Ink wells with glass inserts come in all sizes, shapes and styles to suit your taste and fit in with your collection.

Inkwells appear as early as the ancient Chinese and Egyptian cultures. While they were readily used by various cultures, they also appeared in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and media – including glass, cut glass, art glass and satin glass!

If you feel yourself drawn to inkwell collecting, you may wish to consider joining the Society of Inkwell Collectors (inkwellsocietv@aol.com).

This group has amassed a lot of information that will keep you from buying reproductions or forgeries. They also help with valuation and informational networking so you know exactly what’s “out there.”

After self-education the next question is what kind of inkwell do you want to collect?

One of a specific region or era? Perhaps ones of a specific shape? Animals in particular were popular in glass, as were shoes.

There are also hand painted glass wells that radiate with beauty and rich colors.

Here are just a few types of inkwells that collectors seem to enjoy:

• Those created for travel (sometimes complete with a writing surface built into a box)
• Well & brush sets
• Art Deco
• Architectural designs
• Bristol Glass
• Milk glass inkpots
• Tiffany Studios (LCT)

Loetz is perhaps the best-known name in iridescent glass inkwells, having produced them fro 1840 to 1940 in Austria.

The colors include yellow, blue, green and purple, all having that Art Nouveau feeling. Unfortunately many of these creations were never marked, making certain identification “iffy” for serious collectors.

Other big names in inkwells are Tiffany, Sanford, Hall, and Palmer.

Another thing to look for in inkwells are those that were made using three molds. The molds allow for intricate carvings appearing like cut glass, and have three distinct parts.

These are, however, a more costly investment than the glass inkwells dating to the 1880s & 1890s from pressed glass. By the way, glass was a preferred media for inkwells because it wasn’t harmed by ink’s acidic quality. Bottles dating to 1870-1920 are among the most sought after and frequently most elaborate.

To learn a bit more about inkwells and perhaps to purchase one of your own, visit Pendemonium.