Ever See This Bottle Before?

[Larry Barrieau]

It looks like a basic vintage Waterman's bottle but it has more facets and on the box is written "Tip-fill". It holds 4 oz. and is a very pretty bottle. I got two of them, green and blue ink.

 

 

http://fpnlcb.shutterfly.com/pictures

Edited October 20, 2015 by Larry Barrieau

[Abner C. Kemp]

I would guess "tip-fill" just means you can set the bottle on one of the flat sides so the ink tips to the top for easier filling.

[Larry Barrieau]

Yes, just like the modern bottles only these are big, 4oz and are faceted all around the body not just the sides. On a different side of the box is an illustration of the tipped bottle with a pen in it. They are quite striking and I may get more. They are from the mid 1930's.

[Larry Barrieau]

More pictures.

I found these in Canada. They are 4 0z. bottles full of Tropic Green ink. The bottles are really nice: Metal caps in perfect condition, 12 pentagonal facets which serve the same 'tip fill' utility as the modern Waterman bottles. Each bottle has a box that goes with it. Some of the boxes are in great shape, some OK, and some have had red ink spill on them in the distant past. The cardboard box is from the factory in Montreal and these bottles have lived in it since the mid 30's. That box however is in rough shape. http://fpnlcb.shutterfly.com/pictures

Look at the Waterman's ink album.

Edited November 20, 2015 by Larry Barrieau

[goodpens]

Very cool find. I like the big box and wonder what happened to the case of red bottles that apparently leaked all over that case of green. They are nice bottles and made me think of some old family real estate documents I found, which were signed with green ink by all parties to the contract (something that today would be in blue or black only). If you ever feel like breaking up the case for sale and parting with a bottle, please PM me.

[fitz123]

Yes if you ever consider selling a bottle, i will take one. let me know.

[amberleadavis]

If you can find another box, I'd help do a group buy.

[Larry Barrieau]

The story on this box is that a woman gave it to her friend (the owner of an antique store) with the request that he sell the bottles and put the proceeds into a charity of hers. The owner took the box years ago and the owner tried to sell the ink to anyone who bought a pen or pen related item. This went on for years and no one was interested in even looking at the ink. It was stored in a out of the way area of the antique "warehouse" store. I found and bought a pen there and he asked me if I needed ink. I said no, I have plenty, maybe even too much ink. He looked forelorn and asked if I was sure. Taking pity (really) I said OK what have you got? He said "follow me" and we went through a labyrinth of passageways and down a short flight of stairs. There, under the pipes of some plumbing was the box which he showed me and I took away. He did however during all that time keep a jar on the counter with the name of the woman's charity and managed to collect some money for her, and continues to do so even though she passed away. I placed a donation in the jar.

 

Aren't pens and ink fun?

[amberleadavis]

I'm glad he kept his word. If he has more hidden away, I think we can raise some contributions.

[Larry Barrieau]

He doesn't have any more. But after speaking with him on a couple of occassions he did say that when pens came through he'd contact me for first look.

[amberleadavis]

Woo Hoo!