Historical information

This refillable ink bottle was extensively in use in the early 1900's, firstly with the nib pen and then with the fountain pen. Both these pens required to be refreshed with ink as they had no long term self storage capacity. The requirement, before the 1970's, for all legal documents, wills and heath certificates etc. forms had to be signed with penned ink and not biro(1950's onward). This caveat was to prevent forgeries (signatures) from ocurring. Hand writing experts can clearly distinguish forgeries because by using nibs, the "natural" and distinctive hand inflections whilst forming the signiture cannot be replicated by forgers.

Significance

This item is significant to the Kiewa Valley because it details that even in the rural sector,(Kiewa Valley) the legal requirements of the day had to be adhered to. This was even at a time when in the rural areas a "man's word and handshake" was his bond", especially between neighbours or others in a small rural region. This however was not the case for Government Departments , banks and the hospital. To highlight certain words or paragraphs due to their importance, the red ink application was not only highly visible but also less likely to be tampered with

Physical description

This empty bottle is cylindrical with curved "shoulders" tapering to a neck the size of a 20c coin. It has a white screw on lid bearing the name SWAN triple filtered INK. There is a paper label on the side of the bottle.

Inscriptions & markings

SWAN TRIPLE FILTERED INK. 'SWAN' INK PERMANENT BLUE BLACK MABIE TODD & CO (AUST) PTY LTD SYDNEY CONTENTS 1 1/2 FLUID OZS.