Hello I had posted som,ething similar recently but now I know what ABT stands for. the pen is Italian and was made in the 1930s. Has anyone ever come across then and know where I can get further information. I am new to FPs and am leaning towards buying used (vintage?) rather than modern pens.

Thanks

vincharlie,

Italian production of FP in the pre war years is characterized by being disperisve and disorganized. Several small firms, usually with no documentation or legacy, made hundreds of models, with small market penetration. And Torino (better: Settimo Torinese) was one of the most active area in that business.

However, the optimum "History of Italian fountain pen, 1900/1950" (http://www.giardino.it/books/index.htm) have a few lines on ABT mentioning that this name (ABT) was used especially for the production of metal nibs in various widths, named after the Italian rivers (Tevere, Arno, Brenta). During the 50s Achille Busi also sold FP with metal nibs aimed to school students.

Hope it helps.

Cheers and Welcome to FPN!