Most of the commonly found antique inkwells were produced in the United States or Europe between the early 1800's and the 1930's. The most popular materials for antique inkwells were glass and pottery because these substances resisted the corrosive effects of ink.

Antique inkwells were a sign of the office or wealth of an individual. The common man tended to dip his ink directly from a bottle instead of using antique ink wells.

The years between 1870 and 1920 represent the golden age of antique ink wells when elaborate designs were produced.