Traveling Inkwell, Globe

“Traveling” inkwells were made for people to use while riding on a train, ship or otherwise traveling. They were small and made in ways that kept the ink inside from spilling. And they were often made as novelty items, in fun and sometimes unusual shapes. This one is round, but it has had map panels glued to the outside to give it the appearance of a globe.

There is a hidden button in the front that, when pressed, allows the lid to open. Inside, there is another lid covering the ink bottle. This lid uses a spring loaded mechanism to keep the lid tight against the top of the bottle. A little metal clasp fits over the rim of the lid. When that is pushed to the side, the lid springs open. Under the lid is a spring, which is covered with leather. That spring allows the leather to push down against the bottle. The bottle can be removed and replaced if necessary.  The bottle was blown into a mold; the top has been cut.

SEE: Page 14 in the Summer 2005 issue of The Stained Finger