“Funnel” Reservoir Inkwell

This inkwell is an example of a “Safety” or “Funnel” reservoir inkwell, likely manufactured in the United States between 1880 and 1900.

The design is functional, utilizing a “well within a well” concept that was popular in law offices and banks during the late 19th century.

Description

• The Glass Body: This is a heavy, cylindrical block-glass inkwell. The glass is clear and thick, characterized by small internal bubbles (known as “seeds”), which are typical of period glass production.
• The Internal Reservoir: The most striking feature is the internal conical reservoir. This “pointed finial” or funnel shape is a deliberate engineering choice. It acts as a dip well, concentrating the ink at the very bottom so that a pen can reach every last drop.
• Safety Feature: This design was often marketed as “Safety” or “Common Sense” because if the inkwell were accidentally overturned, the ink would be trapped in the “shoulder” area around the funnel rather than spilling out immediately.
• The Lid: The original brass hinged lid features a simple circular stepped or “ringed” design with a small thumbpiece for easy opening.
• The Base: The bottom shows the pointed tip of the internal well through the solid glass. The small mark or slight protrusion in the center of the base is likely a ground pontil or a manufacturing mark from the mold.

Identification and Origin

• Maker: While many glasshouses produced “block” inks, this specific funnel design is most famously associated with The Common Sense Inkwell Company in Wooster, Ohio (patented by Frank Brinkerhoff in 1881) or The Monitor style of inkwells.
• Place of Manufacture: Most likely Ohio or the New England region (major hubs for utilitarian glass like Whitney Glass Works or Cumberland Glass at the time).
• Estimated Date: Circa 1885–1895.

Summary:

Victorian Block-Glass Safety Inkwell, c. 1890. Heavy cylindrical clear glass body featuring a deep internal conical reservoir tapering to a pointed tip. Original brass hinged lid with concentric ring decoration and thumb-tab. Designed as a “safety” well to concentrate ink and prevent spills. Approximately 2 ⅜ inches in diameter. Unmarked. This utility piece demonstrates the transition from early hand-blown glass to more industrial, “patented” office wares of the late 19th century.