Pen nib in Sherlock Holmes

[YNY]

In the Adventure of the Cardboard Box Sherlock Holmes remarks that a package was addressed using a poor quality ink and a broad nib, probably a "J".

 

Since this is in the mid 1800's I am assuming this is probably dip pen nib. I have tried using the FPN search function for "dip" and "dip pen" with no results at all.

 

What is or was a "J" nib? Were nibs labeled with letters to indicate relative width? Can someone guide me to reference for dip pen nibs?

 

Thanks,

YNY

[Philosophy Student]

Im not sure, but I do know Arthur Conan Doyle was born in the 1850's and Sherlock Holmes was first published in the last 1800's like 1887 or something.

[stevlight]

I did find a nib embossed with a "J" Here the ninth one up from the bottom--Celebrated Pen, (embossed J), black, 35, broad stub, $2 says its a broad stub also--wish they had a picture!

[ianmedium]

I can't answer your question I am afraid but a hearty hello fellow Sherlockian!

[hardyb]

Here is an odd reference:

 

http://www.fountainpenemporium.com/The-Flying-J-Dip-Pen-Nib-Late-1800s-p/geo111.htm

[Artie]

Here is an odd reference:

 

http://www.fountainpenemporium.com/The-Flying-J-Dip-Pen-Nib-Late-1800s-p/geo111.htm

 

Hmm. The picture and text on this link don't go with the title?

[Shangas]

In the 1800s, the 'J' pen nib was the standard writing-nib which people would've used on a daily basis. I had a few myself, in my nib-collection. They write wettish, but very smoothly and comfortably. My grandmother used to tell me about them and how they all used to use them as children. Mr. Doyle was rather fond of the J nib, either that, or it really WAS that common. He mentions it again in "The Greek Interpreter". ("...written with a J pen on Royal Cream paper...")

[Kabe]

Before Shangas, the game was afoot.

[dcwaites]

The J nib is a simple, robust nib with a rounded point. There is absolutely no flex, but the rounded point makes for reasonably smooth writing.

 

They come in a range of qualities, I have some that are blued, and some that are gold-plated.

 

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_g_oFvX9K3R0/SvSySCfSS-I/AAAAAAAAAS4/SGixu9cF638/jpen.jpg

 

This is one I found on eBay. It has the broad, rounded point, and the J on the body of the pen.

[hardyb]

Here is an odd reference:

 

http://www.fountainpenemporium.com/The-Flying-J-Dip-Pen-Nib-Late-1800s-p/geo111.htm

 

Hmm. The picture and text on this link don't go with the title?

 

/quote]

 

Very true but the narrative mentions a maker, date and the J designation appears in the item title Flying J dip nib.

.

Macniven and Cameron in the early to mid 1800s and were used as promotional replica coins or medallions for advertising their dip pen nibs.

A gross exaggeration by Macniven and Cameron to claim that one dip in the ink would hold enough ink to write 100 words, perhaps 20 words might be more likely.

Edited November 7, 2009 by hardyb

[Shangas]

Before Shangas, the game was afoot.

 

What's that supposed to mean?

[Chris Chalmers]

Before Shangas, the game was afoot.

 

What's that supposed to mean?

 

I think it means you solved the mystery of that particular nib! Well done!

Now we all know what it was/is.........thanks!

[nigelg]

Bit late to the party but here's a quick & dirty pic of some more J -marked dip nibs. From the top: William Mitchell, Hinkswells, Macniven & Cameron. 3 different manufacturers but pretty much all the same shape. Don't ask how they write as I've not used them yet. Oh dear.... another project looms.

 

Nigel

 

http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/ss64/ellesse-o/J_Nibs-1-1.jpg

[dsatco]

Elementary............

[YNY]

Many thanks to all of you for the information you provided about "J" nibs.

This has been very helpful.

Thank you,

YNY.