Historical information

The Parker Pen Company was established in the United States in 1888. Quink ink was developed in 1931 as a 'new and improved' ink that was water and mold resistant, quick-drying, non-corrosive, and had the desired quality of ink flow. The 'Solv-X' on the label refers to a 'secret additive' that was supposed to dissolve sediment and reduce clogging.

Significance

This item is historically significant as it provides an insight into the process of writing in a time before ballpoint pens were commonplace. Fountain pens, which Quink ink is used for, were the most commonly used design of pen in the first half of the twentieth century.

Physical description

Small, glass jar with a black, plastic lid. Rectangular sticker on the face of the jar is white with a blue strip at the top. Writing on the sticker is black. The glass jar has the manufacturer's name and place embossed on the bottom face of the jar as well as at the bottom of the front and back faces. This is a 'Quink' ink bottle made by the Parker Pen Company. Quink ink (an amalgamation of 'quick' and 'ink') was developed by the Parker Pen Company and first introduced in 1931. As of 2024, it is still in production. Quink ink is made for use in fountain pens. The blue strip on the label suggests that the bottle was used for blue ink.

Inscriptions & markings

Label:
QUINK SOLV-X R /

Lid:
PARKER /

Jar:
PARKER /
3 /
PARKER /
MADE IN ENGLAND /