Antique early 20th or late 19th century Victorian pair of travelling ink wells.
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This unusual pair of travelling ink wells would have originally been covered in a leather. Over the past 100 years plus, this has gradually worn away so now they have been polished to give an industrial look!!!
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The original small glass ink wells are present and everything opens and closes with a lovely click. They adorn nice brass handles to the tops and opening.  Obviously some age related wear. Personally I love this look very unusual may have come from a larger travelling set.
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Size: 5 cm square
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These were specifically designed for portability and safe ink storage, gained popularity during the Victorian era, particularly with the rise of train and steamship travel. These inkwells often featured secure screw lids to prevent spills. They were not only practical for travelers but also became fashionable souvenirs, sometimes shaped like famous landmarks.
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Here's a more detailed look at their history:
Early Inkwells and the Rise of Portability:
Ancient Origins:
The earliest forms of inkwells can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, where scribes used them to write on papyrus.
Italian Renaissance:
After the Roman invasion of Egypt, inkwells became more common in Italy as literacy increased.
Portable Inkwells:
The need for portable inkwells arose as traveling became more affordable and popular, especially during the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of rail travel.
Secure Lids:
A key feature of traveling inkwells was the secure screw lid, designed to prevent leaks and spills.
Materials:
Inkwells were crafted from various materials like glass, metal, or gutta-percha.
Victorian Era Popularity:
Souvenirs and Novelties:
During the Victorian era, inkwells became popular souvenirs, with some shaped like famous landmarks or featuring scenes of cities.
Fashionable Items:
Portable inkwells were not just practical, they were also considered a fashionable item, often carried in hand luggage.
Travel Companions:
Army officers and other travelers relied on traveling inkwells to have a reliable ink supply while on the road, often storing them in campaign chests or portable writing desks.
Decline and Legacy:
Fountain Pen and Typewriter:
The invention of the fountain pen and the typewriter ultimately led to a decline in the use of traditional inkwells, as they offered more convenient and portable writing solutions.
Collectible Items:
Today, ornate and novelty inkwells, including traveling inkwells, are valued as collectible items, representing a past era of creativity and innovation.