Patented Brass Inkstand & Stamp Box

This desk accessory is a mass-produced item that reflects the shift toward organized, multi-purpose desk stations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

1. Description and Materials

• Overall Form: A combination piece integrating an inkwell and a small storage container, all housed in a single, unified metal base. This form maximized utility while maintaining a neat desk appearance.
• Base Material: The base holder is made of thin, stamped brass.
  • Significance: Stamping was a cost-effective, industrialized production method, allowing the manufacturer to create a decorative yet affordable item for a wide market. The thinness suggests commercial production rather than high-end artisan work.
• Inkwell Assembly:
  • Glass Well: The central component is the glass inkwell.
  • Hinged Lid: The lid is metal (brass), and the hinged mechanism and collar that extends over the shoulder (the rim of the glass) are key to the patented design.
  • Decoration: The polished turquoise blue stone set into the center of the lid provides a decorative focal point, adding a touch of color and perceived luxury.
• Stamp Box:
  • Function: The separate container marked “Stamps” served as a small box for keeping postage stamps flat and clean. This inclusion marks the piece as a contemporary office item, reflecting the growing use of the postal service.
  • Lid: The pull-off lid provides easy access to the contents.

1. Age and Origin (The Patent Date)

The patent date provides a firm anchor for dating the inkstand:

• Patent Date: December 28, 1897.
• Patent Number 596,245

The patent was issued for the mechanical improvement to the inkwell lid -specifically the hinge, collar, and method of attaching it to the base – which was a common practice for manufacturers seeking market advantages at the time.