Writing Antiques

Writing antiques have great charm and historic interest. When quill pens began to be superseded by steel nibs and penholders these were rapidly manufactured, in true Victorian fashion, in numerous shapes, sizes and materials. Stamps, first issued in 1840, were stored in special stamp boxes. There were inkwells of every size and shape for desk, pocket, writing box or inkstand, and to beautifully decorated folders for blotting paper replaced the old pounce pots of pumice for drying writing. This book describes and illustrates many of the writing antiques available, from magnificent inkstands to simple penwipers and inkbottles, and aims to help the collector identify and assess those he may find.

The late George Mell wrote articles on antiques and collecting for many years. He was also a lecturer on antiques to adult education classes, local societies and antique clubs, and a contributor to several specialist magazines and journals.