Weller Pottery Turtle Inkwell

This inkwell, designed in the shape of a turtle with a frog sitting on top of the lid, is marked “WELLER”.  The turtle has a detailed shell and legs and has a glazed finish with a mix of blue, gray, green, and yellow hues.

The Muskota line by Weller Pottery is a collection of art pottery pieces that were produced around the early 20th century. These pieces are known for their intricate and whimsical designs, often featuring animals, nature scenes, and figural elements. The Muskota line includes items like flower frogs, vases, and figurines.

Weller Pottery was founded by Samuel Augustus Weller in 1872 in Fultonham, Ohio. Initially, the company produced utilitarian ware such as stoneware jars and clay flowerpots. In 1882, Weller moved the company to Zanesville, Ohio, where it expanded significantly.

By the early 20th century, Weller Pottery had become one of the largest and most influential pottery manufacturers in the United States. Weller Pottery employed many talented artists and designers, such as Jacques Sicard, Frederick Hurten Rhead, and Charles Babcock Upjohn.

Weller Pottery’s success continued through the early 20th century, with the company winning a Gold Medal in the Arts Category at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition. However, the Great Depression and the influx of cheap imports after World War II led to a decline in sales. The company eventually closed its doors in 1948.