Inkipedia
The Century Inkstand
| Categories | Mechanical - Snail / Pivoting |
| Material | Cast iron, Metal |
| Markings | See Narrative |
| Manufacturer | Century Inkstand Company |
| Origin | United States |
| Date or Era | circa 1890 |
| Measuring | Double: 7” x 6” x 2 ¾” high; Single: 6” x 4” x 2 ¾” high; Wood base: 5 ¼” x 3 ½” x 3 ½” high |
| Patent | See Narrative |
The Century Inkstand, often affectionately referred to as the “whale” inkstand by collectors due to its distinctive shape, features an inkwell made of hard rubber, resting on a stand. The body of the inkwell resembles a whale, with the trumpet-shaped tail serving as a dipping cone or funnel. The inkwell was manufactured with two types of bases: either with a cast iron fluted base with pen rests on the sides, or on an oak base with a brass cradle with pivot points. When the whale-tail funnel is pushed down it fills with ink, thus allowing the pen to be dipped and filled, and when the funnel is released, the ink drains back into the body of the inkwell. The level of tilt can be adjusted with threaded screws. A screw-off top opens for filling the reservoir.
On one side of the reservoir, it bears the inscription “Letters Patent No. 11233, 11234,” while the other side displays the name under which it was marketed: “The Century Inkstand.” This inkstand was manufactured by the Century Inkstand Co. of Canton, Ohio. The company manufactured both a single and double inkstand. The double one has two hard rubber ink funnels, one black and one red, for two colors of ink.
Patent Numbers:
US Patent No. 430,194: Issued on June 17, 1890, and re-issued on April 26, 1892, as No. RE11,234.
US Patent No. 445,200: Granted on January 27, 1891, and re-issued on April 26, 1892, as No. RE11,233.
US Patent No. 445,201: This variation or improvement on some aspect of Patent No. 460,194 was also issued on January 27, 1891.
Trademark:
The Century Inkstand Co. secured US Trademark No. 51,014 for “Inkstands” in its name.
Links to Patents:
Estimated values:
Double $200; Single $100
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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