Ink Bottle – Domed with Offset Neck

Sometimes referred to as an “igloo” or “turtle” ink bottle, this aqua glass ink bottle is embossed “HARRISONS COLUMBIAN INK.” Octagonal shape, it was made by use of a snap case (BIMAL) mold and has a ground lip.

Example #2 – Harrison’s Columbian ink bottle in eight-sided “turtle” form with tapered sided shoulders. The glass is aqua-colored, with bold crude embossing. It has a ground lip, with the straight hinge mold base. This bottle dates from the early Civil War era. It is boldly embossed on the three panels: “HARRISON’S / COLUMBIAN / INK”

Harrison’s Columbian Ink is probably the most well-known 19th-century ink, not only by ink collectors but by bottle collectors in general. A December 9, 1845, newspaper advertisement in the Public Ledger said that A. W. Harrison was selling Harrison’s Columbian Ink at 8-½ South Seventh Street in Philadelphia. The advertisement went on to say, “The President’s Message was written with Harrison’s Columbian Ink that can never fade. Mr. Polk says, too, that it writes most beautifully. It is in use by all the Departments and both Houses of Congress.” The company at that time was known as Apollos W. Harrison, Books, Maps, and Ink. Later Harrison would expand and move his operation to No. 10 South 7th. Street, Philadelphia. By the late 1850s, Harrison employed over 80 employees, including 25 traveling agents.

For more information, visit the Museum of Historical Bottles:

Harrison’s Columbian Ink – FOHBC Virtual Museum of Historical Bottles and Glass