Yellow Olive Umbrella Ink Bottle

This is an exceptional example of a mid-19th-century 8-Sided Umbrella Ink Bottle, distinguished by its rare coloration and superb “as made” condition.

Description

This umbrella inkwell features a classic octagonal form, with eight panels tapering upward from a wide base to a narrow neck. The glass is a vibrant yellow olive, a significant and desirable departure from the more common deep olive greens typically found in this pattern. When held to the light, the glass exhibits warm, golden-amber undertones that emphasize its clarity.

The bottle is characterized by an outward rolled lip, a hand-finished detail that is less common than the standard sheared or inward-rolled rims found on similar pieces. The base features a prominent open pontil scar, indicating it was hand-blown and snapped from the blowpipe, a hallmark of early American glass production (circa 1840–1860).

The glass itself is full of “character,” saturated with tiny seed bubbles and a few larger, elongated air whittles that are trapped within the walls. These manufacturing artifacts, combined with the “sparkling” surface mentioned, give the piece a gem-like quality.

Key Specifications

• Form: 8-Sided “Umbrella” style.
• Color: Yellow Olive (High clarity with golden-yellow highlights).
• Height: 2½ inches.
• Lip Style: Hand-finished, outward rolled lip.
• Base: Deeply indented with a sharp, open pontil.
• Period: Mid-19th Century (c. 1840–1860).

Condition and Character

The condition of this specimen is remarkable. It is a “non-dug” example, meaning the glass has never been subjected to the caustic soil conditions that typically cause “sickness” or haze in antique bottles.

• Surface: Brilliant, high-gloss luster on both the interior and exterior.
• Clarity: Transparent with no cloudiness or “high point” wear.
• Integrity: Entirely original and has not been tumbled or polished; the edges of the octagonal panels remain crisp.

Note

While the umbrella shape is a staple of early ink bottle collecting, finding one that combines this specific yellow-olive hue with an outward rolled lip is quite difficult. Most survivors are found in darker, muddier greens or aquamarine. The presence of the open pontil and the pristine, “out of the mold” surface makes this a top-tier example.