Very uncommon and extremely hard to find C. Monroe Wave Crest Paper ink blotter. This beautiful opalware displays all the typical elements that you would expect from the Wave Crest Company, including its’ lack of signature. Most of these items were not signed as Monroe believed they spoke’ for themselves. Also, its’ pastel matte blue was in their palette and the durable hand painted pink, and white flowers were naturally a friend. The opaline top of course has a satin like feel and looks like a pillow as it rests upon its’ brass overlay embellished skirt. The embossed bulbous finial on top has plenty of patina after its’ 100 years plus lifespan. This piece was most likely made around the turn of the 20th century. During their heyday, they have been said to have had at least seven basic categories that they referred to as’assortments’. I suppose as business grew, changes were allowed for different types of assortments to be made and in different colors/styles. A catalog from 1900-01 does allow for special orders at special prices. This item was most likely one of those special orders. Someone probably paid a pretty penny to have this special and unique ink blotter. It was apparently much used and not just put upon a shelf. As you can still see the ink stains left on the sponge. Besides the obvious use of the sponge and the patina of the finial, the only other issue is a little area of darkened area on one corner of the brass. It can be seen in the 4th photo. There are no cracks or chips of any kind, and the glass, brass, and sponge are still sitting snuggled together happily. The almost 40 year old book, 1987’sWave Crest: The Glass of C. Monroe by Wilfred R. She will be wrapped with the utmost of care so as to arrive to you the same way that she left me.