“King Coal” Advertising Inkwell

This is a unique piece of industrial advertising memorabilia.

• Overall Form: A single, figural inkwell designed as a novelty advertising piece.
• Material: The outer casing appears to be made of spelter metal.
• Inkwell Components:
  • Lid: The top section is a hinged lid that opens to reveal the ink reservoir.
  • Reservoir: It contains a glass inkwell insert (liner) to hold the ink.
• Decoration and Inscriptions: The piece presents text and industrial imagery:
  • “King Coal” Figure: The most notable feature is the figure of “King Coal,” symbolizing the dominance of the coal industry in the early 20th century.
  • Advertising Marks: The entire body is inscribed with the names of specific coal companies, mines, or products:
    • United States Fuel Co. (Likely the primary advertiser)
    • Panther Coal
    • Hiawatha Coal
    • Miners and Shippers
    • Black Hawk Coal
• Style and Function: The piece serves as a promotional desktop item, given out to clients, vendors, or high-value customers of the United States Fuel Co.

Historical Information and Context

The markings link this inkwell to the Utah coal industry in the early 20th century:

• United States Fuel Company: This was a major coal mining and distribution company based in Utah, formed around the early 1900s.
• Hiawatha Coal: This is one of the most famous coal camps and mines in Utah, operated by the United States Fuel Company. The Hiawatha mine opened in 1909.
• Panther Coal & Black Hawk Coal: These were also specific grades or mining operations associated with U.S. Fuel Co.’s properties in Carbon County, Utah.

Age Assessment: The company formations and the highly specific advertising style point to a likely production date during the height of the Utah coal boom.

Age Estimate: Circa 1910 – 1930 (Early 20th Century)