THE “CAPITOL” Inkstand with Original Box

An early 20th-century desk accessory: THE “CAPITOL” inkstand, made of pressed glass with a black hard rubber insert, and accompanied by its original wooden box.

Description of the Inkwell:

• Material: The main body of the inkwell is made of clear, heavy pressed glass.
• Shape: It features a square base with slightly rounded corners. The top surface of the glass is also square, but with a large, circular depression in the center designed to hold the ink.
• Inkwell Insert: Nested securely within the central circular depression of the glass body is a removable black hard rubber insert. This insert features a rounded, concave opening at the top, allowing easy access for dipping a pen while minimizing evaporation and spills.
• Branding: The inkwell’s name, “CAPITOL”, is molded into the glass itself, on the underside of the base.

Description of the Wooden Box:

The inkwell is pictured in front of its original wooden box, which served as its packaging.

• Material: The box is made of light-colored wood, resembling a small crate. It has dovetailed corners.
• Branding and Patent Information: The front face of the box is clearly stenciled with prominent text, providing key identification and patent details:
  • “THE “CAPITOL” INK STAND”: This confirms the product name and its purpose.
  • Patent Dates: Below the name, three patent dates are listed:
    • “PAT. AUG. 8TH 1905” (Design Patent No. 37,504)
    • “AUG. 28TH 1906” (Patent No. 829,752)
    • “SEPT. 11TH 1906” (Patent No. 830,633)
  • These dates credit Frank M. Ashley as the patent holder.

Information from the Patents (by Frank M. Ashley):

• Design Patent No. 37,504 (Dated August 8, 1905): This patent would have protected the ornamental design or aesthetic appearance of the inkwell. It means the unique visual shape, configuration, or overall look of “THE CAPITOL” inkstand was considered novel enough to be legally protected from imitation.
• Patent No. 829,752 (Dated August 28, 1906): This is a utility patent, changing the design of the glass base and eliminating a hard rubber disk cover.
• Patent No. 830,633 (Dated September 11, 1906): Another utility patent, this changed the design allowing the dip-tube to be held by the interned rim of the well.

Also pictured are “Capitol” inkstands #2 (patent 9/11/06 reissued 12/23/13) and #3. These were manufactured by Cushman & Denison Mfg Co. New York, NY.