Inkwells

Inkwells, of course, held ink. Ready-made ink was first made about 1836 and was sold in bottles. The desk inkwell had a narrow hole so the pen would not slip inside. Inkwells were made of many materials, such as pottery, glass, pewter, and silver. Many inkwells are from the late 19th century and the early 20th century. Look in these categories for more listings of inkwells. For more information, explore our identification guides for glass, pottery and porcelain, pewter, and metals.