Antique mid‑19th‑century American desk inkwell marked “U.S. PAT. NOV 10 56” on the base. Pressed clear glass body with beveled corners and a brass screw‑top lid featuring an internal glass liner and a sliding evaporation door. The internal glass liner served as a corrosion‑resistant ink reservoir, preventing ink acids from reacting with the brass lid. The sliding door allowed the user to access ink without fully removing the lid, minimizing evaporation and dust exposure. Measures approximately 2¾″ wide and 2″ tall.  Excellent condition for age with light patina to the brass lid and minor base wear typical of period use. 

A scarce glass‑lined, sliding‑door example of early American writing instruments—ideal for collectors of Victorian desk accessories, Civil War‑era office ware, and antique ink bottles.  Item has been left uncleaned to preserve original patina and historical ink residue.

Auction starting at 79.99 due to the scarce upgraded lid design with internal glass liner and sliding evaporation door.