Antique Stafford’s Ink Bottle Aqua Glass c1880s–1890s Embossed Victorian Ink

⸻

Item Specifics

Type: Ink Bottle

Material: Glass

Color: Aqua / Blue-Green

Maker: Stafford’s Ink

Era: c. 1880s–1890s

Manufacture: Mold-blown, early machine-assisted

Country/Region of Manufacture: United States

Original/Reproduction: Original

⸻

Description

Authentic antique Stafford’s Ink bottle, dating to the late 19th century (circa 1880s–1890s). This example is embossed “STAFFORD’S / INK”, identifying it as a branded commercial ink bottle sold filled during the Victorian writing era.

The bottle is made of attractive aqua blue-green glass, typical of 19th-century American soda-lime production. Manufacturing characteristics include mold seams, a rolled lip with slight irregularity, and a smooth base, consistent with the transitional period between hand-blown and early machine-assisted glassmaking.

The surface displays natural age-related wear and light iridescence, developed over decades of use and storage. Interior haze remains from original ink contents. The bottle has been carefully cleaned and presents well while retaining its genuine antique character.

A desirable example for ink bottle collectors, Victorian writing desk displays, or apothecary / antique decor collections.

⸻

Condition

Good antique condition.

• No cracks or structural damage

• Typical base wear from age

• Interior haze consistent with former ink use

• Surface wear, light scratches, and age-related iridescence present

All condition details are shown clearly in the photos.

⸻

Dimensions

Approx. 3 inches tall

Approx. 3 inches wide

⸻

Collector Notes

Stafford’s Ink was an established 19th-century ink manufacturer. Branded embossed examples such as this are more desirable than later unmarked desk inks and represent genuine Victorian-era writing history.

⸻

Optimized Keywords

staffords ink bottle

antique stafford ink

victorian ink bottle

aqua glass ink bottle

19th century ink bottle

antique writing ink

embossed ink bottle

apothecary glass bottle

early american ink bottle

victorian desk ink