Vaseline Glass Double Inkstand

This is a vibrant example of late 19th-century American pressed glass artistry. The piece showcases a beautiful interplay between functional writing equipment and the distinct, luminous aesthetic of Vaseline colored glass.

The Tray and Plateau

• Form and Silhouette: The base features a distinctive oval inkstand design. The most eye-catching element is the wide, flared perimeter decorated with a scallop-and-point, shell-like pattern. These molded, leaf- or shell-like segments tilt upward, giving the tray a dynamic, ruffled appearance that catches the light beautifully.
• Central Plateau: Rising from the center of the scalloped tray is an elevated, structural plateau. This geometric riser features a vertical paneled or column-like pattern around its edge, providing a sturdy, formal anchor for the set. The plateau is molded with two dedicated recessed wells designed specifically to securely cradle the writing vessels.

The Vessels and Covers

• Dual Functionality: The plateau holds two matching, heavy-walled glass inserts. This set comprises one inkwell for holding liquid ink and one sander (or pounce pot) used to shake fine sand over wet ink to dry it before blotting paper became widespread.
• Molded Patterns: The lower portion of the inserts features a vertical paneled design that aligns with the aesthetic of the central plateau, while the upper shoulders of the glass bottles are finished with a soft, decorative fluting.
• Hardware: Each vessel is fitted with its original, unadorned nickel-plated metal cover. The lids feature a smooth, domed shape topped with a classic spherical finial knob, offering a clean, metallic contrast to the elaborate glasswork below.

Color and Material

• Vaseline (Uranium) Glass: The defining feature of the entire set is its brilliant, translucent yellow-green color. Often referred to as “canary” or “Vaseline” glass, this vibrant hue was achieved by adding small amounts of uranium oxide to the glass melt before shaping. It possesses the characteristic oily, almost glowing sheen that makes it highly prized by collectors, and it will fluoresce a vivid neon green under a ultraviolet (UV) blacklight.

Attribution and Era

• Circa 1870–1890: The geometric complexity combined with naturalistic shell motifs is highly indicative of the High Victorian period.
• Boston & Sandwich Glass Co.: The attribution to this legendary Cape Cod manufacturer is highly plausible. Boston & Sandwich was a pioneer in American pressed glass and was renowned for producing high-quality, vibrant colored glass—including exceptional canary/vaseline pieces—throughout the 19th century.