Top Arc: ENCRIER DE VOYAGE (French for “Traveling Inkwell”)
• Center: FCJ NE (or FCJ ne) over A PARIS
  • FCJ represents the maker/manufacturer’s initials or trademark brand.
  • NE stands for Aîné or Jeune / Négociant (or F.C.J. Aîné / Né), a standard shorthand used by 19th-century French craftsmen/patentees.
  • A PARIS indicates its origin in Paris, France.
• Bottom Arc: BREVETÉ (French for “Patented”)

Maker & Origin

• Maker: French manufacturer/craftsman operating under the mark FCJ in Paris, France.
• Period/Date: Mid-to-late 19th century (circa 1860s–1890s).
• Materials & Construction: Heavy fluted/ribbed molded glass base, nickel/brass alloy collar with an iron/steel core, brass spring push-catch mechanism, and an internal leather/rubber sealing washer to keep liquid ink secured while in transit.