New England Open Pontil Umbrella Ink Bottle

Title: Early 1840s–1850s New England Open Pontil Octagonal “Umbrella” Ink Bottle – Deep Olive Amber

Overview & Attributions: An exceptional piece of early American glassmaking, this classic umbrella ink bottle dates from the 1840s to 1850s and originates from a New Hampshire estate. Molded in a rich, classic New England “old” olive amber glass, this piece exhibits primitive character, excellent glass clarity with light seed bubbles, and a classic mid-19th-century profile.

Form & Glass Characteristics:

• Shape: Octagonal umbrella ink featuring 8 main sloping body panels tapering upward from 8 short vertical panels around the base perimeter.
• Color: Rich New England dark olive amber, showing bright greenish-amber tones when backlit.
• Dimensions: 2 ⅜ inches high by 2 ⅜ inches across the base.
• Finish/Lip: Crude, smooth sheared lip typical of early blown glass production.
• Base & Markings: Features a well-defined open pontil scar on a push-up base. Unique mold marker featuring a single, distinct reversed (backwards) number “4” embossed on the bottom face, with no other body embossing.

Condition:

• Overall: Very Good / Fine antique condition with strong display appeal.
• Flaws: A small, shallow chip on the bottom edge and a couple of minor shallow micro-flakes along the sheared lip edge. Light, typical internal haze consistent with age and ground storage, with no cracks or major structural defects.