The moment I spotted this remarkable antique one-of-a-kind mechanical inkwell I knew I just HAD to have it. I don't collect Masonic stuff, not do I collect steampunk, but this simply blew me away because, to me, it's definitely the oddest and coolest inkwell I have ever come across.
No idea who made this, but he was obviously an amazing artisan! The original (worn) felt is on the bottom and "maybe" there' something inscribed under it, but I don't want to mess with this in any way.
It's a museum de-acquisition mechanical inkwell with applied miniature tools and gears. The inkwell is very heavy nickel plate over brass. It weighs almost 3 pounds. A press-down, gear-driven lever opens the top helmet-shaped chamber smoothly and easily. The inside is fitted with its original glass insert. The bottom of the insert has an embossed “13.” The tools have a masonic look and feel, and they include a compass, triangle, hammers, T-square, closed and open wrench and more. It sits 5 1/4” high by 5 1/4” wide and the bottom diameter is 4 3/4”, and came from the private collection of the renowned early 20th century (very wealthy and eccentric) collector Margaret Woodbury Strong.
Broke the budget on this one (yikes!), but I don't regret it for a moment...
Thanks for looking!