Description: A nice manganese lead glazed antique redware inkwell. The inkwell has spool profile with a round flat base, which extends slightly out. The inkwell has rising sides that are slightly curved and leaning slightly outwards ending at a shoulder. The shoulder is curved and has three holes along the circumference and a central rising neck with an opening which serves as the inkwell. The holes along the circumference serve as quill storing holes. The piece has a dark brown color and is entirely glazed except for the bottom which is unglazed and shows the color of unglazed redware. The piece is in very good condition with general over all crazing to the glaze. It also has chips on the edge of the shoulder, along the edge of the base, and along the edge of the inkwell opening. The piece also has several normal defects you would expect in a piece of primitive folk pottery of this type. A beautiful piece of old redware which would make a great addition to your collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description. 

Date: Unknown, but we believe it was made sometime in the late 1800s. 

Origin: Was purchased at an estate auction in Lancaster Pennsylvania, where it was probably made. 

Size: measures ~3 1/8"" diameter at the base, ~3 3/8" diameter at its widest spot (the edge of the shoulder), the mouth of the inkwell is ~1 1/8" in diameter on the outside and ~5/8" in diameter on the inside. The piece is ~2 1/4" high and weighs about 8.5 ounces. 

Maker: Unknown 

Marks: Unmarked as to the maker. 

Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: A nice looking antique redware inkwell, which would display nicely in any collection of antique redware. 

Condition: The inkwell is in very good condition. It has no cracks, repairs, or hairlines. It is solid and intact and displays a nice shape. It does have general overall crazing to the glaze. It also has chips on the edge of the shoulder, along the edge of the base, and along the edge of the inkwell opening. The piece also has several normal defects you would expect in a piece of primitive folk pottery of this type, such as pops, slubs, uneven surfaces, roughness to the surface, and spots where it is not completely covered by the glaze. Most of these issues can be seen in the photos. It also has a few small flakes to the glaze along the edges of the rim of the mouth, the shoulder, and the sides. Be that as it may, this is a very nice piece in very good condition worthy of a spot in your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.