United States Navy WWI trench art ink well
Date1915-1918
Object number00028766
NameInkwell
MediumBrass
DimensionsOverall: 51 x 63 x 63 mm, 0.1 g
ClassificationsDecorative and folk art
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis souvenir from WWI is a cylindrical ink well with a hollow base and a United States Navy button on the lid. It was made during the period 1915-1918.HistoryInkwells are the reservoirs used to hold ink for dipping a pen, whereas inkstands, contain an inkwell plus other objects. These might include a wafer box to hold wafers used for sealing letters and a pot of fine powder used to stop ink from bleeding, plus pen rests and quill holders. While such writing sets were useful, they were also cumbersome, and many travellers settled for the simplicity of an inkwell and pen. Inkwells began to disappear with the invention of the fountain pen in 1884. This inkwell was made as a souvenir during World War I.SignificanceThis is an example of the types of trench art made by servicemen or civilians and kept as souvenirs.
19th century
19th century
19th century
19th Century
