Inkstand with a Scale, Inkwell, Pen Wipe, and “Go-to-bed” Match Safe

This ebonized inkstand with a pull-out drawer and pen channel holds a pen wipe, an inkwell, a letter scale, and a match safe. The octagonal glass inkwell and an ornately decorated brass lid. The brass single pillar scale is marked with the words “ounce” (ranging from ½ ounce to 8 ounces) and “pence” (½ to 16) with a spring-driven measuring needle. The bottom of the vesta (match safe) is marked “Prince Albert Safety Box Vesta Lights 100 Patent”, and has striker, a mounting for a candle in the middle and a smaller mounting to the side for a “go to bed” match.

During the Victorian era, when people used candles for lighting, going to bed involved several steps. Imagine having to peel off layers of clothing, draw bed curtains, and cover up with blankets, all while using a candle for light. Here’s where the “go-to-bed” comes in – one would place a match in the go-to-bed and light it just before the candle was snuffed out. This allowed a person just enough time to get in bed, close the bed curtains, and cover up for a cold winter’s night’s sleep before the match burned out. The match would burn for approximately thirty seconds!