Higgins Ink Bottle – 1940s Clear Glass Brooklyn NY

Higgins Ink Company was founded in Brooklyn, New York in 1880 by Charles A. Higgins, and became one of the most trusted names in American art supply ink through the twentieth century. Higgins inks — particularly the black India ink — were the professional standard for illustrators, cartoonists, letterers, and calligraphers through the golden age of American commercial art. The clear glass jar with its distinctive squat cylindrical form was designed for dip pen use: wide enough to dip a pen nib cleanly, heavy enough to sit stable on a drawing board.

Embossing: HIGGINS INK with brand text on the body; base carries maker markings confirming Brooklyn production.

Condition is excellent with minimal wear consistent with age. No chips or cracks. The clear glass is clean and the embossing is fully readable.

Dimensions: 2.5" H × 2.25" W | Clear glass | Excellent vintage condition

A natural piece for vintage art supply collectors, desk and studio displays, or anyone who appreciates the history of American commercial illustration. The Higgins name is immediately recognizable to anyone who has worked in traditional media — display it on a drawing table alongside vintage pen nibs and brushes, or on a dark academia bookshelf where the Brooklyn ink history and the compact clear glass form provide a quiet, specific accent.

Recovered from New York City’s historic shorelines and landfill sites by Brooklyn Sea Glass. Ships carefully packed.