Ty Cobb Inkwell

This double inkwell consists of a single block of clear, heavy glass with two cylindrical wells recessed into the glass block.

The most distinctive feature of this piece is the lids. Each inkwell has a separate square-shaped lid made of a bronze-colored metal. Embedded within each lid is a circular, enameled image of baseball legend Ty Cobb. The enameled image on one lid is primarily red and features a bust of Ty Cobb wearing a Detroit Tigers baseball cap. The image is surrounded by a ring with the words “DETROIT TIGERS.” The enamel on the other lid has a similar design, but the background color is white. The name “TY COBB” is clearly visible beneath his image on both lids.

Estimated Age

Given the subject matter—Ty Cobb of the Detroit Tigers—the piece likely dates to the era of his playing career or shortly thereafter. Ty Cobb played for the Detroit Tigers from 1905 to 1926. Items like this were popular souvenirs during the early 20th century. Therefore, the inkwell is most likely from the 1910s or 1920s.

Ty Cobb: A Brief Biography

Tyrus Raymond “Ty” Cobb (1886-1961) was an American Major League Baseball outfielder. Known for his aggressive and often controversial playing style, Cobb spent 22 seasons with the Detroit Tigers before finishing his career with the Philadelphia Athletics.

Career Highlights: Cobb is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history. He holds numerous records, including the highest career batting average (.367) and was the first player to accumulate 4,000 hits and 2,000 runs scored. He won 12 American League batting titles and was part of the inaugural class inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.