Home >> Collecting >> Antiques

How to Collect Old Ink Bottles

It's easy to fall in love with antique ink bottles. These beautiful glass vials come in a variety of colors and shapes--and manage to reflect both the light that shines through them and the history of the time they were manufactured in. Here's how to collect old ink bottles.

Instructions

- 1
  Decide how you want to grow your collection. You can stick to one historical period or base your collection on shape, color or the brand name of the ink company. Or simply purchase the old ink bottles that appeal to you the most.
- 2
  Know how to catalog antique ink bottles, so you'll understand the items in your collection. Cone-shaped ink bottles, available in a variety of colors, were the most popular shape, available between 1800 to 1900. You can also find ink bottles in the shapes of hexagons, barrels, squares, octagons, hexagons and many other forms--even turtles. To learn about the history of ink bottles, read the Antique Bottle website.
- 3
  Shop for ink bottles at antique shops, auctions and flea markets to get a glimpse of the goods in person. Keep an eye out for pretty or unusual colors, shapes and embossed designs. Ribbing and pontilled details are a plus. Ink bottles shaped like umbrellas, animals, boats or other figures are a bonus to any collection.
- 4
  Complete your collection by shopping online at antique and ink bottle websites. Also try reputable sellers on eBay.
- 5
  Display your ink bottles in a well-lit place to show off the beautiful variety of colors in your collection.

Antiques