Heavy Cut Glass Inkwell

Heavy, geometric inkwells such as this one, were staples of high-end desks during the “Golden Age” of writing, designed to be substantial enough that they would not tip over while dipping a pen.

Here is a breakdown of its features and history:

1. The “Dimple” or “Thumbprint” Pattern

• Technical Name: While often called “Thumbprint” or “Honeycomb” by collectors, the large, concave circular cuts are technically known as “Punts” or “Printies.”
• Function: In heavy lead glass (crystal), these concave cuts were not just decorative. They were designed to catch and refract light, making the inkwell sparkle like a jewel on a dark wooden desk.

2. The Cut Star Base

• Significance: The starburst cut on the bottom is a key indicator of quality.
• Molded vs. Cut: Cheaper inkwells of this era were simply pressed into a mold. A “cut star” base means that after the glass cooled, a craftsman hand-ground the star pattern into the bottom and polished it. This indicates it was a higher-end luxury item, not a standard utility bottle.

3. The Hinged Lid

• Construction: The lid is a matching piece of heavy glass set into a metal collar (brass that has developed a dark patina).
• Collar Hinge: This style of “collar” hinge was standard for heavy glass inkwells because you couldn’t drill into the glass safely. The metal ring clamped around the neck to provide a sturdy anchor for the heavy lid.

4. Age and Origin

• Date: c. 1890 – 1915. This style straddles the American Brilliant Period of cut glass and the English Edwardian era.
• Origin: It is likely American or English.
  • English: Stourbridge makers like John Walsh Walsh or Stevens & Williams were famous for this type of heavy, “rock crystal” style office glass.
  • American: It could also be from an American glasshouse like Fostoria or Pairpoint, which produced heavy commercial inkwells for banks and law offices.