Joseph Schlesinger Hydraulic Inkstand

Joseph Schlesinger was awarded a patent (July 16, 1842) for the design of this hydraulic inkstand. This inkstand features a central reservoir for holding ink, with a brass pump mechanism on top. The hydraulic mechanism ensures a controlled flow of ink, preventing spills and maintaining a consistent supply for writing. The design includes two fonts for accessing the ink.

The hydraulic mechanism in Schlesinger’s Patent Hydraulic Inkstand is quite ingenious. The key feature of this inkstand is the grooved slot in the plunger. This design prevents the plunger from rotating while adjusting the ink level, ensuring a smooth and controlled flow of ink.

Here’s a brief overview of how it works:

1. Central Reservoir: The ink is stored in a central reservoir.
2. Plunger Mechanism: The plunger, which has a grooved slot, is used to adjust the ink level. The groove ensures that the plunger moves up and down without rotating when adjusting the rotating knob.
3. Controlled Flow: As the plunger is adjusted, it regulates the flow of ink to the dipping spouts, preventing spills and maintaining a consistent supply for writing.

Reference: “Pump Inkwells” by Giovanni Cattaneo, page 29.

Cross Reference: Schlesinger Hydraulic Inkstand – The Society of Inkwell Collectors (SOIC)