Hi there,

I have this Aurora Optima fountain pen in red resin (?) which I bought off Ebay a few years ago for $130. The pen came with an 18k nib, which kind of surprised me as I thought that it was supposed to be fitted with a 14k nib. Is this correct or not? Not that I mind the 18k nib, but was there some nib swapping by the seller?

Have a look at the pics as I am not very familiar with the Aurora nib styles/designs.

Thanks!

Best wishes,

Nick B

Looking at their website looks like the current Optima production involve a 18k for the gold and silver overlay pens, while a 14k is mounted on the auroloide/resin models. Then your dilemma is justified IMHO.

http://www.aurorapen.it/penne.php?lang=ita...=17&level=2

BTW judging from your pics the nib seems a little too "open" to me: does it writes correctley?

Best,

You are right in pointing out that the nib is a bit open. I must say that the pen isn't my greatest writer. I have used it to write a couple of pages and it skips a little. No problem when drawing straight lines, as the nib is constantly in contact with the paper. It isn't something that bothers me a lot--I believe it could be fixed, right?

Thanks.

Nick B

I think you get a very good buy on your Optima. If I were you, I would hang on to it.

I also think the nib might be an exchange. Maybe a former owner just wanted an 18k nib. Who knows? The nib can be repaired, and I hope you consider it. The pen should be a much better writer than you indicate. If it were me, I would choose to send the pen to a pen meister rather than to Aurora customer service. You got the pen at a good price so you can spend a little money getting it in top shape and still have the pen retain is resale value, although I never think in those terms myself.

Good luck.

Thanks for your reply FrankB.

The pen was sold to me as New in Box, over eBay as I have already mentioned. I believe this to be true as the pen did not have any marks showing wear or the slightest use by a former owner. The reservoir window was impeccably clean. So, it must have been the seller who did the nib swapping.

Anyhow, would you know of someone here in Europe or in USA who could undertake straightening up the pen's nib for me?

Best wishes,

Nick B

The nib unit simply unscrews and can be exchanged easily (also makes for easier cleaning of the pen), I would send the pen to someone like Richard Binder (although it will be around 12 weeks) or the nib unit to pendemonium, maybe get it gound to a nice cursive italic at the same time-I love mine.

Nick wrote:

"Anyhow, would you know of someone here in Europe or in USA who could undertake straightening up the pen's nib for me?"

Richard Binder and John Mottishaw are two of the more popular nib meisters. Being popular, they have very long waiting lists. John also has a $20 per pen fee. Other meisters of repute include Greg Minuskin, Deb Kinney, Bill Enderlin and Fred Krinke (at The Fountain Pen Shop). Pendemonium contracts with some excellent pen meisters who do excellent work. Dillon (Dillo), a FPN member, might also be able to work on the nib. Someone else might add some more options.