Finding Out About Dip Pen Handles

[steven r]

Hi, I recently received these dip pens and ink well with some fountain pens i purchased, i dont normally look out for dip pens and dont know anything about them. What i would like to know is what the handles are made from , i have tried the basic things found on google like putting them on my top lip, taping against my teeth etc but still non the wiser, any good tricks out there to determine what they are, i have supplied some photos in case some one has the same pen and knows.

Also any ideas of the era the ink well comes from or who made it, i believe it to be cast iron,

Thank you.

[sidthecat]

The top one looks a lot like olive wood; the second couple I’ll bet are bone.

The third looks like mother-of-pearl: too bad about that break on the tip.

I think you’re right about the inkwell: it could be very tarnished brass or bronze, but a magnet won’t stick to it.

[steven r]

The top one looks a lot like olive wood; the second couple I’ll bet are bone.

The third looks like mother-of-pearl: too bad about that break on the tip.

I think you’re right about the inkwell: it could be very tarnished brass or bronze, but a magnet won’t stick to it.

Thanks Sidthecat,

Dug out a magnet and it does stick to the ink well so it must be cast iron, I did not notice the feather handle was broken at the tip until you mentioned it and then googled other images, do you think i could sand it to a point or round it off to make it more cosmetically appealing?

[sidthecat]

I'm not crafty or anything, but MOP seems to withstand a lot of that kind of tinkering. If you have a Dremel or something like that, it should be a simple job if you're careful.

[pen2paper]

the top appears to be celluloid.. should have a camphor odor when warmed in your hand

 

sidthecat is correct, the black marks are typical of bone

 

you can rework the mother of pearl edges, check online what tools to avoid fracture, just do this project outside since inhaling shell dust is harmful

[AAAndrew]

They've pretty much covered it: celluloid, bone, mother of perl. I like the celluloid handles. They have a heft as well as a nice texture and coolness when you pick them up. Nice pen/letter opener you have. I wouldn't suggest using the MOP one as a letter opener, though. That's probably how it broke.

[steven r]

They've pretty much covered it: celluloid, bone, mother of perl. I like the celluloid handles. They have a heft as well as a nice texture and coolness when you pick them up. Nice pen/letter opener you have. I wouldn't suggest using the MOP one as a letter opener, though. That's probably how it broke.

Thank you for the replies from all three of you would look like you know what you are talking about, especially pen2paper who has set me off Googling camphor odor!!

Any knowledge on the ink well?, Thank you all for your input.

[steven r]

the top appears to be celluloid.. should have a camphor odor when warmed in your hand

 

sidthecat is correct, the black marks are typical of bone

 

you can rework the mother of pearl edges, check online what tools to avoid fracture, just do this project outside since inhaling shell dust is harmful

Thank you for your reply, this may sound stupid but what shape should the MOP handle be, feathered (which there are loads of options) , rounded or like a letter opener or is it best to be just creative? Thanks

[steven r]

They've pretty much covered it: celluloid, bone, mother of perl. I like the celluloid handles. They have a heft as well as a nice texture and coolness when you pick them up. Nice pen/letter opener you have. I wouldn't suggest using the MOP one as a letter opener, though. That's probably how it broke.

Thanks Andrew, bit miffed its celluloid, hoping it was something else but had the feeling it was, i have a fountain pen collection and sort of noticed the resemblance in the material and how you can lightly sand and polish this stuff, again,. thank you