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Hey, I noticed a beautiful Aurora 88 fully plated on fleabay. After some extensive research I still haven't managed to decide whether it's a Aquila or a Granlusso. As I am a newbie in Italian pens I was wondering whether you can identify it and, also, whether you know which one is a little bit better (or rarer), the Aquila or the Granlusso ?

Aurora sent me these counter boards with vintage subjects. I don't need them, I don't have a shop open to public, I only sell through the site; and it's a shame to keep them on the shelf in the warehouse that nobody sees them. If you want one, and you're planning to place an order shortly, just choose one and I'll put it inside the parcel for free. There is no minimum order, no obligation to buy something of Aurora or other specific item. The boards measure 17.5 x 25 cm, made of polished cardboard, with a back support. You can also see them on my Facebook page. I can't show all them because some are too heavy. But please go to my Facebook page and you'll see all.

Is Aurora Optima Mini same as Optima? Model number is 996. It looks like regular Optima Aurolide to me but Im not sure what size is it.

Hello everybody! I have searched but have not found something similar, so forgive me if a question like this is already answered. I kindly call for the help of the knowledge and wisdom of fpn on the Aurora Ipsilon (older style, three chrome rings on cap band) sections. In more detail, I would like to ask if a section of a fountain pen can be used with the barrel AND the cap of a rollerball. I have a nib that I absolutely love, and a nice shop has a great deal on a argento body r/b. It would be a very nice result to get my nib+section to work with the silver body+cap after I "toss away" the r/b section. Unfortunately, the deal is not good enough to justify the risk and try for myself, since if they don't work together, I have no use for the rollerball. I warmly thank in advance everybody for their replies. See you later people!

Hello everyone, I just purchased this set of NoS Aurora sterling silver fountain+ballpoint pens (only FP shown in the photos), i need help with identification of the model name and any other info, many thanks in advance

I think it's no secret that Aurora's client service used to be horrible. Actually, worse than that. In the FP community, this used to be a running joke/nightmare, with people complaining of pens getting lost for months or years in the dark, secretive meanders of the Turin-based company's far-from-polite client service. I myself had something that can only be described as a nightmarish experience dealing with them, back in 2013. They did everything wrong you could possibly do in client service and eventually it took something like a thousand emails + the intervention of the original seller, + the help of the local representative for the UK, and a lot of time to get my pens back, in a far-from optimal condition. Eventually I ended up having to go to a nibmeister anyway... ... So it was with sheer terror and fear that I realized, a few months ago, that I would have to send my beloved 85th Anniversary, a wedding present with huge emotional value for me, out for repair... The very last thing I wanted to do was to send it to Aurora, fearing to get bogged down in yet another mess like that. I contacted some pen repairers I know, but none of them had the parts needed for repair. So I had to give in: I sent the pen to Aurora. Well, I had to suffer anyway, as I already had to send in another pen, an Optima, for the replacement of the gold trims on the cap, a far-from-easy repair job which i had been delaying for ages, precisely because I didn't want to deal with said customer care. So I sent the pens and started to tremble... And here's where the surprises begun First, they immediately - and politely - replied to my emails. Ok, nothing special here. Then, contrary to what happened last time, they gave clear, precise and useful information. They kept me posted about the internal conversations they were having about the best way to replace the Optima's trims. The person in charge of the whole process, the polite, professional and competent Erika Garrafa (which I can only hope will be given a big promotion and a pay rise!), was extremely supportive throughout the whole process. She was always cordial, timely in her responses, proactive, and very willing to adapt to the client's requests (and I can be a real pain in the butt as a client, as I work in client services myself, and know what "good service" should be like). Ms Garrafa even took her time to answer to some not-so-important emails about nib style and stuff like that. Up until that point I had seen such good client service only from their competitors at Montegrappa. I was amazed but still skeptical: they will screw up at some point, I'm sure And here's the greatest surprise: the cost of repair was affordable, nothing insane as I feared; the pens were delivered to them and they immediately got them fixed: instead of waiting for months, I had to wait only for a few days. Ms Garrafa kept me informed throughout the whole process, and when a minor issue arose, she was quick to apologize, as opposed to how her colleagues behaved 5 years ago, when they were constantly trying to shift the blame on the client. She informed me (without me even having to ask or negotiate!) that the company would take charge of any additional shipping costs due to the issue. A really nice touch that any customer would be delighted to be on the receiving end of The pens arrived today, after what seems like a negligible amount of waiting time. The quality of repair work is astonishing. Both pens seem brand new. They even did some minor fixing that I hadn't even asked The 85th Anniversary's filling system works again, while the Aurora Optima now sports a magnificent, brand-new, old-style gold trim, instead of the previous one where gold was wearing off. I am amazed. Aurora has massively increased the quality of its client service and its repair team is top-notch. And I'm not saying so because I'm comparing them only with their "old" way of doing things. I'm comparing them with their competitors. And by contrast, other companies I dealt with in the past had great customer care, but poor repair service, or vice-versa. Aurora managed to nail both. I don't know if this is because Ms Erika Garrafa is such a great person to work with and very conscientious in what she does, or if it's a new company policy. But either way it's been great to deal with Aurora's client service... ... and trust me, this is a sentence I would have never thought I would one day be able to write I've always been a huge collector of Aurora (I have 14!), and this brand has always had a huge emotional role for me: my first "serious" pen was an Aurora, and my father and my grandfather both used Auroras. Cheaper Auroras are the pens I give as presents when I try to "convert" someone to FPs. My father's graduation pen was a Hastil. So it's a passion that goes back three generations. But in recent years I had become much more wary of buying more expensive Aurora pens because of the risk of having to deal with their customer care. This is definitely going to change now. They make the most beautiful pens, the best nibs, and now they are also able to provide great service should problems arise. I can certainly see myself saving up for an Aurora Internazionale, or ANY iteration of the Optima or 88, in the very near future No affiliation, only a formerly-very-disappointed-and-now-very-happy customer.

I haven't been on this site for a long time, but I've got a question that only can be answered by this knowledgeable group. I have about 15 or so very nice pens, several Pelikans, Parker, Aurora, etc.... and I carry them with me in pen cases in my backpack each day. Almost every one of them gives me the same result--- i take it out to start writing, and it's scratchy, dry, or some combination of both and is just aggravating to use. On the other hand, this little Kaweco sport pen, about $25 bucks that was actually tossed in with another Kaweco pen (much more expensive) works perfectly EACH time, right out of the pen case. Smooth, easy and satisfying. What am I doing wrong with the topshelf pens? All answers sincerely appreciated. thanks. Ron Sanfield Andover, MA

The Aurora 14K gold EF nib I have writes very smoothly but not completely (or intolerably) devoid of feedback. It gave the least audible and tactile feedback of all the pens/nibs in the list below, although the difference between it and my Sailor Pro Gear in that regard is nigh negligible. On the other hand, in spite of being an EF nib, it writes more broadly than any of the Japanese gold F nibs I tested just then. Even the 18K gold Pilot Capless F nib (of which the output is not shown below) leaves a finer line than the Aurora. My Diplomat and Rotring steel EF nibs also write more finely than it does. (I'm not sure about the Lamy and Faber-Castell steel EF nibs.) I can live with its line width as is, but I'm damn glad I didn't order the Aurora F nib instead.

To celebrate the act of writing, here are photo reviews of two 'slim' pens (under 10 mm around at the grip). Notice that, with slip-on caps, 'threads' at the grip are not an issue, so the pens are equally smooth to hold. Also, though the pens may vary in size and shape, they are all about the same in girth, so the feeling of control as one grips the pen is about the same. Performance in this case it seems to me is in the nib itself. Both pens are aging beauties but are still manufactured (the Hastil) or available (the Fashion). The pangrams used are courtesy of Wits 'n Wisecracks: 251 Pangrams for Everyday Use by Millard Port, via Amazon Books. Enjoy this holiday excursion into thinness.

Hi, I'm after your opinion on the authenticity of a ballpoint I purchased yesterday. The pen was advertised as an Aurora Ipsilon Black Resin with Sterling Silver cap, and that seems to be what I received. I bought from what appeared to be a reputable seller (99.8% positive feedback from over 2000 sales), and I paid a reasonable price - not a "too good to be true" one. Also the pen feels like a quality one (appreciate this is subjective), the only thing is when I look at other images of the same pen they seem to have the "Aurora" markings on the middle bands in black whilst on mine they are silver. I know some models change slightly over time so thought (hoped?) this might be the case here. I've attached images of my pen below and I'd really appreciate your thoughts. I have the opportunity to return within14 days, and I know some of you might say if I like the pen keep it regardless but it just rubs me the wrong way to think that I've paid for something not genuine, even if I ultimately like what I've received. Thanks in advance

Hello everybody, just wanted to let you all know we have some fun things going on this weekend at Dromgooles. Saturday 10AM-5PM Brian Tighe will be here showing off his custom knives as well as displaying his son Grayson Tighe's pens.(WOWWWW) Shu-Jen Lin will be here featuring Taccia's newest products including Maki-e, inks, regular product line Ryan Sirignano will be here with Montegrappa, Aurora, and Esterbrook including the Montegrappa Samurai and others David Oscarson will be here with his new Golden Spike as well as artist proofs and short run limited edition colors. After the day event, we will be hosting a meeting for the Usual Suspects Network (knife group) guest are welcome. Featuring Brian Tighe Sunday- We are open Sundays during December up until Christmas Ryan Sirignano will be here from 12pm-4pm continuing event from previous day!

Hi everybody, I really like the look of this pen but have no experience with Aurora whatsoever. My question is this: are there any very similar pens (from an esthetic p.o.v.) that I can consider (max 350€)? Anyone experience with this pen? I am not really interested in vintage pens and the Aurora 88 is too expensive... Thanks!

Good evening, I'm considering to purchase an Aurora Optima or 88 with the factory Oblique Nib. Either Oblique Medium or more likely Oblique Broad (they even offer a Oblique Triple Broad here, but that seems like an extremely thick line). As this would be my first oblique nib, I'd love to hear some opinions on the Aurora Factory OB nibs. But I cannot find any reviews of these online. Would anyone be able to share their views on their oblique nibs? It is very much appreciated! For those interested, my only experience so far is with a Vintage Parker semi-flex broad nib and a Faber-Castell Loom in medium, but I often turn my nib/pen to the left while writing and I understood that the regular/left-footed oblique nibs would perfectly match that, which is why I'm currently looking into them. Thanks for the help! BinaryRun

Got an email this morning from La Couronne du Comte describing two new pens from Visconti and Aurora that are a bit out of the ordinary. The Visconti Pentagon is, unsurprisingly, in the shape of a pentagon. It comes in black, red, and blue, but the real news is that it has a 14k nib and a C/C filler, not your typical Visconti configuration as of late. https://www.lacouronneducomte.nl/webstore/main/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=visconti%20pentagon&language=en&utm_source=newsletter20180923&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=visconti_pentagon_en The Aurora Internazionale doesn't resemble the usual 88 or Optima formats. The tines on the nib appear to be quite long, but the description doesn't say anything about flex. It's a piston filler, but the piston knob looks different from their usual models. https://www.lacouronneducomte.nl/webstore/main/aurora-internazionale-fountain-limited-edition-p-11103.html?language=en&utm_source=newsletter20180923&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=aurora_internazionale_en What do you think of these?

Hello, I was wondering if anyone has seen new images, or heard news of this pen's availability. All I've seen so far are the pre-release stock images from Aurora, which (considering the Abissi experience) may or may not be realistic. Any update would be much appreciated

I’m looking at replacing an Aurora Optima stub nib with a replacement. Is there a competitive source for replacement nibs available in the UK or Europe you would recommend from personal experience? Are Aurora nibs simple. to replace? Screw out and screw in? Thanks in advance.

Hi, everyone! We just wrote a review of the Aurora Minerali series demonstrators - tried to provide some advice as to why we like them so much (all their nibs are made in-house!). These are definitely some of our favorite demonstrators out there! Let us know what you think or if there's another demonstrator you like more! https://www.truphaeinc.com/blogs/truphae-news-and-stories/aurora-88-limited-edition-minerali-fountain-pens

A while ago, I picked up an Aurora button filler on Ebay for a good price (it came from Romania if that's relevant), which was listed as a Selene, though it quickly became clear it wasn't. It is a huge button filler -almost 17cm from top of jewel to tip of nib, very thick, and with a good heft to it, easily the biggest vintage pen I've seen in person. It is entirely without any markings or imprints I can find, apart from the marking for a #5 Platiridio nib. I don't know anything much about Auroras, anybody know much about it? FWIW, the nib is very flexible, the body is celluloid while the blind cap and section seem to be ebonite. Does anyone know the model name, or of any similar pens, as well as a general figure for value? I feel like I may have seen something vaguely similar listed as a "business pen" or something, but can't find anything now. Pictures: https://imgur.com/a/VLo9GLn

Our close-out sale of Aurora Archivi Storici is going to end. They're modern pens, but made with old original mechanisms from the '50s, available in sterling silver or chromed or golden versions. Their nib is 14Kt gold, original of that time; unique size (M) which writes a medium/fine line. Filling system is trik-trak converter (not included) or cartridge. They were already proposed at amazing prices, after I bought all the left stock; but now they're even more reduced, so you really can't leave them here! Still available: Sterling silver fountain pen http://www.giardino.it/pens/aurora/IMMAGINI/archivi010ap.jpg Golden fountain pen http://www.giardino.it/pens/aurora/IMMAGINI/archivi018ap.jpg Until stock lasts. Good luck!

Hi, everyone! I wanted to introduce myself to this network. I have been a long-time pen enthusiast, and am the owner of luxury pen retailer Truphae, Inc. We specialize in high-end luxury pens from companies like Aurora, Montegrappa, ST Dupont, Visconti, etc...and have great relationships with them as well. We also carry brands such as Pelikan, Cartier, and many others. Our goal is to find the coolest pens around, particularly rare ones that many other people would have a hard time sourcing. We not only sell, but buy and consign as well. Looking forward to getting to know you all better! ~Chris

I found here one review of an Onoto K series pen. It is excellent, worth reading as a companion because I do not plan to repeat most of that information. This is more of a comparison and notes on the pens. However, I will recap the series briefly. In 1955, just three years before they gave the pen game away entirely, Onoto released a series in a new style for them, being fairly plain plastics, piston fillers, mainly with hooded nibs, and barrels in the vogue cigar style. They proved to be good pens but, too little, too late as the British were wont to say. The pens were: K1 - Gold clutch cap, ink window, hooded nibK2 - Same as the K1 except with body coloured capK4 - Same as the K2 except the cap was screw rather than clutchK3 - The odd one. It is slimmer (by about 1 mm), slightly shorter in barrel and cap with flattened ends to both, an open No 3 nib, no ink window, and the piston mechanism is able to be serviced, unlike the other three. In remaining respects it was somewhat like the K2 with body coloured clutch cap.Onoto's marketing of the time profiled the pens like this: The K3 and K4 were the same price despite their obvious differences, with the K4 described as a basic pen and the K3 as a conventional pen. The K1 stepped up the price 7% for its gold cap.The most expensive was the K2, up another 12% in price, distinguished as having "extra iridium". So, the numbering follows no price or feature pattern, and the K3 remains quite an oddball among them when you get to the detail. In the following photo I have placed an Aurora 88 and Lamy 2000 for comparison, being similar hooded piston fillers of the era and shortly after. From left to right, Aurora 88, K1, K3, K4, K4, Lamy 2000. Note also clip differences in the K1, K3 and K4. I have not purchased a K2 because its features all exist elsewhere in the K models. Buying a second K4 was somewhat accidental. The Lamy looks huge next to the others, the Aurora (an original 88 with Nikargenta cap) quite comparable if slightly bigger over all. I speculate that the Aurora 88 may have been Onoto's principal model for their pen. Here are the pens with nibs exposed. From left to right, K1, Lamy 2000, K3, Aurora 88, K4 underside of nib, K4 with shroud removed. Note slimness of the K3's section compared with the others. The K3 has a conventional section which unscrews to reveal the barrel internals and piston. The other three pens have a friction fit section which is concealed under a screw-on plastic shroud. Note that after removing the shroud on the K1 on the left, I have not quite re-aligned it correctly. In this case I can screw the shroud a shade tighter. If you have removed the section (you can grease the piston, needed maybe once if ever, but you can not remove or replace it) then unless you have marked carefully you will be up for some repeated un- and re- screwing of the shroud while you rotate the section fractionally until the tightened shroud lines up with the nib. A touch of silicone grease on the friction fit is useful simply to make that a little easier. The K1 nib and feed I own do not appear to be set correctly, or else the K1 is different in one respect. On removing the shroud I can read the nib down to where it says K1 on it, below "De La Rue // 14 ct // Onoto". This part of the nib is inset further on the K4 pens so I can not read below 14 ct. I have not thought finding out a sufficient reason to pull the nib. The K3 sports a standard Onoto No 3 nib, saying "Onoto // 14ct // 3" as usual. I have inked two of these pens and dipped the other two. Pelikan 4001 Königsblau was used in both of the filled pens, for comparison. I dipped the other two in my Random Mix Bottle as an afterthought. Both of the K4 models display a heavier line but the inked grey K4 needs a little tine adjustment (closure), I think. Note the railroading in the closing bracket of "grey". At first that happened to the "i" in Pelikan as well, but enough ink was laid that it soon filled the gap with bleed in the paper. Used after dipping, the maroon K4 seems better behaved. The K1, dipped only and unadjusted at all so far, also looks a bit dodgy with bleeding. Hands-down winner here for me is the K3, the No 3 nib gliding softly to produce a beautiful line, as these nibs usually do. I do not normally post pens, including these Onotos, although to be fair they look elegantly longer if you do. You might gather the K3 is my favourite although I think I will get good service from the others with a little nib work, which is not unexpected in a 60 year old pen. Comparing the Aurora 88, and Lamy 2000, the lack of an ink window is a deficiency of the K3, and I am not keen on the heavy hooding of the other K models. I prefer to see the nib at least a bit, if only not to have to think about rotation alignment of the pen at the first stroke of writing. Writing, none of these nibs (all 14 ct) could be called soft so far as the metal goes. The Lamy is well known to people, a smooth nail. Closest comparison would be with the K1 and K4 Onotos. The Aurora 88 has its characteristic slight toothiness and little in the way of softness either, really, so my narrow writing winner is the K3 even though that too is not a soft nib. This is purely a personal preference. Subject to a little work on two of them, I think all of these will be found to be excellent. The Onoto K-series pens are good buys in that they are simple, robust, light, discreetly elegant and capable of writing very well. The fact you can not service the piston seal other than on the K3 does not seem to have been a problem anywhere to date. Like the two comparison pens, A88 and L2K, they will serve as workhorse pens that no-one should be afraid to take anywhere. They are also inexpensive. Oh, and my favourite colour is the maroon. They also come in black. eta: a couple of extra notes

Guys I am recently saving up for a Big pen purchase. I have thought about an Aurora Optima blue auroloide. But I have read some horror stories of the pen cracking. As I am a teenager, I dont have much funds so I dont want to spend on repairs. Plus, it is a tedious process to ship pens from the UAE. So I want to know if that was a problem in their early auroloide pens or if this has been happening recently as well. Thanks and regards, Adit

Hello guys! I have managed to save quite a bit and by the end of March, I may have around 800 USD. Now I wanted to ask you which pen would be the best in the price range 100-500. My criterions are: Daily Writer: Preferably a stiffer 14k nib. Durablity: Since I don't want to be spending for repairs, I want it to be pretty durable.Gold nib: Since I am spending a nice amount, I would not take anything less than a gold nib.I have already thought of buying the Pilot Custom 823 from Japan which will run me about 221 USD. Is it worth this price? Now I need a pen to accompany the Pilot. I have looked at Lamy 2000, Aurora Optima, and Sailor Pro Gear Sky. I have read about Optimas cracking so I am pretty much in doubt. Can we get a KOP in 100-500 USD? I also like the Visconti Medici but the price and QC issues put me off. Thanks and regards, Adit

Hi ! I am trying to identify this pen. Aurora, Italy. No other markings. I think I got it in the late 1980s. Anyone know what model number, value, etc? Thanks ! Tony https://drive.google.com/open?id=1UDPPp6sLyuUuRtJ67JzRYusK1W7RA6Pu https://drive.google.com/open?id=1oV4NiEgYA0PvP6FAihPaRf_GonGXaGbT

Here is the next volume of the Dromgoole's podcast. We have an interview with Mark Cole from Coles of London who distributes Visconti. Also we show some cool used pens we got here at the store, and conclude a giveaway.