Help Identify Or Get Information About A Old Bronze/brass/copper Inkwell

[iznogood]

Hello all! Hope I'm at the right place to ask this! If not please mods move this thread where it's supposed to be at!

 

Well my sister is in Argentina for business and she just messaged me on facebook out of her mind with happiness. She found me a gift and could not resist sending me pictures.

 

It's obviously a inkwell that seems to be made of either bronze, brass or copper. My sister said it's quite heavy but all those metals would be heavy at that thickness.

 

She got it in a antique store I have nothing more. I checked ebay and did see a lot of similar inkwells often in pairs and almost always on some sort of marble or metal base. This one here has nothing else then the one inkwell.

 

I'd love it if someone could either tell me what it is or point me to resources on inkwells so I can maybe have a chance of identifying this one.

 

In any ways I cannot wait to get my hands on it. It's already beautiful but I bet a little light polish would bring it right back.

 

Thanks in advance!!

 

http://i.imgur.com/pRAqn6O.jpg?1

http://i.imgur.com/8swMSZT.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/0YIUIUJ.jpg?2

http://i.imgur.com/2AuXOB1.jpg?2

Edited March 27, 2017 by RMN

[RMN]

Brass. Nice and complete with the glass ink-insert, which is the actual well. Copper would be too soft, bronze too expensive.

Sometimes they came with porcelain insert instead of glass.

 

Could well have been a stand alone, as the pairs usually are together in one housing, or in a stand, but this type of well would not fit into a stand very well.

 

The pairs were always used in accounting, with red and black ink.

But a private person would just need one inkwell.

 

 

D.ick

[iznogood]

Brass. Nice and complete with the glass ink-insert, which is the actual well. Copper would be too soft, bronze too expensive.

Sometimes they came with porcelain insert instead of glass.

 

Could well have been a stand alone, as the pairs usually are together in one housing, or in a stand, but this type of well would not fit into a stand very well.

 

The pairs were always used in accounting, with red and black ink.

But a private person would just need one inkwell.

 

 

D.ick

Thank you!!!

ANy way to date something like that? Or it's origins? I guess I'll have a better shot at it when I hold it in my hands. The glass seems to suggest quite an age but what do I know? :-)

 

Also what kind of nib holder would go well with that?

 

THanks again!!

Edited March 27, 2017 by iznogood

[RMN]

Things like that were in use all over the world. I have many inkwells, of all type of material. They were in use until mid of last century or even later. I learned to write with a dip pen, later used BP and my grandfathers Waterman pen.

 

I would guess this is from between WW1 and WW2. But I could be wrong, as I said I have many inkwells but never took the time to research their background or date.

 

 

D.ick

[iznogood]

Things like that were in use all over the world. I have many inkwells, of all type of material. They were in use until mid of last century or even later. I learned to write with a dip pen, later used BP and my grandfathers Waterman pen.

 

I would guess this is from between WW1 and WW2. But I could be wrong, as I said I have many inkwells but never took the time to research their background or date.

 

 

D.ick

Thanks again! Ill try to narrow my searches to these periods see if I can find the pattern or something similar

[RMN]

You could do a google search on "brass inkwell ebay"

 

You will see many similar. Not expensive.(hope your sis didn't brek the bank for your present...)

 

Alas no dates with the sales info. (the ones I checked)

 

 

 

D.ick

[iznogood]

You could do a google search on "brass inkwell ebay"

 

You will see many similar. Not expensive.(hope your sis didn't brek the bank for your present...)

 

Alas no dates with the sales info. (the ones I checked)

 

 

 

D.ick

Yeah I have been doing that for a while. Google images and etsy too. So many models it's insane.

Thanks!

[iznogood]

Finally got it!

 

Turns out there is a logo engraved in the glass insert.

I cannot find anything at all about it.

 

http://i.imgur.com/P8a8oSs.jpg?3

[Anne-Sophie]

 

There are books for inkwell collectors search for "History of Inkwells" you should get some result, even a book with that very same title.

 

I believe it is better to leave the brass matte, too much polish will ruin the design.

 

It could be Victorian.

 

I wish I could help more.

 

Wonderful find by your sister and beautiful gift for you!

 

[AD43]

http://www.peytonstreetpens.com/edward-todd-sterling-114-dip-pen-holder-ornate-fiddlehead-design-tapered-end-leroy-fairchild-flexible-nib-excellent.html

qwrong colour, but nice!

[AD43]

http://www.peytonstreetpens.com/waterman-94-desk-fountain-pen-mahogany-semi-flex-medium-2-nib-excellent-restored.html

this looks better with brass

[iznogood]

Well I think I'll settle on something a little less expensive for now. They're quite nice tho!!! ;-)

 

Googling the book too thanks!

[Anne-Sophie]

 

In addition, a search on inkwells manufacturers' logo could help.