At the end of World War II a colonial style blue ink was made in Boston, Massachusetts. Similar to a cobalt blue - though not an acid ink, it replicated blue ink from a much earlier era. There is a bottle in the Noodler's collection of vintage inks - and the color is extremely intense.

"Baystate Blue" is Noodler's conventional version of the classic colonial era blue based upon how the original formulas behave upon the page and taking into account the later 1940s version color intensity....but avoiding the acidity of the earlier inks through the use of different/modern
components. It is waterproof, but not bleachproof. The label depicts two giant catfish spitting ink upon the golden dome of the Massachusetts state capitol - I leave the meaning of the art work to free interpretation (once upon a time there was a little tea
party....).

This ink is unique and has a different pH than other Noodler's Inks – being slightly more alkaline as indicated on the label. If you mix this ink – be careful to only mix small amounts to see how the ink behaves with other
inks. That way, little will be wasted if the mix does not turn out to be as pleasing as might be hoped. This ink was not made with mixing in mind - in fact, sometime in the future a few more inks will be introduced that are compatible with this particular family of inks for mixing purposes. The
penetration rate and dry time are classic - though should not require the use of blotting paper and pounce powders unless one requires instant dry times. It is hoped that when you place the pen to the page - this color jumps out before your eyes with that vibrancy of the rebellious inks mad
King George so vehemently disliked! - Nathan Tardif, Founder of Noodler's Ink http://www.lux-brands.com/noodlers/WhatsNew.html

I have been looking for a Colbalt blue, hmmm My wallet is not liking this post....

Is this Nathan's first non-pH balanced ink?

Quoting Abraham Lincoln: "People who like this sort of thing will find this the sort of thing they like."

Well, I guess I have to buy this seeing as how I grew up in the Bay State myself.. Not bad for a blue either!

Finally a true blue from Noodler's -- but no mention of water resistance

And so my collection of Blue inks must grow...

Planning a tea party?

ETA: Hrm. Marketplace. I guess I'm going to have to find the place that actually stocks Noodler's (which means a visit to the People's Republic of Berkeley) in my area and check it out.

Does anyone know what retailers are stocking this, especially online ones? I haven't seen it listed on the usual ones I check. Thanks.

Nice looking blue, but if its not bulletproof I'm not terribly interested.

That feature is what makes Noodlers stand so clearly alone compared to all others. IMO

I'm sure most of our favorites will have these as the new bottles fill the channel, but, I would also be interested in any sightings of these in the wild.

I have seen them in the wild on eBay. It is a retailer based in MA.

Inkdesigner

It is waterproof, but not bleachproof.

As long as I can get my clothes made in the same colour (to avoid a repeat of the Stipula incident) I will be very happy...

The seller on ebay is reputable. I have bought from him before. Good communication and fast shipping.

Yes, I took the plunge and ordered a couple of bottles plus some Dragon's Napalm - oh those days of yore when I was covered in mercurochrome! Hopefully the little green men will deliver it quick!

Wow, that does it for me. I'm thinking a Private Reserve-like bright ink that doesn't run in high humidity. Ummm... I might wait for a review. Anyone?

Doug

I'm burned out from too many disappointments after buying other Noodler's blue inks to try this without seeing positive reviews. But hope springs eternal, I guess.

This looks an awful lot like some of the blue samples we saw for the FPN blue

Whoa, that's intense, more so than Supershow Blue

well darn, now I'm gonna have to buy it...

you mention penetration rates are "classic" -- more like Nooodler's Navy or Black (low penetration) or more like most of the other bulletproof colors (high penetration) ?

Now I'm tempted too. I guess I'll have to wait to see some reviews. Since I just spent my ink budget for the next little while. Then I can decide if I put it on my want to try list.

Too bad there's not more Canadian retailers with a good online presence and decent selection of Noodler's stock.

I suppose my eyes are growing older and in need of some rest as I am having some trouble determining the color blue in comparison to the vast array that already exists.

Would anyone say this is closer to the Waterman Florida Blue as it seems many of us love the Waterman but are looking for a waterproof ink
?

Thanks

Regolf,

Any comparison between PR American Blue or Parker Penman Sapphire? From the picture the ink looks even more of a pure cobalt than the PR, closer to the Sapphire. Just curious.

Brian

I posted a quick comparison between the Noodler's and Supershow Blue in the Ink Review forum.