Patented Glass Fountain Inkwell

This inkstand is embossed with a patent date of June 4, 1861. The design features a central ribbed reservoir with a faceted pattern, topped by a metal cap. Once filled, the ink remained in the large glass dome (fountain) at a level above the mouth of the neck due to atmospheric pressure.

The “shut and cut” method of molding was used to make this inkwell. The glass was pressed in a two-piece mold which carried the projections on both the mold and the plunger for forming the pen opening, inner surfaces, etc. The sides of the mold were extended beyond the required depth so that the glass could be cut, tooled, and folded inwards to form the bottom of the inkwell.