Antique 1890s Sanford’s Aqua Glass Inkwell Bottle #39 – 2.5” Tall

This is part of our All You Need is Love… and Pretty Dishes theme.

A charming piece of history, this antique 1890s Sanford’s Aqua Glass Inkwell Bottle with some ink residue in the inside, is a must-have for collectors, writers, and history enthusiasts alike. Featuring a cylindrical shape with tiered ridges, this hand-blown ink bottle has a lovely aqua blue-green hue, giving it a timeless aesthetic. Measuring approximately 2” wide and 2.5” high, this bottle once held Sanford’s premium ink, a staple for writers, artists, and students in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With its compact design and sturdy glass construction, this relic of the past still exudes vintage charm, perfect for display or repurposing in home décor.

History & Interesting Facts:

Sanford’s ink was a household name in the late 1800s and early 1900s, widely used in schools, offices, and homes across the United States. Founded in 1857, Sanford became synonymous with high-quality ink and later expanded into office supplies, eventually evolving into the well-known Sanford Corporation, which introduced Sharpie markers.

Glass inkwells like this were hand-blown or mold-pressed, often discarded once empty, making intact examples like this one rare and collectible. The aqua tint in this bottle comes from the natural iron impurities in the sand used for glass production before chemical decolorization became common in the early 20th century.

This antique inkwell makes a fantastic gift for writers, vintage collectors, or anyone who appreciates historic office supplies and early glassmaking techniques.

Wear Condition

***Please note that this item is preloved/ vintage & and may show signs of age and wear. Any imperfections are part of its charm and history. Please see accompanying pictures for more detail.

Display Props

***Please note that any display props, including but not limited to flowers, books, stands , candles , etc are for decorative purposes only and do not come with the item for sale unless otherwise stated in the product description.

***All products mentioned are intended for decorative purposes only and are not intended to be used as toys. Please keep out of reach of children and handle with care.

Lead

**Although this item may have been crafted before lead regulations, it is sold for aesthetic purposes only and may not be safe for food or beverage consumption meant for  Decorative Use.