Parts Of A Fountain Pen

Contents.History Quill The replaced the across Europe by the and remained the main writing tool of the West for nearly a thousand years until the 17th century. Quills are fashioned by cutting a nib into the end of a feather obtained from a fairly large bird, such as a, traditionally from its left wing. A quill has the advantage of being more durable and more flexible than a reed pen, and it can also retain ink in the hollow shaft of the, known as the calamus, allowing more writing time between ink dippings.

1. Parts Of A Fountain Pen
2. Parts Of A Fountain Pen Nib
3. Part Of A Fountain Pen That Holds The Ink

The quill was in common use until the early 19th century and the advent of the metal nib. For business purposes, the quill was fairly quickly overtaken; however, it remains popular for personal use and for artistic work. Metal nib by.Metal nibs have their origins as far back as ancient and were made of metals like. However, the quality of writing that could be achieved with these pens was inferior to that of reed pens. Metallic nibs were made up through the 18th-century as one-off, craftsman-made luxury items.

Pen Spare Parts. We can supply spare parts for any of the pen brands we carry including Lamy, Graf von Faber-Castell, Diplomat, Tombow and more. We stock a variety of pen spare parts from spare fountain pen nibs to replacement push buttons for mechanical pencils. If you require anything not listed in our catalogue please contact us.

In the early 1800s, Wise in Britain, and Peregrine Williamson in the United States were the first recorded makers of steel pens as their primary occupation. It was not until the 1820s, when John Mitchell, Josiah Mason and others set up a factories in, to manufacture nibs, that their popularity took off. The metal nib retains a sharp point or edge much longer than the quill, which wears out more quickly and requires much skill to sharpen. Metal nibs are also easily manufactured to have different properties for different purposes.

Also, they can now be attached to and removed from holders, allowing one to switch between nibs with relative ease.Nib types. Pointed nib, flexed and unflexedPen nibs come in a variety of different shapes and sizes for different purposes but can be split into two main types: broad nibs and pointed nibs.Broad nib The broad nib, also called broad-edge or chisel-edge, is the older of the two nib types. It is rigid and has a flat edge.

The pen is usually held at a constant angle to the horizontal; different scripts require different nib angles. Thick and thin strokes are created by varying the direction of the stroke.Many writing styles have developed over the centuries with the broad nib, including the, and scripts (and their variants), the of the, and more recently 's Foundational Hand, developed in the early 20th century.Pointed nib The pointed nib is flexible and comes to a sharp point rather than a broad edge. Thick and thin strokes are achieved by varying the amount of pressure on the nib. Thick lines are created on downstrokes by pushing down on the nib, causing the nib tines to splay and allowing more ink to flow through the widened slit onto the writing surface.

Lighter pressure produces less flexing of the tines, creating thinner strokes. The finest hairline strokes are created on the upstrokes and sideways strokes. Due to the shape of the pointed nib, thick lines can only be produced on downstrokes. If too much pressure is applied to the pen on an upstroke, the nib tines are likely to dig into the paper.Pointed nibs originated in the 17th century and were initially created by hand from quills in a similar fashion to broad-edge nibs. Towards the end of the in the early 19th century, high demand for nibs coupled with steel manufacturing processes eventually led to the mass production of the steel nib. Pointed nibs also led to the development of newer styles of penmanship such as the and scripts during the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the in the 19th century.Pointed pens are also used by artists and drafters for,.

Although any pointed nib can be used for drawing, there are nibs available that resemble writing nibs but are specially designed for pen drawing.Stub nib A stub nib usually lies somewhere between a broad and a pointed nib. The stub nib comes to a flat point, like a broad nib, and pulling the pen down will create a wider line than a line drawn across, again, like a broad nib. The main differences are in matters of degree. In a stub nib, the nib is generally smaller than in a broad nib, though there are some very broad nibs that would be considered a stub nib. In a stub nib, the corners are more rounded than in a sharp broad nib used for decorative writing. This is because stub nibs on steel pens were invented as a reaction to the sharp and scratchy nature of the early pointed steel pens, and are intended to be for rapid and easy writing.Many of the early steel stub nibs were marketed to professions who had a need to write large amounts of text rapidly, without caring if the text was finely written or not. Names such as Judge's Quill, or Probate Pen or Lawyer's Pen all point to the legal profession as a major type of customer.

You also had other professions like Chancellors or Congressional which imply people who needed to write a lot, and to write it quickly and easily.You find stub nibs most often today on fountain pens. These are usually measured in millimeters.

Tip of a fountain pen nibAccording to Mathur et al., 'the modern fountain pen nib may be traced back to the original gold nib which had a tiny fragment of ruby attached to form the wear-point.' Following the discovery of the of metals which include, and, 'a small quantity of iridium was isolated and used on the iridium-tipped gold nibs of the 1830s'.

Today, nibs are usually made of or alloys, with the most popular gold content being and 18 carat (75%). Is a less common metal used for making nibs. Gold is considered the optimum metal for its flexibility and its resistance to, although gold's corrosion resistance is less of an issue than in the past because of better stainless steel alloys and less corrosive inks. Nib plating Further gold plating provides favorable, which is the ability of a solid surface to reduce the of a liquid in contact with it such that it spreads over the surface.

Nib tipping Gold and most steel and titanium nibs are tipped with a hard, wear-resistant alloy that typically includes metals from the platinum group. These metals share qualities of extreme hardness and corrosion resistance. The tipping material is often called 'iridium', but there are few if any, nib or pen manufacturers that used tipping alloys containing iridium metal since the mid-1950s.

The metals osmium, ruthenium and are used instead, generally as an alloy, with a little bit of osmium, rhenium, ruthenium and tungsten in a mix of other materials, produced as tiny pellets which are soldered or welded onto a nib tip prior to cutting the nib slit and grinding the tip into its final shape. Untipped steel and titanium points will wear more rapidly due to abrasion by the paper.

Capillary action The nib usually has a tapering slit cut down its centre, to convey the ink down the nib by, as well as a breather hole of varying shape. The breather hole allows air into the feed, and back up to the sac.

The breather hole also acts as a stress relieving point, preventing the nib from cracking longitudinally from the end of the slit as a result of repeated flexing during use. Adding distance between the breather hole and the nib tip adds elasticity or flexibility to the nib.The whole nib narrows to a point where the ink is transferred to the paper. Broad pens may have several slits in the nib to increase ink flow and help distribute it evenly across the broad point. Nibs divided into three 'tines' are commonly known as music nibs. This is because their line, which can be varied from broad to fine, is suited for writing musical scores. Types of nib Although the most common nibs end in a round point of various sizes (extra fine, fine medium, broad), various other nib shapes are available. Examples of this are oblique, reverse oblique, stub, italic and 360-degree nibs.Broader nibs are used for less precise emphasis, with the benefit of a greater level of ink shading and/or sheen on less absorbent paper.

Finer nibs (e.g. EF and F) may be used for intricate corrections and alterations, at the expense of shading and sheen.

Oblique, reverse oblique, stub and italic nibs may be used for purposes or for general handwritten compositions. The line width of a particular nib may vary based on its country of origin; Japanese nibs are often thinner in general. Nib flexibility is given to nibs in several ways. First, thickness of the nib metal changes flex. When the nib alloy has been pressed thick it will result in a hard nib, while thinly pressed nibs are more flexible. Nibs can be pressed so that they are thinner at the tip and thicker at the feed to mitigate stiffness or to give a more controlled flex.

Second, the curve of the nib determines in part how stiff the nib will be.Nibs pressed into more deeply convex curves, or into three or five faceted curves, will be stiffer than flatter nibs. Third, the 'breather hole' size, shape, and position alter the stiffness. Heart-shaped holes will improve flex as they widen, while round, small holes stiffen the pen. Fourth, the length of the tines determines how far they can spread under pressure, shorter tines make a stiffer nib. Fifth, the alloy used can affect stiffness: as mentioned before, gold is considered superior for its flex compared to steel. Moreover, purer gold (18k and 21k) is softer than most lower gold concentration (14k) alloys. Mabie Todd Swan flexible 14k nib.Fountain pens dating from the first half of the 20th century are more likely to have flexible nibs, suited to the favored handwriting styles of the period (e.g.

By the 1940s, writing preferences had shifted towards stiffer nibs that could withstand the greater pressure required for writing through carbon paper to create duplicate documents.Furthermore, competition between the major pen brands such as Parker and Waterman, and the introduction of lifetime guarantees, meant that flexible nibs could no longer be supported profitably. In countries where this rivalry was not present to the same degree, for example the UK and Germany, flexible nibs are more common.Nowadays, stiff nibs are the norm as people exchange between fountain pens and other writing modes. These more closely emulate the ballpoint pens modern users are experienced with. Despite being rigid and firm, the idea that steel nibs write 'horribly' is a misconception. More flexible nibs can be easily damaged by ballpoint users who write with excessive pressure.

Ideally, a fountain pen's nib glides across the paper using the ink as a lubricant and requires no pressure.Good quality nibs that have been used appropriately are long lasting, often lasting longer than the lifetime of the original owner. Many vintage pens with decades-old nibs can still be used today. The Integral Nib of a Parker 50 (Falcon) Different nib styles Other styles of fountain pen nibs include hooded (e.g. Parker 51, Parker 61, 2007 Parker 100 and Hero 329), inlaid (e.g. Sheaffer Targa or Sheaffer P.F.M) or integral Nib (Parker T-1 and Falcon, Pilot Myu 701), which may also be ground to have different writing characteristics.Users are often cautioned not to lend or borrow fountain pens as the nib 'wears in' at an angle unique to each individual person. A different user is likely to find that a worn-in nib does not write satisfactorily in their hand and, furthermore, creates a second wear surface, ruining the nib for the original user. This, however, is not a point of concern in pens with modern, durable tipping material, as these pens take many years to develop any significant wear.Gallery.

on Colonial Williamsbourgh. on About.com., Daily Kos, 16 Nov 2013.

The Steel Pen. The Steel Pen: Writing, History and the History of How we Write. The Steel Pen. The Steel Pen. The Steel Pen.

The American Stationer, 12 February 1889, p.331. The Esterbrook Project.

^. The Esterbrook Project. The Esterbrook Project. The Esterbrook Project. Advertisement Gallery. Piepenbring, Dan (November 17, 2014).

The Paris Review. ^ Mathur, P.; Mathur, K.; Mathur, S. P. 128. ^ Binder, Richard. Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2016.

Retrieved 26 July 2016. Mottishaw, J. XIII (2). Binder, Richard.

Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016. Explain That Stuff. Retrieved 27 July 2016. Binder, Richard. Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016.

Binder, Richard. Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016. Binder, Richard. Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016.

Retrieved 26 July 2016. Binder, Richard. Richard Binder's Pens.

Retrieved 27 July 2016. ^. Gentleman's Gazette. Retrieved 27 July 2016.

Binder, Richard. Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016. The Art of Manliness.

19 November 2015. Retrieved 27 July 2016. Binder, Richard. Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 26 July 2016.

Binder, Richard. Richard Binder's Pens. Retrieved 27 July 2016.External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to.Wikimedia Commons has media related to., calligraphy and vintage pens. at Birmingham Heritage forum.: The history of the steel dip nib in the United States., writing and pen museum (Archive).

We offer only a limited selection of parts. The main reason is simple: most vintage pen parts aren't interchangeable. They exhibit a maddening range of variations, and often as not even a correct original part must be hand-fitted. In most cases, it takes as much time to figure out what a do-it-yourself pen repairer actually needs as it would take to do the job ourselves, so please don't take it amiss when we ask you not to inquire about pen parts other than those listed.Please make certain that the part you are ordering is the one you need - returns of parts will not be accepted unless defective or not as described. This also applies to renewable components, such as sacs and seals, as well as pencil lead, erasers, and the like.Unless otherwise noted, all parts are factory-made originals (this does not apply to sacs and seals, where factory originals would be age-hardened and unusable). If unused, they will be labelled 'NOS' (new old stock); otherwise, condition will be used but sound. As noted above, some hand-fitting of parts may be required, and nibs (even new old stock) may need some tweaking in order to give the exactink flow and 'feel' on paper that you prefer.

Prices listed below do NOT include shipping and insurance; if you wish to buy more than one of an item, quantities can be adjusted within the shopping cart before checkout.Items without an order button (or quoted but not listed) may be added to your shopping cart through the form below.Item:Price: $-Tools & AccessoriesA nib block is an essential tool for straightening nibs that are sprung or otherwise damaged. Vintage examples are nearly impossible to find, however, and the modern tool steel blocks that have been lovingly machined and hand-finished cost hundreds of dollars, if you can get in on a one of their limited production runs. Some years ago, we bought a group of old nib blocks from a long-established pen repair service in England. Most were tool steel in various shapes, but a couple were made of acrylic. Though they had some superficial scuffing and scratches from decades of hard use, they were still as good as ever, which inspired us to use the same material for a new run of nib blocks, affordable for every pen hobbyist.In many respects, acrylic is an ideal material for a nib block. While in some cases a completely unyielding metal surface is to be preferred, more often the slightest degree of 'give' is better when bent metal is to be counter-bent to restore it to straightness (we often put a strip of thin paper over our steel nib blocks for just this reason). We have decided not to sell straightening tools for use with these blocks, given that they are widely available at very modest cost from other sellers.

For around $5 one can purchase a as used by jewelers and engravers, or a with polished rounded steel heads. Making one's own tools is another option: we have several made from cheap screwdrivers that have been cut short, ground round, and polished smooth.Our new blocks measure 11.5 cm x 5 cm (4.5 x 2 inches), with diameters on both convex and concave surfaces running from 3 to 15 mm (1/8' to 19/32') - a range that should accommodate nibs of all sizes, from the smallest miniatures to oversize dip pen nibs. Note that these blocks are cast, not machined, and that the convex ridge has a saddleback curve in the middle rather than being dead straight across the top.$25 each (photos above show the block from each side)These 3 inch by 6 inch (7.6 x 15.2 cm) mylar-backed nib smoothing sheets aren't cheap, but they are the best!

Parts Of A Fountain Pen

Do not confuse them with cheaper sheets coated with aluminum or chromium oxide - the industrial diamond coating on these is far superior, and strongly resists being scraped off the extra-tough backing - so much so, that one can run the edges of these disks between a nib's tines to smooth the inside edges of the tipping material. Can be used wet or dry, will outlast other polishing media many times over. Lead Size and GradeQuantity1.1 mm black HB (medium)1.1 mm black H (hard)1.1 mm red B (soft)1.1 mm blue B (soft)1.1 mm green B (soft).9 mm black HB (medium).9 mm black H (hard).9 mm red B (soft).9 mm blue B (soft).9 mm green B (soft)VS (1.5 mm) lead, one of the most commonly-used sizes for 19th-century mechanical pencils but long out of production and very tough to find. Hardness is HB.10 cm for $8 (five 2 cm pieces shown, though two pieces totalling 10 cm in length will be sent)M (1.05 mm) was one of the other lead sizes most commonly used in 19th-century mechanical pencils, and now virtually impossible to find. Our true 1.0 mm lead will fit M nozzles, albeit a bit loosely. A thin coat of shellac will bring the lead right up to 1.05 mm, or it can be rubbed with beeswax to hold it in place.

Another approach is to give the nozzle tip a slight squeeze for a snug fit. Note that current-production pencil lead sold as 1.0mm is actually 0.9mm.Five 6 cm pieces for $5NibsEsterbrook screw-in Renew-Point fountain pen nib units are listedParker nibs are listed belowOther PartsNew old stock vintage ringtop fittings, gold plated. Three illustrated, but price is for one unit. $10 eachNew old stock 1920s style Z clip, three finishes available, please specify: gold plated (32.4 mm/1.275 inches long); chrome plated (33 mm/1.3 inches long); nickel plated (not shown, 30.5 mm/1.2 inches long).

These measurements are for the visible portion when mounted, from top of shoulder to end of ball.$8 each, 10 for $50 (can mix finishes)New old stock clip, Duofold washer style but with arrow end, will fit 1920s nonstreamlined Duofold Juniors and Specials. Gold plated, vintage new old stock, 33.16 mm (1.3 inches) long, hole 11.48 mm (.452 inches) diameter.$8 each, 10 for $50New old stock clip, closely modeled on the Parker Vacumatic clip, will fit 1940s Junior and Major Vacumatics. Gold plated, vintage new old stock, 34 mm (1.34 inches) long, hole 5.13 mm (.202 inches) diameter.$8 each, 10 for $50ParkerNewly-manufactured precision stainless steel breather tubes for Aerometric 51.

Parts Of A Fountain Pen Nib

Our manufacture, made to original Parker dimensions. Replacements for the original sterling silver breather tubes, which are commonly found broken or badly corroded. Properly sized and located side vent hole is crucial for proper functioning.

Available in both standard and Demi lengths - please specify how many of each are required. If not specified, standard size tubes will be sent.$10 each, 3 for $24, 10 for $65, 50 for $250(Parker 51 Aerometric repair notes )NOTE: These will not fit pens originally equipped with plastic breather tubes. For plastic breather tube replacement, see our listed below.Our custom made all-metal adapters permit use of ballpoint refills taken from BIC stick pens in Parker fiber tip pens, including slender models such as the 35 and European 45. Fiber tip refills were discontinued long ago; the only other adaptors currently available are made to order in England and considerably more expensive.

Part Of A Fountain Pen That Holds The Ink

Full instructions on selection and trimming of refills.