Top Hat and Umbrella Novelty Inkwell

A top hat and an ivory handled cane become an inkwell and pen. When the crown of the hat is removed, the inkwell with a threaded lid is revealed. The curved handle of the umbrella pulls out to form a dip pen. The bottom of the umbrella is a mechanical pencil. The piece is made of sheet steel.

This inkwell is marked in gilt lettering “Weston-super-Mare”, a sea-side resort in southwestern England. Traveling inkwells such as this one were sold as souvenirs. The names of other resort towns – “Berwick on Tweed” and “Bad Ems” – have top hats inscribed with their names as well.