Kathy discovered an old fountain pen amidst some stuff she was going through to discard. She encountered a fascinating item which certainly won't be among the things to be discarded.

This is an interesting old pen. There are no identifying characteristics on the outside. The pen has a clip vaguely similar to a Parker, that being an arrow but otherwise the clip is not particularly unusual.

The nib reveals the only piece of history available. It reads: Welsh Mfg. Co. Stainless Steel. Providence, RI.

The nib may also be right oblique. Either that or it's been damaged. But, it doesn't look damaged and when I dipped the pen, it writes reasonably well so I'm inclined to discount the likelihood of damage.

Do I have any photos? No. I seem to recall reading somewhere on the FPN site how to upload photos to some other source but can't recall where.

So, two questions for all of you Providence, RI fans:

1) Ever heard of this company?

2) How do I upload photos?

David

Welsh made more than just fountain pens; they were a manufacturer/supply of a whole range of office supplies. My current employer represented them from the 1940s into the 1960s. Unfortunately, all records and catalogs were dumped many years ago!

best, Dan

Do you happen to know whether the fountain pens were actually made by Welsh or were they made by someone else and labeled for Welsh? Or, is the answer to that question among the records which were dumped some time ago?

David

I don't know, but suspect they did make at least some of their own pens. I would suggest asking that question over at Lion & Pen ( http://kamakurapens.invisionzone.com/ ) where there are folks with far deeper knowledge than mine!

best, Dan

Thanks!

David

Right Dan Let's see the reaction at L&P when someone asks about Welsh

DRP, use this link to find all the patents of the Welsh Mfg Co. It appears that they went out of business around 1972. The patents should give you some information should you want to pursue this more. Let us know what you find.

The pens were not the best quality but some are darn cute!

Considering that they were a Manufacturing company, and that 10 patents (quick count) have been registered for writing instruments, it would really be astonishing if they did not manufacture themselves.