Inkipedia
Revolving (Snail) Inkstand – Clipper
| Categories | Mechanical - Snail / Pivoting |
| Type | Snail |
| Material | Cast iron, Glass |
| Markings | See narrative |
| Manufacturer | Peck, Stow, and Wilcox |
| Origin | United States |
| Date or Era | circa 1878 |
| Measuring | 7 ¼” x 4” x 4 ¼” high |
| Patent | U.S. Patent number 201,249 patented March 12, 1878 |
Revolving inkwells such as these pictured are usually referred to as “snails” by collectors because the inkwells have the appearance of snail shells. The four examples pictured have ornate cast iron frames and patented by Wolcott A. Hull, manufactured by Peck, Stow, and Wilcox, Southington, Connecticut. They are marked on the bottom of the frame: “Clipper” with two patent dates from 1878. One opens or closes the glass snail by hand. The axis of rotation is formed by the retaining set screws threaded through the vertical supports, called standards, adjacent to the bottle on each side. When not in use, the trumpet-shaped end closes around a stopple plate (round metal cast disc). A pen rack on the top holds three pens.
Example #1 – clear glass snails – sold for $175 in August 2024
Example #2 – milk glass snails – sold for $100 in December 2020
Example #3 – milk glass snails with hand-painted florals. The painting was presumably done by the owner and appears to be of the period. Likely a one-of-a-kind piece. Sold for $350 December 2015.
Example #4 – May not belong with this group. While the base is similar, the standards holding the glass snail are different. There is no pen rack. The base has two small protrusions (pegs) meant to stop the bottles’ rotation. One of the pegs is missing its rubber “stopper” which probably accounts for the glass damage to the snail bottle on the right. Despite the damaged glass, this inkstand has value because of the rare blue green color of the glass. Estimated value: $300.
For a more thorough and accurate description of revolving inkstands, use the link below to access an article from The Stained Finger (Volume XXX number 4):
Content disclaimer. The information posted is the owner’s best knowledge and may not have been vetted by the SOIC. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, working to make our website information comprehensive and accurate.
Join the Society of Inkwell Collectors (SOIC) – it’s free!
Founded in 1981 as a non-profit organization,
we are documenting inkwells (and accessories).
We’re here to help and inform!