Silliman & Co. Turned Wood Inkwell

This turned wood (treenware) inkwell measures 3 ⅞” across by 2 ¼” high, with an “ogee” (double curve) profile and three fine bands incised at the waist. The wood is marbled, appearing to be burlwood or similar. It was probably faux grain painted by hand. The wood body surrounds a glass insert whose lip extends just a fraction above the top deck. Around the base are three finely hand stenciled designs depicting a quill pen surrounded by a leafy branch and framed by two wings.The top is recessed and ebonized with three quill pen holes plus a forth tiny hole that anchors a fine rope-twist string attached to a carved cork stopper. The bottom has much of its original red felt covering and a green label printed: Manufactured by S. Silliman & Co. Chester, Conn.

HISTORICAL NOTE: In the 1800s, the S. Silliman Company in Chester, Connencticut made itself known nationwide for its wooden inkstands and inkwells. Indeed, it is said that Abraham Lincoln had a Silliman inkwell in his Springfield, Illinois, law office, and in 1837 a Silliman inkwell was gifted to President Martin Van Buren.