Inkipedia
Tatum Revolving (Snail) Inkstand
| Categories | Mechanical - Snail / Pivoting |
| Material | Cast iron, Glass |
| Markings | See Narrative |
| Manufacturer | Tatum Manufacturing |
| Origin | United States |
| Date or Era | circa 1880 |
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 in a Rococo revival style and were made by Tatum Manufacturing, Cincinnati, Ohio. They are marked on the bottom of the frame: “Tatum’s Revolving”. One opens or closes the glass snail by hand. It pivots on protrusions cast into the glass which fit into the sockets cast in the frame. 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 is a revolving double snail inkstand with clear glass snails. Each snail is marked “Tatum Cinti”. It measures 5 ½” x 3 ⅝” x 4 ⅜” high. Estimated value: $150.
Example #2 is a revolving single snail inkstand with a clear glass snail. 4 ⅞” x 2 ¼” x 4 ⅞” high. Estimated value: $100 (Sold for $79 in April 2025; $80 in July 2025)
Example #3 is a double and the same as example #1 except the snails are made of milk glass and cobalt blue glass. Estimated value: $250
Example #4 has a glass storage insert between the two snails. 7 ⅞” x 3 ⅝” x 3 ¾” high. Estimated value: $175
The Samuel C. Tatum Company of Cincinnati, Ohio was formed in 1859 as an iron foundry and machine works, manufacturing iron castings, copying presses, ink & pen stands, stationers’ hardware, and mechanics’ tools.
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)
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.
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