Vaseline Glass Advertising Inkwell

This piece is a wonderful example of an advertising “giveaway” or promotional item.

Description

The item is a pressed glass inkwell with a square, fluted body. It features deep vertical grooves on the sides that meet at the corners in a rounded, “bump-out” fashion, creating a scalloped silhouette. The top has a wide mouth with a fitted, circular glass lid that rests in a recessed rim. The base has a textured grid, a hobnail or beaded pattern.

Embossed Lettering

The top of the lid is embossed with the following text:

COMPLIMENTS OF JOHN M. HUISKAMP

History & Provenance

• Maker & Location: This was produced as a promotional item for John M. Huiskamp, a prominent businessman in Keokuk, Iowa. The Huiskamp family founded Huiskamp Brothers & Co., which was one of the largest shoe manufacturing companies in the Midwest during the 19th century.
• Age: Based on the style of the glass and the history of the Huiskamp firm, this piece dates to the late 1880s or 1890s. During this era, it was common for successful manufacturers to distribute functional desk accessories—like inkwells or paperweights—to clients and partners as advertising.
• Production: While commissioned by Huiskamp, the glass itself was likely manufactured by a specialized glass house, such as those in the Ohio River Valley, which produced large quantities of pressed glass “advertising novelties” for companies across the country.

The Vaseline Color

The striking yellow-green hue of this glass is achieved through the addition of uranium oxide to the glass melt.

• The Science: Uranium was used as a colorant starting in the 1830s. When added in small amounts (typically 0.1% to 2% by weight), it creates a transparent, oily yellow color that resembles the original formulation of Vaseline-brand petroleum jelly—hence the name.
• The Glow: The most famous characteristic of this glass is its fluorescence. Because of the uranium content, this inkwell will glow a vivid, “radioactive” neon green when placed under a UV (blacklight).
• Safety: While technically radioactive, the amount of uranium trapped within the glass matrix is very small. It is considered safe for display, emitting radiation levels that are generally only slightly above natural background levels.

Advertising and Promotions

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Huiskamp Brothers (who operated out of Keokuk, Iowa) employed several creative advertising methods to promote their shoes to a mostly rural and working-class Midwestern demographic.

Based on historical records and surviving ephemera, their advertising included:

• Promotional Booklets: They published branded, illustrated children’s booklets, such as the antique booklet titled “Rex and Rover”, which featured stories and illustrations alongside advertisements for Huiskamp Shoes. Giving away storybooks was a popular way to build brand loyalty with families.
• “Barnyard” and “Elk Brand” Ads: In the early 1910s (around 1911), Huiskamp engaged the Lessing Advertising Agency to prepare ad campaigns for their working lines, heavily promoting their “Barnyard Shoes” and “Elk Brand” work shoes. These were pitched specifically to farmers and laborers.
• Print Advertising & Catalogs: Trade publications and newspapers from the era show that Huiskamp Brothers routinely offered mail-order catalogs upon request to prospective buyers and retailers to view their inventory.
• Desk Novelties (Like This Inkwell): Giving away paperweights, match holders, and glass inkwells embossed with the company’s or proprietor’s name (like John M. Huiskamp) was considered premium tier “giveaway” advertising intended for the desks of merchants and suppliers who carried their footwear.