Revolving (Snail) Inkstand – Cast Iron Double and Single

Revolving inkwells such as these pictured are usually referred to as “snails” by collectors because the inkwells have the appearance of snail shells. The main body section is made of cast iron. The sides are incised with a decorative geometric design. The glass “snail” is on a pivot and swings forward at the touch of a finger. When not in use, the trumpet-shaped end closes around a stopple plate (round metal cast disc) which stops the ink from evaporating or spilling. A raised three-station pen rack is built into the base.

Three examples are pictured – two “double snails” and a “single snail”. All have the same cast iron frame, stopple plates, and castellated pen holder. These inkstands come from the same manufacturer (Peck, Stow & Wilcox). The two “double” inkstands are constructed differently. As originally manufactured, this inkstand, the revolving “Star” bottle, was made by Peck, Stow, and Wilcox, Southington, CT. You can view it in their catalog (#280) of November 1870. It has rubber friction caps on the coaxial pins to rotate the “snail” bottle into position.

The second example has three brass connecting rods tightened with bolts on the outside. Its pivoting mechanism (made of copper) differs. It also has copper lids (marked “EPC”) to place on the trumpet-shaped openings – an alternative to pushing the glass snail to its closed position. We believe the copper components of the second example were added by its user. It is not unusual for a user to add / improve components as needed to a mechanical inkstand, particularly a user in a machine shop with access to the necessary resources.