Victorian Traveling Inkwell

This is an English Victorian era traveling inkwell, a compact and portable version of a traditional inkwell designed to be easily carried while traveling.

• The Case: The case is a small, rectangular box made of “faux tortoiseshell.” It has a warm, brown-and-gold mottled appearance, mimicking the shell of a tortoise. It is hinged on one side and opens by pressing a small button on the front, which releases a catch. The interior is lined with a dark, plush velvet, which is used to protect the delicate glass inkwell and hold it securely in place.
• The Inkwell: The inkwell itself is a small, square-shaped bottle made of cut glass. The facets of the glass are expertly cut, giving the inkwell a shimmering, geometric pattern that reflects light.
• The Lid: The lid is made of sterling silver and screws onto the neck of the glass inkwell. It is decorated with an intricate, hand-engraved design and seals the inkwell to prevent spills.

Style

The combination of its features points to a mid-to-late Victorian era (approximately 1850-1900) origin:

• Materials: Faux tortoiseshell, cut glass, and sterling silver were all fashionable materials for personal and travel accessories during the Victorian period.
• Function: The concept of a traveling inkwell fits perfectly with the Victorian fascination with travel, correspondence, and elaborate personal items. These were often part of larger “necessaire” or “étui” sets.
• Aesthetic: The ornate, decorative nature of the silver lid, combined with the detailed cutting of the glass and the elaborate case, are all characteristic of the Victorian love for highly decorative, functional objects.