Man in a Barrel Cast Iron Inkwell

This inkwell is in the form of a rotund man with a jovial expression, with his body contained entirely within a barrel. His arms and legs stick out from the barrel, with his arms outstretched, forming a perfect pen holder.  The man’s face is painted in a flesh tone with a red hue. The barrel is painted to resemble wood, with bands around it. The top of the barrel is hinged at the top of the man’s head. Lift the lid with the man’s goatee to access the reservoir of ink.

Maker and Origin Story

The inkwell was manufactured by the Ives Blakelee & Co. of Bridgeport, Connecticut, around the 1880s. Looking for the origin of this figure, we can find no association with a specific literary or cartoon character. Presumably then, it embodies a generic, good-humored character. The “man in a barrel” motif was a common theme in both humor and decorative arts, often symbolizing a character in a comical predicament.

The J & E Stevens Co. also produced a similar type of cast iron novelty items, especially famous for their mechanical banks, but this specific inkwell design is attributed to Ives Blakelee & Co. The Ives Blakelee & Co., a company based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was a significant manufacturer of cast iron toys and novelties during the late 19th century. They were known for their figural and mechanical toys, and this inkwell is an example of their work.

Buyer Be Aware! Don’t be fooled by the modern-day bronze production in India of this inkwell. See the pictures added.