Wheeler’s Premium Jet Black Ink Bottle

Description

Wheeler’s Premium Jet Black Ink Bottle

An attractive antique ink bottle retaining its original label, marked “Wheller’s Premium Ink” and “Jet Black.” The cylindrical salt glazed stoneware brown bottle has a narrow neck, the printed label remains legible and measures approximately 1 ¾” x 1 ¾”.

Following the introduction of the modern postal system and a surge in public literacy in the 1840s, the demand for pre-mixed liquid ink skyrocketed. Prior to this, ink was mostly sold as dry powder or blocks to be mixed at home.

Mass-produced liquid inks required sturdy shipping vessels. Heavy, salt-glazed stoneware became the standard because it was cheap to produce, highly durable for transit, and completely opaque, which protected the ink from light degradation. great original printed label is intact and almost always missing.  A choice example and a charming piece of early writing history for a desk display or collection.

Inventory Number: BOT 217