Dear Members of The Fountain Pen Network;

Well, I have to admit that this question came to me out of way left field and have one of those 'I don't know' moments so, here I am to ask.

In cleaning out a storage spot inside an old house, this little old lady came across her late husband's stamp pad ink from the looks of it--from World War II to perhaps 1950's. The ink is liquid and in their original bottles.
She has no need for stamp pad ink and wondered if it would be safe for fountain pens or dip pens. Since, I am not an ink expert--I told her I would attempt to find out but, for now--don't use it on anything but, stamp pads.

So; the question is--where does the ink for stamp pads fit into the ink world? Where would these inks be safe to use?

From my perspective-dip pens would be the safest bet. At least there would be no damage to the fountain pens. But--I would like other's opinions please.

Thank you in advance.

Respectfully,
Maria

I think you would be O.K. with dip pens, but I would not put it in a good fountain pen. You might try it in a cheap plastic-stainless steel pen that you won't be too upset if it dies.

I'd say a big no on FPs. Consider how long it takes a stamp pad to dry out, and how hard it is to shift a stamp impression. I'd expect the same results as India ink, but not quite as quickly. I'd likewise avoid it in dip pens with any complexity to them, like the reservoir on the back of a Speedball, but at least that you can drop in a variety of solvents to see what might clear a gloop.

perhaps glass pens will be a better option?

It might be safe for fountain pens- but it really isn't worth it. You could load up a $3 Hero with it, but don't put it in anything you really care about.

By the way- Pelikan got their start with ink for stamp pads. They still make ink for stamp pads (I think!) and ink jet printers. Not that means those inks are the same as their fountain pens, just an interesting aside.

There was this topic earlier this year.

-- Brian