L.E. Waterman founded his pen and ink company in New York City in 1884, following the apocryphal story of a leaking fountain pen ruining an important contract signing. By the turn of the century, Waterman’s had become one of the most trusted names in fine writing instruments and fountain pen inks, with distribution across the United States and Europe. This small hexagonal ink bottle carries the patent number 98958 on its base, a mark that helps date it to the late nineteenth or very early twentieth century — well within the original Waterman’s era before the brand passed through multiple owners across the twentieth century.
Embossing: WATERMAN’S on the body; 2OZ PAT’D 98958 on the base. The hexagonal form itself was a deliberate design choice — six flat sides prevent the bottle from rolling off a writing desk.
Condition is excellent. No chips or cracks. Sharp, fully readable embossing and patent marking. Clean glass throughout.
Dimensions: 2.25" H × 2.5" W × 1.75" D | Clear glass | Excellent vintage condition
A natural piece for a dark academia desk display or writing collector’s shelf — the hexagonal form and patent mark give it immediate credibility to anyone who collects vintage stationery or fountain pen ephemera. Works alongside vintage pen nibs, letter openers, and correspondence accessories, or as a standalone miniature display piece where the age and design history carry the appeal.
Recovered from New York City’s historic shorelines and landfill sites by Brooklyn Sea Glass. Ships carefully packed.
