Fountain Pen Inkwells

Although fountain pens were specifically designed to lessen the need for inkwells, one cannot deny the pleasure of filling a handsome pen from a handsome inkwell, rather than a commercial bottle. Inkwells were desk top necessities for centuries, when pens had to be replenished after a few written words. They still constitute a handsome addition to a desk, along with a reminder of days when handwriting was still regarded as an admirable craft.

Inkwells date back to the Middle Ages, when knowing how to read and write were restricted to nobility and religious orders. Writing instruments and ink were both made by hand. Cutting a quill that stayed sharp and clear or compounding a liquid that flowed smoothly were necessary skills for early craftsmen. Those able to write could also demand the best; early inkwells were the proud products of gold- and silver-smiths, as well as court artists, and were made to enhance the cultivated reputations of wealthy patrons.

Collectible inkwells were made in abundance even into the 1920s. Many commercial enterprises, including banks and the post office provided common pens and inkwells as a customer convenience for those not yet adjusted to or able to afford new-fangled fountain pens.

Superb Antique French Marble Bronze Inkwell Stand    US $78.29

Fount O Ink Gregory Ink Well Glass Black Metal Vtg    US $9.99

Antique Double Cut Glass Inkwell Epns Stand Hl G 1920s    US $3.45

Vintage Cobalt Blue Cone Ink Well Bottle 1 1 2 Oz    US $8.50

Pr Antique Ink Wells United States England 1899    US $9.99

Antique Cast Iron Inkwell Stag Elk    US $20.01

1968inkwells Of 1885price Supplement80ill 2clean    US $9.95

Antique Lead Crystal Inkwell Swirl Pattern    US $39.99

Vintage Pewter Inkwell Original Ceramic Liner    US $23.48

Gorgeous Simple Epns Silver Plate Capstan Inkwell    US $7.81

Antique Cold Painted Ink Well Wood Base Metal Dogwell    US $33.00

Old Gilted Brass Ink Well Hinged Lid Art Nouveau    US $9.95

Bronze Antique Inkwell Bradley Hubbard Hinge Damage    US $49.99

Vintage Inkwell Wood Metal Inkwell Collectible    US $4.99

Vintage Silver And Crystal Inkwell Hinged Lid    US $9.95

Hallmarked Silver Inkwellbirm 1907great Condition    US $61.08

Vintage Carters Ink Bottle Inkwell    US $.99

Antique Leather Bound Brass Travelling Inkwellc 1870    US $66.59

Vintage Inkwellred And Black Old Plasticbakeliteetc    US $4.99

French Antique Desk Top Brass Inkwell C 1900 10    US $54.80

Mauchline Ware Ink Well Paracon Fort Crescent    US $25.06

Silver Victorian Horseshoe Desktop Inkwell 1899    US $64.21

Antique Crystal Brass Crown Inkwell Mosleys Revolving    US $9.99

Fine 19th Cvictorian Novelty Book Design Desk Inkwell    US $117.44

Solid Silver Capstan Inkwell Birm 1922 By H Matthews    US $64.21

Rare Antique Pewter Lidded Inkwell Circa 1800s    US $165.00

Victorian Brass Top Round Ink Well C1880    US $29.68

Vintage Silver Plated Inkwell With Glass Liner    US $1.55

Victorian Art Nouveau Brass Top Crystal Ink Well C1880    US $54.74

Victorian Mahogany Inkwell Stand 2 Original Wellsc1890    US $29.68

Victorian Ebonised Inkwell Desk Tidy    US $39.15

6 Glass Antique Inkwell Jars    US $9.50

Brass Inkwell Solid Original Insert Nice    US $5.50