“Snail” Revolving Inkwell on Circular Cast Iron Base

This is an example of a “snail” revolving inkstand, so named for its unique ink reservoir that resembles a snail’s shell. The piece comprises a clear glass ink font, or reservoir, mounted on a cast iron circular base. The cast iron base features an intricately cast relief pattern.

Central to the inkstand’s design is the clear glass ink reservoir, shaped like a conch or snail shell. This transparent vessel allows the user to easily monitor the ink level. It is designed to pivot around two bearing points within the cast iron frame. Two adjustable screws, visible on the frame, fit into corresponding recesses on the glass “snail,” facilitating its smooth rotation.

A key functional feature of this inkwell is its mechanism for opening and closing. When not in use, the “trumpet”-shaped opening of the glass reservoir is sealed by a stopper plate that is attached to the cast iron bracket. This bracket also incorporates a pen rack.

To access the ink, the entire “snail” reservoir is rotated. This action causes its open, “trumpet” end to pivot away from the stopper plate. The rotation continues until the glass protrusion contacts the cast iron base. At this point, the ink font is fully open, ready for dipping a pen. When writing is complete, the snail is simply rotated back to its original closed position, re-sealing against the stopper plate to prevent ink evaporation and spills.

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):

V30N4.pdf (inkwellresearch.com)