Hat Box Traveling Inkwell

This Victorian novelty traveling inkwell is designed in the form of a “bucket” hat box. These were popular high-end travel accessories for 19th-century gentlemen, combining utility with the whimsical style of “novelty” luggage-themed desk items.

Origin and Maker

• Where it was made: These were primarily made in London, England.
• Who made it: While several makers produced novelty inkwells, the most prominent retailer for this specific high-end “hat box” design was Henry Rodrigues (located at 42 Piccadilly, London).
• Age: It dates to circa 1890–1910, placing it in the late Victorian or early Edwardian era.

Opening Mechanism

These inkwells were engineered to be “leak-proof” so they could be carried in a traveler’s trunk without ruining clothes. The dual-lid system ensured a double seal.

1. The Exterior (Push Button)

On the front side of the leather casing, there is a circular indentation. This is a hidden sprung push button.

• How it works: When you depress this button, it releases a small internal catch that holds the main leather-covered lid closed. Once pressed, the lid (which is built on a brass frame) can be flipped back on its hinge.

2. The Interior (Thumb Release)

Once the outer lid is open, you are presented with a secondary brass mechanism that houses the ink reservoir.

• The “Thumb Release”: There is a small, protruding brass tab or lever next to the dome-shaped inner lid.
• How it works: To access the ink, you pull back or depress this sprung thumb release. This disengages a hook catch, allowing the inner lid to spring open.
• The Seal: Inside the inner lid, there is a dark, circular pad (made of rubber or leather-covered cork). When the lid is snapped shut, this pad is held under spring tension against the rim of the glass bottle, creating an airtight, non-spill seal.

Construction Details

• Materials: The exterior is covered in fine grain leather, while the internal frame and mechanism are made of solid brass.
• The Inkwell: The actual ink is held in a small, removable clear glass bottle tucked inside the brass housing.