Set of 4 travel inkwells.

Set of 4 travel inkwells.
Three Visconti inkwells.
Brand new. Unused.
Measurements: 13/14 cm.

The travel inkwells are small containers designed to transport ink safely, allowing to refill fountain pens while away from home or the usual desk. Their main purpose has always been to offer mobility and functionality without the risk of spills, facilitating writing on the move.

Historically, they emerged in the 19th century, when the use of externally-loaded pens was the norm and handwriting was essential in everyday life. Travelers, officials, writers and merchants needed to be able to refill their pens during long journeys by train, ship or stagecoach. These inkwells were manufactured with watertight seals, double cap systems, rubber gaskets or even anti-tip mechanisms, all in order to prevent leakage in unstable conditions.

Over time, travel inkwells evolved in design and materials: from silver or bronze, through pressed glass and Bakelite, to modern models made of high-strength plastic.