Hi all

Are the Aurora Optima and Aurora 88 essentially the same pen in different shapes? Or are there important differences that are not so obvious from a picture?

Thanks
David

I believe the 14k gold nibs are the same on the Aurora Optima, the modern 88 (full size) and the Talentum. The Optima and the full size modern 88 piston filler have the same sections, possibly also the same piston mechanisms.

But I'm judging from pictures, as I have only an Optima. Aurora is said to produce its own nibs, so it is surely cheaper to have only one line of nibs for all the big&pricey pens.

Thanks - that was the same as I thought from the pictures I had seen. (Obviously some of the vintage 88's are a different pen.)

Aside from the obvious differences in materials (I love my red auroloide Optima!), there are a couple of other minor finish details: the Optima has a scintillating greek-key capband, and a traditional-looking imprint on the barrel.

Many of the special editions are closely related, too. The Asia and Africa are Optima-based, and the Venice seems to be simply an 88 with a cap overlay (albeit a very pretty one!).

Regards,
Christopher