Resources
Listing below does not constitute endorsement by the SOIC.
   
Inkwells of Note
Member's Picks -- Inkwells identified by members as worthy of attention.
A Declaration of Independence Inkwell -- Inkwell used by several signators of the Declaration of Independence.
A "Civil Rights" Inkwell -- A bit of history about an inkwell used in both the 1857 Dred Scott case by Chief Justice Taney, and the dissent of Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan in the case that declared the Sumner Act of 1873 unconstitutional.
An Emancipation Proclamation Inkwell -- Some history on the inkwell Abraham Lincoln used to write the first draft of the Emmancipation Proclamation (includes photo).
   
Museums
Corning Museum of Glass -- A large collection of glassworks including a rare pressed glass Boston and Sandwich inkwell and home of the Rakow Research Library.
Early Office Museum -- "The Early Office Museum™ engages in research on the history and evolution of offices, antique office machines and equipment, and business technology based on original documents and artifacts." It has online exhibits, a museum store, and buys office antiques.
Museum of Fine Arts -- This museum in Boston offers an online search feature that retrieves not just the numerous inkwells in their collection (many of which have photos), but also works of arts featuring inkwells.
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley -- Has the first documented tin-glazed ceramic object made in America, by John Bells in 1825. (Featured in "Antiques & Auction News" no. 49 (2006), pages 1-2.)
The Pen Room -- Maintained by the Birmingham Pen Trade Heritage Association in England.
Sandwich Glass Museum -- A museum "to promote a broad understanding and appreciation of Sandwich town history, with particular emphasis on the unique contribution of the glass industry to the local community, the region, the nation, and the world."
Scrytion Museum -- This museum in Tilburg, Holland opened in 1988 and features over 1200 inkstands. (Featured in The Stained Finger, v.XV no.3 1998 p.1.)
   
Organizations
Association of Collecting Clubs (ACC) -- The Society of Inkwell Collectors is a member of the ACC.
Birmingham Pen Trade Heritage Association -- Non-profit organization promoting interest in handwriting, writing equipment and writing accessories with particular reference to the Birmingham trades.
Federation of Historic Bottle Collectors -- This association also has an online listing of "Recommended Publications".
Pen Collectors of America -- An organization to "foster and maintain the integrity of pen collecting, promote the use of fountain pens, encourage and promote effective education, communications and understanding between all collectors, and define pen collecting as an international hobby."
Writing Equipment Society -- An organisation "to encourage, and to provide opportunities for 1) the acquisition, exchange, study, use and conservation of writing instruments, accessories and associated ephemera and 2) the acquisition, study, recording and dissemination of information relating to writing instruments and accessories."
   
Personal Sites
All's Well -- Maintained by SOIC member Ed Hayes, this site contains information on inkwell anatomy, terminology, taxonomy and manufacturers, and has photos of some reproduction as well as authentic inkwells.
Antique Inkwell Bottle Hall of Fame -- Large, clear photos of glass inkwells (teakettles, umbrellas and more) and master inks.
Auctions for Antique Bottle Collectors -- Lists auction companies or locations of bottles.
Emmett and Marjorie Baker's Web Page -- Photos of and information about primarily glass and ceramic or porcelain inkwells. Also has some information on manufacturers, sanders and ink. Contains several pages of photos of inkwells from Emmett's collection.
Inkwells Home in the UK -- Maintained by a UK SOIC member, Arthur Beniston's site contains photos of and information about inkwells in a variety of materials.
   
Commercial Sites
AntiqueLine -- Variety of inkwells and inkstands in a variety of materials.
Artful Toys and Antiques -- An eclectic variety of inkwells and writing accessories, as well as vintage toys and other antique treasures, from SOIC member Barbara Bureker.
Gilai Collectibles -- Inkstands and inkwells of a variety of materials, including traveling inkwells. Includes previously sold items (but without sale prices).
GoAntiques -- Inkstands and desk accessories of $1000 and over.
June's Antique Desk Stuff -- Fountain pens, inkwells, and inkstands.
My Granny's Attic -- Contains references to porcelain and pottery marks.
Paper Trail Antiques -- Judith Walker of Paper Trails Antiques is a Society member.
Pendemonium -- Pens, inkwells, and related items for sale.
Pens, Inks & Writing Accessories -- From England, this site has fountain and dip pens, ink, pencils, inkwells, and offers pen repair.
Ruby Lane -- Various types of inks with a variety of price ranges.
Terban and Company -- Site of Society member Paul Terban, with inkwells, writing quills, rocker blotters, penholders, steel nibs and other accessories.
       
©2007 SOIC All rights reserved