Inkwells are as old as the written word.
Before ballpoint pens and even fountain pens, inkwells were needed to provide ink to quivers or other writing instruments.
In the past, inkwells were a part of everyone’s lives, used to record everything from national declarations to personal correspondence. Today, they are sought after for their decorative styles and the historical significance they represent.
Antique inkwells are quite popular among collectors and enthusiasts of historical writing tools. They are considered a “sleeper hit” of the writing tool community, often hiding in plain sight but carrying interesting stories and a wide variety of designs1. Their popularity stems from their rich history and the craftsmanship involved in creating them.
In this video, antique inkwell collector Gary Stover talks about four great examples of antique inkwell sets. A very fun video to watch
