Tribute to Applied Sciences

This inkwell pays homage to ‘Applied Sciences’. A lever engages a set of gears to open the helmet-shaped lid (also describe as resembling a ships compass), revealing the inkwell inside. Surrounding the inkwell are finely crafted miniature tools, including a compass, plum-bob level, hammer, try-square, wrench, and gears. These elements symbolize precision and craftsmanship, while also contributing to the piece’s distinctive steampunk aesthetic, or speculation of Masonic symbolism.

While all known examples of this type of inkwell share the same basic components, each one is unique suggesting that the fabricators exercised a degree of artistic freedom in their construction.

This theme of Applied Sciences was carried out to include matching candle stands as well. Depicting the same basic components, with the addition of counterweights on the Candle stands’ shaft (photos 20-23).

Another style of inkwell appears to have been produced by the same manufacturer, as it shares several of the same sourced components. This second design features a theme inspired by the Humanities, suggesting a broader creative range on the part of the maker. Its existence opens the possibility for further research, which may uncover additional inkwells representing other thematic interpretations. A link to that example can be found here: https://inkwellresearch.com/inkipedia/tribute-to-humanities/

The origin remains undetermined, as there are no distinguishing marks to interpret. Similar examples, believed to be from the same manufacturer, have been inscribed in Russian cursive, German, and English, suggesting they were intended as presentation gifts.

A strong case can be made that pictures 26, and 27 shows the correct Inkpot, as the Inkwell passed from the original owner, through The Strong National Museum of Play, to the current private owner.   This type Inkwell will fit an Inkpot with these measurements:

• Flange Size: 3. 6 cm
• Outside body Size: 3.0 cm
• Max Height not to exceed: 5.5 cm

Further research links on this Engineering themed inkwell:

• Collectors Weekly (photo 24-27).
• : UNIQUE (one-of-a-kind) 1800’s Mechanical Masonic (?) Steampunk (!) Inkwell | Collectors Weekly. https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/198267-unique-one-of-a-kind-1800s-mechanical
• “Missouri Historical Society” (photo 28).
• – Presented to Chief Engineer James B. Eads in 1872 File:Inkwell Presented to James B. Eads.jpg – Wikimedia Commons .
• “Bismarck Museum Schönhausen” (photo 29, 30).
• Otto, Prince of Bismarck. On occasion of his 80th birthday in April of 1895. https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2016/of-royal-and-noble-descent-l16306/lot.440.html