Up for sale is a pair of "Ma & Pa" Carter ceramic inkwells, made in Germany for The Carter Ink Company around 1914. Carter's got into the fountain pen business in the mid-1920's, but had been making inks and glues (mucilage) long before that in the 1800's.
I don't have the info handy, but if I remember correctly, the Ma & Pa Carter inkwells sold for around 25 cents when they came out in the mid-teens as an advertising gimmick and became quite popular back then. If you place them just right and look closely at them, you'll notice Pa's eyes focused toward Ma as she holds a rolling pin in her hands and Ma's eyes looking toward Pa wondering what he's done now...they do make a wonderful couple!
They're made out fired poreceain and hand-painted, both heads pull off revealing a cork stopper (I've seen some with rubber stoppers) and the rest of the body is your ink receptacle. I've had 6-pairs over the years and no two have been painted or looked alike, the colors are generally the same but the details have subtle differences. VERY COOL little dudes & dudettes, a staple for any Carter or inkwell collection!
Both of these are in excellent condition with minor wear, no chips, dings, scratches or inkstains and have their corks fully intact...PenEmporium Price (as a set only!)--$150.00!
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Price includes U.S. shipping/International shipping will incur an extra charge (at cost). I accept PayPal Cash and PayPal Credit Card as well as Personal Checks, Cashier's Checks and Money Orders. Merchandise will be shipped when funds clear. Please e-mail me at docnib@msn.com with any questions on items for sale or on any other pens you're looking for.
Thanks for looking!
DocNib