Sheaffer Skrip Ink Bottle Value Guide

Period
1940-1955
Origin
United States
Materials
Glass, Tin, Bakelite, Ink
Category
Sheaffer pen

The Sheaffer Skrip Ink Bottle is a hallmark of mid-century office utility, distinguished by its patented Top-Well reservoir system. These 1940-1955 glass bottles are highly collectible for their ingenious design that allowed fountain pen users to fill their nibs even when ink levels were low.

What affects the value of Sheaffer Skrip Ink Bottle?

  • Presence of the original paper label and its overall state of preservation.
  • The material and condition of the cap, with Bakelite often being more desirable than rusted tin.
  • Completeness of the set, such as having a pair of bottles or the original cardboard box.
  • The clarity of the glass and whether any original ink residue remains inside the reservoir.

How to Identify Sheaffer Skrip Ink Bottle?

  • Look for the internal glass 'Top-Well' shelf located near the neck of the bottle.
  • Check for original tin or Bakelite screw-top caps featuring the Sheaffer Skrip branding.
  • Verify the 'Made in U.S.A.' embossing often found on the glass base or label.
  • Identify the specific era by the label typography and the presence of the 'Skrip' trademark logo.

History of Sheaffer Skrip Ink Bottle

Introduced in the early 20th century, Sheaffer's Skrip ink revolutionized the writing experience with its patented 'Top-Well' bottle design. This ingenious feature allowed users to tip the bottle while capped to fill a small internal reservoir, ensuring that fountain pens could be fully filled even when the ink level was low without staining fingers or the pen's grip section.

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