J.P.F. Inkwell

J.P.F. inkwell, Pitkin Glass Works. "J.P.F." with stars and dots side. 

This square inkwell embossed "J.P.F." is a representative of the only inkwell type that is attributed uniquely to the Pitkin Glass Works in Manchester Ct. The initials are thought to stand for John P. Foster, a superintendent at the Pitkin factory, and shards of this inkwell have been excavated at the glass works ruins. An eagle/cornucopia flask blown at the Pitkin Glass Works also includes the initials J.P.F. 

J.P.F. inkwell, eagle side. 

Each side of the square inkwell has a different design. The side with the initials also include dots and stars, similar to markings seen on some Masonic flasks. The other sides feature an abstract lattice and dots pattern, a basket with abundant fruits, and a bald eagle. The corners of the inkwell are beveled, with ribbing that is also reminiscent of early Connecticut Masonic and sunburst flasks. The J.P.F. inkwell was blown in a two part mold.

J.P.F. inkwell, basket of fruit side. 

The J.P.F. inkwell is extremely rare, and is probably the most valuable inkwell in existence. The example pictured here was auctioned by Norman C. Heckler and Co. this month for more than $30,000. It has a faint crack in the lip, which was likely present but not noted on at least one prior occasion when this example was sold. The Mattatuck Museum has another example, as do the Manchester Historical Society and the Connecticut Historical Society. There are another couple in collections, for a total of maybe half a dozen extant inkwells.

J.P.F. inkwell, crosshatching and dots side. 

In other inkwell news, the Museum of Connecticut Glass hosted a special exhibit from the collection of Tom Marshall this month, including dozens of early free blown, Pitkin-type pattern molded, and blown in mold inkwells, of likely Connecticut or New England origin. Tom also displayed a selection of modern reproductions of Pitkin-type inks, from Pairpoint Glass, Red Fern Glass and others.  Most of these didn't really have the finesse of the antique inks, and the shapes and forms (especially of the lips) were generally pretty wonky, but some might have caused an expert some temporary confusion. 

A portion of Tom Marshall's remarkable inkwell collection. 

According to MoCG president Noel Tomas, many years ago a member of the general public actually brought a J.P.F. inkwell in to a museum open house, in order to ask what it was. The ink had been purchased at a tag sale in East Hartford. After explanations of the origins and rarity of the inkwell, the visitor apparently left and was not heard from again. It seems to be unclear whether this example wound up in a museum or a known private collection, or is sitting, possibly forgotten, on a shelf in a house somewhere around Hartford.