Souvenir Seashell Inkstand – Seattle

This is a unique piece of Seattle’s waterfront history. Souvenir shell craft (sometimes called “sailor’s work”) became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as tourism boomed. This inkstand is a classic example of “Curio” art, combining natural marine specimens with functional desk accessory design.

Shell Identifications

The piece is composed of several distinct types of mollusks, likely sourced from both local Pacific waters and tropical trade routes:

• Letter Holder (The “Fan” Shells): These large, ridged shells are from the Pectinidae family, commonly known as Scallops. Their natural symmetry and broad surface made them the perfect “canvas” for the hand-painted maritime scenes.
• Pen Holders: The two spire-shaped shells on either side are gastropods, likely small Whelks (Buccinidae) or Fighting Conchs (Strombidae). Their elongated “siphon canals” (the pointy ends) create a natural sleeve for a dip pen.
• The Base: The foundation is encrusted with “coquina” (tiny bivalves) and crushed shell “grit,” interspersed with small Umbonium (button shells) and possibly small Neritidae (nerites).

Maritime Vessel Identification

The hand-painted scenes provide a snapshot of the transitional era of seafaring:

1. The Steamer (Left): This depicts a classic twin-funnel ocean liner or coastal passenger steamer. The red funnels with black tops are a famous hallmark of the Cunard Line, but this color scheme was also used by local lines like the Pacific Coast Steamship Company. Given the Seattle origin, it likely represents one of the “Gold Rush” era steamers that frequented the Elliott Bay docks.
2. The Sailboat (Right): This is a gaff-rigged sloop or cutter. It features a large yellow mainsail and a red jib. These were common pleasure craft or small fishing vessels in the Puget Sound during the early 1900s.

Ye Olde Curiosity Shop & Dating

The red sticker on the underside is a prized “provenance” marker.

• The Shop: Founded in 1899 by Joseph Edward “Daddy” Standley, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is one of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks. Originally located at Second and Pike, Standley moved the business to the waterfront (Colman Dock) in 1904 to be closer to the sailors and tourists. He was famous for his “Free Museum” and his collection of shrunken heads, mummies, and high-quality Native American artifacts.
• Dating the Piece: The shop officially adopted the name “Ye Olde Curiosity Shop” around 1907. The style of the hand-painting, the two-funnel steamer design, and the specific typography of the red sticker suggest this piece dates to the 1910s or 1920s. This was the “Golden Age” of shell souvenirs before plastic replaced natural materials in the gift shop trade.

The fact that the glass inkwell and its metal lid (nickel-plated brass) are still intact is uncommon, as these delicate shell-and-glue constructions often lost their heavier components over the years.