Inkipedia
Lewis Ball Bearing Inkwell
| Categories | Mechanical - Pump / Siphon |
| Material | Rubber, Glass |
| Markings | See narrative |
| Manufacturer | William E Lewis |
| Origin | United States |
| Date or Era | circa 1895 |
| Measuring | See narrative |
| Patent | Patent No. 454,874 Patented June 30, 1891; Patent No. 484,803 Patented Oct. 25, 1892; Patent No. 509,917 Patented Dec. 5, 1893; Patent No. 542,482 Patented July 9, 1895 |
William E. Lewis of Corby, Pennsylvania invented and patented this self-closing inkwell. The basic concept was to have a hollow ball inside the inkwell float on the ink, acting as a stopper when the inkwell was not in use.
“My invention relates to improvements in inkwells; and it has for its object, among other things, to provide a buoyant automatic stopper resting within the pen-dipping tube or well, which, by reason of its buoyancy, will normally close said tube to exclude air from the ink, and which will sink when the pen point has been pressed against it and allow ink to pass its sides to feed said pen point”.
There were changes and adjustments to the inkwell, with four patents from 1891 to 1895. (Copies of the patents are provided here with the images). Two examples are pictured. Both are embossed on the rubber cover: LEWIS BALL BEARING INKWELL CO. MFGRS. PAULDING, OHIO U.S.A.”
Example #1 – Patented June 30, 1891 (automatic stopper) and patented October 25, 1892 (Domed glass large reservoir with a small “communicating” reservoir with “external screw thread”. Measures 3 ¾” x 2 ½” x 2” high
Example #2 – Patented July 9, 1895, has a pressed glass inkwell on a square-shaped base. Measures 4” x 4” x 2 ¼” high
Example #1 – Sold for $85 in February 2022
Example #2 – Sold for $85 in March 2022
Content disclaimer. The information posted is the owner’s best knowledge and may not have been vetted by the SOIC. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, working to make our website information comprehensive and accurate.
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