H.L. Judd Co. Revolving (Double Snail) Inkstand

This cast-iron double revolving inkstand was manufactured by Judd Manufacturing Co. or H.L. Judd Co. of Wallingford, CT circa 1879 and later. The inkstand features two blown-mold glass reservoirs. There is a patent date embossed on the back of the reservoir bottle’s stopple plate, and corresponds to the W. F. Redding’s patent US000211307.

Key Features:

• Revolving Mechanism: The ink reservoir is mounted in a slotted opening that allows it to pivot or rotate. This movement enables the user to open or close the inkwell by turning the glass “snail” into position.
• Stopple Plate Closure: When not in use, the trumpet-shaped end of the reservoir closes snugly against a stopple plate — a round cast metal disc that seals the ink chamber.
• Integrated Pen Holder: The ornate cast iron frame includes an intergral pen rest at the top which can hold up to four pens.
• Design Aesthetic: The overall form mimics a snail shell.