Advertising Blotter with Calendar, "Waterman's Ideal Fountain Pen," 1912

01

Artifact Overview

Pens like Waterman's Ideal Fountain Pen, advertised on this ink blotter, attempted to simulate the hollow channel of the goose-feather quill pen but ensure a smooth, controlled flow of ink. Ink blotters were used to dry up excess ink in the days before ballpoint pens. They often contained advertising by pen companies, banks, merchants, and insurance companies.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Advertising blotter

Date Made

1912

Subject Date

1912

Creator Notes

Advertised product made by L. E. Waterman Company, Seymour, Connecticut. Sold by Eugene O. Farnum, Santa Barbara, California

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

33.730.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Lithography

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 3.5 in
Width: 6 in

Inscriptions

Text printed in center of blotter with calender surrounding: 1912 / Useful every day of the year / Waterman's Ideal Fountain Pen / Eugene O. Farnum / STATIONERY and KODAKS / 629 State Street, Santa Barbara Ca.