Name/Title
InkwellEntry/Object ID
2025.18.1Description
Polished and turned wooden inkwell. The inkwell case (a) is made of walnut, cylindrical in shape and has a smooth, polished surface. The case holds a glass well inside for ink. The lid (b) is also polished wood, with a slightly rounded top and decorative incised concentric circles on the top. The lid has carved threads inside that twist around threads in the top edge of the case to secure the lid.Context
Used by Private William Wallace Billings during the Civil War.
William Wallace Billings was born in 1839 in Warren, VT and served in the 3rd Vermont 1861-1864. He mustered in and out as a private. According to family history, William was literate while some of his officers were not. As a result, he ended up doing quite a lot of the secretarial work on behalf of his officers.
A note that came with the inkwell reads, "Voluntary _____ walnut inkwell my 'grandpa' carried. He wrote orders for his officers so I was told."Acquisition
Accession
2025.18Source or Donor
Billings, RogerAcquisition Method
Gift