Glass Inkwell with Brass Fittings and Patented Hinge

Description of a glass inkwell with ornate gilded brass fittings, resting on a square base.

• Glass Body: The central part of the inkstand is a clear, square-shaped glass inkwell. Its sides are smooth and transparent, allowing visibility of any ink within.
• Gilded Brass Fittings: The glass reservoir is encased within and adorned by gilded brass fittings.
  • Lid: The top of the inkwell is crowned by a domed gilded brass lid. The lid is intricately molded with a fluted pattern radiating from its apex.
  • Collar/Frame: The upper edges of the square glass body are framed by a matching gilded brass collar or mantle, which features decorative scrolled and foliate (leaf-like) motifs. These elements are highly detailed and extend slightly over the glass, securing it and adding a decorative flourish.
  • Base/Stand: The glass inkwell sits within a separate, elaborate gilded brass stand or base. This base is square, with each corner extending into an ornate, scrolled foot.
• Patent Information and Hinge: The underside of the inkwell is marked “Pat. DEC 28 ’97,” referencing U.S. Patent No. 596,245, issued to E. Oldenbusch on December 28, 1897. This patent describes “an improvement in hinges,” aiming to provide “a very simple and inexpensive hinge for use in the hinging cap of an ink well, bottle, or similar article to an ornamental cover or mantle secured against unintentional removal upon the said article.”

E. Oldenbusch was an American inventor primarily active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is most notably associated with the company Kronheimer & Oldenbusch (K & O), which he co-founded in 1899 with Joseph Kronheimer.

Here’s what can be gathered about him:

• Inventor and Innovator: Ernest Oldenbusch was clearly the more creative partner in Kronheimer & Oldenbusch. He held several patents for various items, reflecting his inventive spirit and concern for protecting his designs.
• Background: Before co-founding K & O, Oldenbusch worked for William Schimper, a well-known New Jersey-based manufacturer of fancy brass goods and components. This background in metal goods manufacturing likely provided him with the expertise to develop practical and innovative designs.
• Patent for Inkwell Hinge (US596245A): As you noted, he was granted U.S. Patent No. 596,245 on December 28, 1897, for a “Hinge for ink-well caps.” This patent aimed to create a “very simple and inexpensive hinge” to secure the cap of an inkwell, bottle, or similar article to an “ornamental cover or mantle.” This patent dates from just before he officially formed Kronheimer & Oldenbusch, indicating his inventive work was ongoing.
• Kronheimer & Oldenbusch (K & O): This company was formally incorporated in 1900 and became a prominent manufacturer of “novelties, hollow ware and fancy metal goods.” They were particularly known for producing souvenir novelties and, later, compacts and other portable containers. Oldenbusch continued to be inventive and progressive, even applying for a patent for a unique powder dispenser in the shape of a pen in 1912.
• Company Leadership: Upon Joseph Kronheimer’s death in 1911, Ernest Oldenbusch became the company president and continued to lead its operations.
• Products: Beyond inkwells, K & O produced a wide range of “art metal novelties,” including clocks, jewel cases, other desk articles, smokers’ articles, toilet novelties, vases, candelabra, and more.

In essence, E. Oldenbusch was a significant figure in the American fancy metal goods industry of his era, an inventive mind whose patents, including the one for your inkwell’s hinge, contributed to the design and functionality of numerous decorative and utilitarian objects. His company, Kronheimer & Oldenbusch, became a notable name in American manufacturing.