Large Glass Inkwell with Brass Lid

This is a “monumental” or oversized desk inkwell, a high-status object from the late 19th or very early 20th century. Its sheer size (6” x 6” x 6 ½”) and weight suggest it was intended for a large library desk or a business house rather than a small personal writing desk.

Detailed Description

• The Glass: The body is crafted from heavy lead crystal, likely American Brilliant Period (ABP) or French (Baccarat). It features a deep, architectural block cut with beveled shoulders. The interior reservoir is a “well-within-a-well” design, visible through the thick walls.
• The Base: The bottom is decorated with a classic 24-point starburst (or “whirl”) pattern.
• The Insert: It has a removable clear glass liner.

• The Lid: The brass domed lid is hinged and features an ornate, intertwined Victorian-style monogram. This particular style of monogram is known as a “Cipher” or “Intertwined Script,” where the artist prioritizes the flow and balance of the lines over easy legibility. It was the height of fashion between 1885 and 1905.
• The Deciphered Initials

• • The Center Letter: This is a clear, flowing capital “S”. In Victorian etiquette, the surname initial was almost always placed in the center and made slightly larger or more elaborate than the flanking initials.
  • The Left Letter: This appears to be a capital “W”. You can see the characteristic three-pointed structure at the top, though it’s heavily stylized with loops.
  • The Right Letter: This is most likely a capital “C”. It has a broad, open curve with a small terminal loop at the top and a flourish at the bottom.
  • The Verdict: The initials are likely W. S. C. (with the person’s name being W**** C**** S*****).

A Note on the Engraving Style:

• The monogram isn’t just scratched in; it is bright-cut engraved. This involves using a small, sharp tool to “scoop” out a sliver of metal, which creates those reflective, angled facets that catch the light. This was a premium service offered by silversmiths and high-end stationers like Tiffany or Gorham.

Estimated Age & Origin

• Age: Circa 1880–1910. The heavy, geometric cutting style is characteristic of the American Brilliant Period (1876–1916), while the simple brass collar and monogrammed dome are classic late-Victorian hallmarks.
• Place of Manufacture: Most likely the United States or France.
  • United States: With the glass being exceptionally clear and heavy, it could be the work of Mount Washington Glass Co. or C. Dorflinger & Sons. American makers were famous for these massive “block” inkwells.
  • France: The French firm Baccarat produced similar high-quality, unmarked crystal blocks (often referred to as their Rosaces or Diamants patterns).

Note

Because it is unmarked, it was likely sold through a high-end luxury retailer like Tiffany & Co. or Gump’s, who often commissioned glass from major factories but had their own collars and lids fitted locally. A 6-inch cube inkwell is considered quite rare; most antique glass inkwells of this style are only 3 to 4 inches wide.