Antique ink wells are a little bit different from fountain pens and other popular writing tools. They’re often overlooked and undervalued in the collecting world, but they can be a great way to add a splash of personality to any writing area.
They come in all shapes and sizes, from basic squares and rectangles to novelty figural designs that would make any old-fashioned bottle hunter green with envy! The best place to start looking for these vintage pieces is at auction.
Some people love to collect inkwells because they’re a fun way to show off their favorite colors. Others prefer them because they’re a good reminder of the past, especially when they’re used as writing accessories.
You can easily find a few different kinds of inkwells online at sites like eBay and Etsy. These sites make it easy to find common, inexpensive pieces, but they also often have high-value finds available for sale as well.
These sites are also a great place to sell your own ink wells if you’re in need of a quick cash turnaround. Depending on the condition and design, an ink well could be worth anything from $50 to over $1,000, so it’s a good idea to check them out before making a decision!
The most common kind of antique ink well is one made from blown glass. These bottles are a lot cheaper to produce than their ceramic cousins, but they’re also often more beautiful and interesting to look at. Many of these glass bottles have a “burst lip,” a sharp edge at the top of the bottle that is reminiscent of a cork.
They’re typically sold as a collection piece, but you can also find them in individual bottles or even individually-sold ink sets. If you have a large ink collection, you can put these bottles together in a display case to showcase them to friends and family.
Ink wells can be found in all kinds of materials, including brass, copper, iron, and even glass. Most of these ink wells are cheaply made, but you can also find expensive ones that feature a designer or a recognizable maker’s mark.
Some ink wells have lids that are used to keep ink dry and prevent spills. These lids typically have a flip-cap that snaps or clasps shut, and some ink wells have screw tops, too.
Another common type of ink well is one that was made from stone or ceramic. These are the most common, but you can also find them made from wood and porcelain.
There are also some ink bottles that have a curved bottom, which helps the ink flow more smoothly to the paper. These aren’t a very common type of ink bottle, but they can be found for relatively cheap prices and are sometimes called “teakettles” by collectors because of their shape.
These ink bottles were commonly used to store ink for quill pens, which were the oldest type of pen known to mankind. Before the invention of a better pen, quill pens were created by cutting a feather and dipping it in a jar of ink.
MIULEE Throw Pillows Inserts, Pack of 2 18x18 Inch 100% Virgin Fiber Filling Bed Couch Pillows
(as of June 29, 2026 19:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Cocorrína Reed Diffuser Set, Clean Linen 6.7 fl oz Scented Diffuser with Sticks Home Fragrance Reed Diffuser for Bathroom Shelf Decor
(as of June 29, 2026 19:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Byondeth Curtain Rods for Windows 16 to 144 Inches Adjustable Length 1 Inch Diameter Window Curtain Rod with Aluminium Finials, Black
(as of June 29, 2026 19:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)GORILLA GRIP Bath Rug Mat, Thick Soft Absorbent Chenille, Quick Dry Microfiber Mats, Rubber Backing, Machine Washable Shower Floor Rugs, Bathroom Bathmat Home Decor Accessories, 24x17 Grey
(as of June 29, 2026 19:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Utopia Bedding 18x18 Pillow Inserts, Set of 2, White – Indoor Decorative Throw Pillows for Bed, Sofa & Couch – Soft, Supportive & Fluffy Cushion Inserts
(as of June 29, 2026 19:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Amazon Echo Spot (newest model), Great for nightstands, offices and kitchens, Smart alarm clock, Designed for Alexa+, Black
(as of June 29, 2026 19:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Rabenda 12 Pcs Rug Tape, Non Slip Rug Pads Grippers for Hardwood Floors and Tiles, Reusable Carpet Tape for Area Rugs, Double-Sided Adhesive Rug Stickers Keep Corners Flat (Black)
(as of June 29, 2026 19:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)NICETOWN Halloween Pitch Black Solid Thermal Insulated Grommet Blackout Curtains/Drapes for Bedroom Window (2 Panels, 42 inches Wide by 63 inches Long, Black)
(as of June 29, 2026 19:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)MIULEE Blackout Curtains for Bedroom Living Room 2 Panels, Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Drapes Grommet Noise Reducing Light Blocking Window Treatments 63 Inches Long 40x63 Inch Black
(as of June 29, 2026 19:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)JCJMY 8.5x11 inch Picture Frame Black for Certificate Poster and Photo, Horizontal and Vertical Formats for Wall Hanging or Tabletop, 8.5x11 Frame with Shatter Resistant Plexiglass, Black
(as of June 29, 2026 19:24 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Auto Amazon Links: No products found.