Little Travel Ink...Blown INTO the wood case ?

[Calico]

I have this traveling ink that looks like it was once part of a travel or lap desk.[/align] [/align]The top is missing and I have no idea what the wood is but I find the little bottle interesting.[/align]I'm guessing the bottle would have to have been blown into the case ? The glass is light aqua and it has a tiny rolled lip and is very whittled.[/align]There is a spring under the bottle which allows you to push up and down on it.[/align]There are no seams on the wood to show that the wood came apart to put the bottle inside, it's all carved and machined from one piece of wood.[/align] [/align]What do you think, late 1800's ?[/align]

 

[capsoda]

Could have been blown in there. There were wooden molds used at one time. They were soaked in hot water before use. If it was the guy was an artist.

 

[zanes_antiques]

Sometimes glues joints can apear as one solid piece of wood. It would be very difficult to blow the bottle into the wood with a spring under it.

 

[GuntherHess]

Are you certain its an ink. It was common for companies to ship samples of thier products in turned wooden mailers like that. Normally the bottles are removeable, its a bit odd that that one isnt.
here is a Kilmer Swamp Root mailer that is much later.

 

[capsoda]

Very cool pic Matt.

 

[Calico]

I'm almost positive it's an ink. When the top would screw on it would force the bottle down into the wooden case by the spring.

I have gone over this thing with a bright light and magnifying glass and can see no seam or gluing in the wood. The wood is EXTREMELY hard, almost like rock.
I was also wondering about being blown into the case with the spring on the base.

Maybe the threaded part somehow fit onto the bottle after it was put in, but I can see or feel no seam where it would be a seperate piece.

 

[tazmainiendigger]

Someone mention inks ? lol I just happen to have a couple of examples here and you can see the construction by this exploded view. The plug in the bottom unscrews, it has very fine threads, amazing craftsmanship on such a simple item.. Taz

 

[Calico]

Oh wow...very cool Taz !

Thank you. []

So where exactly does this piece come apart ? It's like a Chinese puzzle. [8|]

 

[tazmainiendigger]

The plug in the base unscrews. The threads are quite fine. I had to use 2 common pins on either side to unscrew it. Yes, I would guess 1880's to up to 1925, the later being made of bakelite. Value up to $45 for a complete unit. Taz

 

[tazmainiendigger]

Base view......