Doug's Inkwell Page
Institutional Inkwells
Sheaffer
An institutional inkwell is an inkwell made by a major company, such as Sheaffer or Esterbook. There are many institutional inkwells available on Ebay. The most common is Esterbrook. Rare finds are Sheaffer.
One of the greatest features of the institutional inkwell is the dipless pen that normally comes with it. With a standard dip pen you can write a couple of paragraphs then you run out of ink. With a dipless pen you can write a page or more by just removing the pen from the inkwell.
The dipless pen with an institutional inkwell is far superior to using a standard fountain pen at your desk. With a portable fountain pen you can run out of ink or it can get clogged. With a dipless pen it works about 98%+ of the time trouble free.
These inkwells have a 2.0 fluid ounce bottles turned upside down inside the inkwell. I find this overall design is superior and easy to maintain.
Esthetically these Sheaffers tend to be more pleasing to the eye. However the design is flawed. After 5 decades the bottoms leaks. So if you choose to to get this model you need to have the bottom sealed to prevent leakage. You will find they will leak 100% of the time. The sealing process takes only 10 minutes and costs only $ 3.
Pricing - For now these inkwells sell for $12-$20. They are hard to find though so if you decide to collect them you need to keep your eyes pealed. About once per month you will see one listed for sale on Ebay. The Esterbrook are always available for $10. Dipless pens are available for $5-$10. Double inkwells, called accountants inkwells (red/black) sell from $25-$100. Mostly you will see Esterbrook.
Some e-tailers will have institutional inkwells for sale for outrageous prices. They never sell. You can go back month after month and see the same ones for sale. I have never scene a Sheaffer Inkwell/Pen for sale at an e-tailer. The most successful sales (of institutional inkwells) list at Ebay for $9.99 and sell for -$20. Currently there are no websites for Sheaffer Inkwells.
Inkwell and Fountain Links
Society of Inkwell Collectors (mostly very old custom pieces)
June's Web Page (She is familiar with institutional inkwells and answers questions)
http://www.ocis.net/~hambrooq/index.htm
Great page for Fountain Pen Lover - Links to other sites
http://www.billspens.com/billlink.htm
List and Reviews Fountain Pen Shops
http://www.marcuslink.com/pens/