Inkipedia
Tatum’s Office Inkstand
| Categories | Mechanical - Levered or Rotating Lids |
| Material | Cast iron, Glass |
| Markings | See Narrative |
| Manufacturer | Tatum Manufacturing |
| Origin | United States |
| Date or Era | circa 1890 |
| Measuring | 7 ¾” long |
| Patent | Patent No. 487,630 - Patented Dec. 6, 1892 |
A cast iron inkstand with two swirl glass inkwells (each embossed with “Tatum”) covered with lids attached to the frame which swivel open and closed. Attached to the top is a pen rack composed of a spiral coil of wire. In the front is an attached pen holder.
The underside of the base is marked “Tatum’s Office Inkstand”. The undersides of the swivel lids are marked “PAT APP’D FOR”. The inkstand was patented on December 6, 1892.
Also pictured is a version with one inkwell.
For a similar version from an unnamed manufacturer see: Cast Iron Inkstand with Coiled Pen Rack – The Society of Inkwell Collectors (SOIC) (inkwellresearch.com)
Estimated value: $100
Single version sold for $40 in March 2021.
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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