“Improved Inkstand”

This is a compact traveling writing box, also known as a portable inkstand or “campaign” inkstand.

• Exterior: The box is a brass case with a hinged lid, completely covered in thin, dark leather. The leather has a textured or grained finish and shows significant wear, which reveals the brass underneath, particularly on the corners and edges. The front of the box features a simple push-catch mechanism to secure the lid.
• Interior: When opened, the box reveals a fitted interior designed to hold the writing instruments securely.
• Components:
  • Inkwell: The inkwell is a small, clear glass bottle designed to fit snugly into the box.
  • Sander (Pounce Pot): This is a small, cylindrical metal container with a perforated top. This was used to hold pounce, a fine powder (often sand or a resin) sprinkled over wet ink to help it dry quickly before blotting paper became common.
  • Dip Pen: A simple, wooden dip pen is included, which rests in a groove behind the inkwell and sander. The pen has a metal nib holder.
• Sealing Mechanism: The underside of the lid has a pair of circular leather pads that align with the tops of the inkwell and sander. When the lid is closed and the catch engaged, these pads press down firmly on the inkwell and sander, preventing spills and leakage during travel.

Age and Origin

The “Improved Inkstand” lettering and other features help to place its origin and date with reasonable accuracy.

• Age: The use of a sander or pounce pot points to a pre-1860s date. The term “Improved Inkstand” was a common marketing phrase used in the mid-19th century, particularly in the United States and England, to signify a new, more convenient, and secure design. The use of leather seals instead of later rubber gaskets also supports this dating. This type of portable inkstand was very popular among travelers, military officers, and scholars in the 1840s and 1850s.