Jennings Brothers Inkstand (Model 146)

This is a single-well, decorative inkstand manufactured by Jennings Brothers (JB), characteristic of American metalware desk accessories from the late 19th or early 20th century.

Construction and Design

• Manufacturer: Jennings Brothers Manufacturing Company (Bridgeport, CT).
• Material: Cast metal, spelter (white metal), finished with a metallic plating.
• Form: The inkstand has a distinctly Art Nouveau and Naturalistic design, with an overall irregular, lobed, or shield shape for the base. The center of the inkstand serves as a pen tray. The inkwell is covered with a swivel lid.

Figural and Decorative Elements

The primary decoration centers on natural motifs:

• The Swivel Lid: The lid itself is highly stylized. It is cast to resemble a dragonfly with its long, slender body and prominent wing venation, which is integrated into the lid design, serving as a push-tab.
• The Base: The perimeter of the base is ornately sculpted with:
  • Flowing, organic lines and scalloped edges characteristic of Art Nouveau.
  • Naturalistic flora, depicting lily pads or other water-garden elements, suggesting a pond or marsh scene.

Markings

The bottom of the inkstand features clear impressed markings identifying the manufacturer and model:

• Manufacturer Mark: The base bears the impressed mark: “TRADEMARK J. B. JENNINGS THE BEST.”
• Model Number: Also clearly impressed on the bottom is the model or catalog number: “146.”