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Many years ago, from an old uncle back home in Italy I inherited the above pen which I used for a while when I was a student in the 70's. The pen has a serial number which reads: 3198801 M I understand M stands for Medium Nib but does the number say anything about the date of manufacturing..? I estimate the pen to originate from either 50's or 60's but I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination..... Thank you all...

We are taking pre-orders! If you have any questions please give a call or send us your questions via email. Phone: 1800-263-2736 or 410-992-3272 Email: Support@penboutique.com 18kt solid gold nib, Limited to 360 units

Okay so I'm new to the forum and newish to fountain pens. So please excuse my stupidity. But I got a Aurora Mar Adriatico, which I love aesthetically but has a writing experience that isn't for me. And I have a Nakaya Naka-ai, which has a writing experience that is perfect for me. So my dumb question is would it be possible for someone trained (not me) to fit the Aurora with a Nakaya nib? Let me know! Thanks Bri

I'm interested in hearing options for repair of an Aurora 88, original version, piston filler. The cork seal is shot; other than that, the pen's in perfect shape. So far I've contacted a few folks but the waiting lines are long... Would be interested in the most durable repair (not cork?) so I don't have to do this again in a few years...

Any one know about this pen? It has a "Italia" cap and a silver clip. There is no serial number. See pice below. http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x181/goutzchien/Aurora%2075th%20Anniversary/DSC00861_zps04054ea0.jpg http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x181/goutzchien/Aurora%2075th%20Anniversary/DSC00862_zpsefd2920e.jpg http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x181/goutzchien/Aurora%2075th%20Anniversary/DSC00864_zps8c7d6e82.jpg http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x181/goutzchien/Aurora%2075th%20Anniversary/DSC00866_zps7ff6be2e.jpg

Hello, I have recently acquired my first Aurora, a 75th Anniversary LE (no. 1013). It is a gorgeous pen, writes well, and has a smooth piston filling. However, the cap is loose. To elaborate, the cap has a screw on mechanism, but it seems that the threading on the cap and the barrel are not working in sync. I can only put the cap on in a particular angle, and that too needs careful handling. Any suggestions will be helpful, including suggestions of repair centres.

Hi! I just purchased my first fountain pen (a Vanishing-Point), and am wondering about inks to fill it with. The Iroshizuku Take-sumi and the Aurora black both seem to be great inks, and I am wondering about differences between them? As far as I can tell (with my inexperienced...ness), they seem to look and perform almost the same, but the Iroshizuku is about twice the cost. Is there something I am missing, that makes it worth the extra expense? Thanks!

I can't find Aurora ink in the UK, so having gone to my spawning ground of Udine in Italy I thought I'd pick up a bottle of black. Well, most of the stationary shops I recall from my childhood have closed, alas. There are two places that stock fountain pen inks, and neither had Aurora, black or blue. What alarmed me was that the second shop used to stock Aurora, and doesn't any more (well, only the high-end, but they don't have the logo out). They said "You'll have a hard time finding it". Does anybody know anything about Aurora discontinuing its inks, or running into difficulties? I am crushed. How am I going to do without my Aurora black? I guess I could get another ink, but I am so used to it! I have lots of coloured inks but for black it's always been Aurora. I am thinking of choosing a second-line staple. What would be your suggestions?

I am considering a couple of pens for my next purchase. My favorite pen to date is a Pelikan m800 with a cursive ital. nib. That pen is about the right size for me. I have never had an Aurora 88 and have heard good things. There is one for sale in classified with the "long tines" for $280 (if I remember correctly). The owner says it has a bit of flex in the Medium nib, which I would prefer. My understanding is that the Medium will be somewhat comparable to the US Fine? Are these generally smooth writers? The other pen I am considering is a Sailor 1911 Large. I know the Japanese nibs also run with a "M" being more comparable to a US Fine. Any thoughts between these two pens. Another other suggestions? My priority is on a great writing pen with a smooth nib. Thanks for your help! George

Aurora has only two inks available in the US, not sure if that's different in the EU. The black is often right up there as one of the blackest blacks around, while the blue seems to get little attention. However, the blue is a deeply rich, deep blue. It is not blue-black, but blue. The handling in my review was superb, but it can be a slow drier. It was dreadfully slow on Moleskine. So I think this ink is often overlooked, but well worth a look. Papers are MvL=Mohawk via Linen. Hij=Hammermill 28 lb Inkjet. TR=Tomoe River. Dominated by a deep blue with a little red. Somewhat water resistant, but there is so much dye it will probably cover up the writing you're trying to save.

Hello, Have you seen the latest interviews with these companiess? Interestingly Stipula was called Alba at the beginning and Aurora is building a huge pen museum. I wonder if anyone knows more about this. Some interesting pics from the factories. Especially the nib production steps i think. http://penficionado.thepengallery.com/ Louise

Hello all, I have loved fountain pens for many years both for the beauty of the pen and the character of the line I can create. Much to the joy of my local pen stores I am very particular about what I like and don't like in pens, ink, and line. Much to their delight, I haven't found many perfect combinations, but I am still looking! I have had two Aurora Optimas, a Lamy 2000, an Omas special edition something or other, and five or six Namiki vanishing points. Naturally I have many more Namiki vanishing point nibs than pens. I currently like writing with broad or italic nibs with 'wet' ink that has a lot of shading. That said my Lamy 2000 is a medium nib and I keep fine nibs with Noodler's bulletproof in one of my Namiki's at all times. I use my pens every day at work and at home. I take notes, write down ideas, and write clients notes and letters. Questions about pen care is what led me to the Fountain Pen Network. I will be asking many questions about how people carry their pens back and forth, how they store them at work (coffee mug anyone?), pen care, and maintenance. Additionally I always research purchases extensively and like to read every review I can. You will all hear more from me, Chris Kelly AKA CTKelly

Does anyone know when the ink windows in the Aurora 88s changed colors? I have an 88 #994559 with an amber looking window, and another, #1149369 with reddish tint. I also note that the cap on the older model is slightly shorter than on the newer one. Does anyone have info on that. Also I just acquired an vintage 88 Nikargenta. Does this cap require any special treatment other than the usual care? Thanks for any light you can shed on these questions as I try to learn more than I've already gleaned from this forum about these great pens. Mr. Tutt

Model: Optima LE: Continents - Oceania Nib: Large 18kt rose gold-plated Tip: Broad Italic (stock) Trim: rose gold plated http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/9FD0E159-1935-4C7C-B024-CB74F3596F8F_zpsbjcnwtgk.jpg http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/C0D9FCA1-9714-43E5-8AEC-242B86D5D07C_zpsemfdcmbd.jpg The cap band reads "Aurora Italy" and depicts tiny Australian native fauna (kangaroo, turtle, blue tongue lizard, a giant conch) in rose gold against a shimmering brick-red background. http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/7BF29561-CE16-4B79-98A1-BB3E3E5BA167_zpszf8b0dbj.jpg http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/571C0F71-A710-47BD-A7CC-6D451ABB4CB0_zpsromw32au.jpg http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/55922595-7C61-4B41-BCC1-16587D56A19B_zpsjewdb7as.jpg Some close-ups of the rose gold-plated italic nib: http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/A596F86B-9194-470F-8410-61DA84F6C670_zpsspyrhl3j.jpg http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/01A02ED7-04AC-471C-94CA-60B399595F29_zpsytnbjrpc.jpg http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/F9663859-A04A-4320-A9D1-6CB0E9C7B633_zpsai4quigl.jpg I was most curious to find out how this stock italic nib performed. Here are some photos of it writing out of the box. http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/A38AD426-C75D-43AE-AEE2-33DF8C4AE1FD_zpspdvakm4r.jpg http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/AE9A8BCC-F064-4304-8CCD-B646C5C8F2AB_zpssfwtrcxa.jpg I haven't purchased any other stock italic nibs, but I have read that there isn't any industry standard on what gets labelled a stub and what's labelled an italic. I am fairly certain that this Aurora nib is not a stub, but I've love to hear other people's experiences with stock italics from Aurora. The nib is a little dryer than I prefer, as are all Aurora nibs (at least they're consistent), but that should be easily fixed. This is my third Aurora Optima, and like the others (the Blue Auroloide/Chrome and the Black Resin/Chrome), the piston was smooth and easy to use. I absolutely love the finish; the swirling cherry and olive-pearlescent celluloid is like nothing I've ever seen. http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/49901D4D-B28D-401D-B629-495D076588D6_zps0xtteale.jpg

KBeezie's post about Aurora nib sizes made me curious about how the Aurora fine nib would compare against the F from other Italian brands, so I decided to test it out. The Pilot M and Lamy F are also included because most of us are familiar with their nibs. Featuring (top-down) Aurora Optima 14k F (Kobe Nunobiki Emerald) Omas Milord 18k F (Kobe Bordeaux) Visconti Voyager 14k F (Kobe Ikuta Orange) Pilot Metropolitan M (Kobe Motomachi Rouge) Lamy Safari F (Pelikan 4001 Turquoise) Paper is Fabriano Ego http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/F0F693D2-9571-491D-97AB-98ED8AF2AD34_zpsaii7pmkf.jpg http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/5F40B14B-9ADA-4BFD-99B2-204AF1441868_zpsfteqwnhu.jpg Line width I think the 3 Italian fine nibs - Aurora, OMAS, Visconti - are similar in line width. The Pilot M is perhaps fractionally narrower than the F on the Italians, but it appears a lot finer than it is because the nib is quite dry.The Lamy F meanwhile is noticeably wider. (I forgot that actually own a Pilot Prera with a F nib, which is why I used a Medium instead.) Softness and ink flow Out of the 3 Italian nibs, the Visconti F is the most springy and actually yields a tiny bit of flex. The Aurora F and the OMAS F are both fairly stiff gold nibs, and they glide over the paper with a nice amount of feedback. The Aurora Optima pictured was slightly dry when it came out of the box. I've adjusted the ink flow to its current level, which is comparable to the wetness of an OMAS nib. http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/8B78FB1A-A932-46B2-9A6A-9D2EF77461D0_zpsjxiwa6yi.jpg http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/4498876D-1730-4105-9C8F-A64424260E9E_zpsqmkyjq22.jpg http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f391/thegrynne/FountainPenNetwork/141EDB26-EEE6-4461-B831-6CBA648F2AD9_zpslmsuucdj.jpg Edit: I've just noticed from these close-ups that the tines on the OMAS nib are misaligned. Excuse that if you please. The nib didn't come that like, it must have happened during the course of use.

Good afternoon everyone! We currently have an Aurora's Dante Inferno fountain pen with a fine nib in stock. We will have it with us(unless it gets purchased before then), as well as many other goodies at the D.C. Pen Show next week so stop by and say Hello!!

I like to mention, that all Aurora products are truly handmade (made in Italy). Unusual place! http://images51.fotosik.pl/744/4581e667e960fc77.jpghttp://images52.fotosik.pl/746/591f48770dd192a9.jpghttp://images51.fotosik.pl/744/1cd0b22eafdf9bbc.jpghttp://images53.fotosik.pl/745/a5609375d2281986.jpghttp://images52.fotosik.pl/746/b845453b72b38d2b.jpghttp://images51.fotosik.pl/744/160659e1cb819cc1.jpghttp://images53.fotosik.pl/745/f61dc405890cc2ef.jpghttp://images55.fotosik.pl/745/4982be7d274a924e.jpghttp://images55.fotosik.pl/745/15eea963c001d7b6.jpghttp://images53.fotosik.pl/745/ca8af6e2d3c695fc.jpghttp://images51.fotosik.pl/744/fdc88fda3ed9e95b.jpghttp://images55.fotosik.pl/745/dff34f7524a0182f.jpghttp://images52.fotosik.pl/745/af7bf3dd9335d5ab.jpghttp://images52.fotosik.pl/745/c6325932335bb81f.jpghttp://images52.fotosik.pl/745/dabc6f1523690421.jpg

Here comes a new "ruthless review". These have a few peculiar features: Concise;Very strict. If a pen costs hundred of euros, no faults are allowed. - A good pen gets a 60/100, - A great pen an 80/100, - An almost perfect one a 90/100. - Only a divine pen can have above 90.Don't care about the box,Add a few peculiar criteria:Nib appearance;Usability in shirt pockets;Out-of-the-boxness, meaning to what extent a nib was perfect right after leaving the seller.Aurora Optima Plain Green Resin, gold trims Super-classic design from Aurora, in plain green resin (not the marbled auroloide, but the deep forest green that was used some years ago). Like this one. 1. Appearance and design: 10/10 This is one of the designs. It's classy Italian style at its best, elegant, smooth, subdued. How can I not give it a 10? 2. Construction: 6/10 Almost perfectly assembled, but one of the o-rings rotates in its place. Unacceptable on a EUR 300 pen! 3. Quality of materials: 7/10 Everything is really high-quality, but the plastic sounds a bit cheap. 4. Weight and dimensions: 10/10 Absolutely perfect. Thick enough to be handled comfortably, but short enough not to be cumbersome. Great section shape, too! 5. Nib performance: not rated I will not rate this because this is the typical Aurora "toothy" nib: I personally love it, but some people don't like this. If you're into nibs with a bit of feedback, this gets a 10/10. If you like "buttery smooth" stuff, stay the hell away from this. 6. Nib appearance: 10/10 Typical bit 14k Aurora nib. Some people don't like the design: barbarians! 7. "Out-of-the-boxness": 5/10 The pen couldn't write well before a thorough cleaning. Also, not acceptable, but easily fixable. 8. Filling system and maintenance: 10/10 Aurora's piston filling. Absolutely perfect in smoothness and capacity. 9. Clip and usability with shirts: 8/10 Perfect measure, fits in all shirt pockets. A bit too short for some jacket pockets, though. 10. Cost and value: 8/10 Minus 2 points for that o-ring issue and the out-of-the-boxness weakness, but overall, very good price-quality ratio. Final mark: - If you like nibs with feedback, this gets 84/100, which in my rating means really great. - If you like smooth nibs, it's still a 74/100, which is very good. But then, you wouldn't buy it due to the toothy feeling, so... My suggestion: get one even if you don't like toothy nibs. With time you'll start appreciating them as well

Aurora Style Resin Introduction The Aurora Style Resin is the Italian pen maker's entry-level fountain pen. Cap, barrel, and section are all plastic resin. Color choices include black, blue, and red or, rather, "paprika," the color of my pen; the section, however, is black. Trim is chrome. The smallish nib is steel and can be had in EF, F, M, and B. The Aurora Style is a c/c filler, with a slip cap. Although the Aurora Style has been on the market for several years, this appears to be the first full review of the "Resin" model. Earlier reviewers, faustulus in 2007 and rollerboy in 2009, reviewed different "flavors" of the Aurora Style: one flavor features a lacquered or plated barrel and cap, another a chrome cap -- with corresponding increased list prices. The "plated" model lists for $175; a "bronze" model for $150; a model with chrome cap lists for $120. The Aurora Style Resin, the subject of this review, lists for a true (that is, sub-$100) entry-level price of $90. Street prices will be lower. The Style Resin can be purchased new at the usual online outlets for approximately $70. Apart from the aesthetics of the pen -- more on these in a moment -- the earlier reviews aptly describe the virtues of the Aurora Style brand: the nib is slightly springy, the flow is consistent and a bit on the wet side; "pleasant feedback that gives a good feeling of control ... a nib that delivers the fountain pen experience," wrote rollerboy. Packaging, Appearance, and Design The pen ships in a cardboard outer box containing a clamshell-type leatherette box. Inside is a warranty pamphlet, the pen, an ink cartridge, and a converter (fitted inside the pen). Nothing fancy, but it's a good-looking gift package. Lovely cigarish shape. The cap and the clip curve gently towards the top of the oblique-cut top. On the top is an oval-shaped chrome plate, blank. Presumably Aurora eschewed gilting its trademark on the plate to leave space for engraving. No bling; understated elegance. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/9329214184_c24b68bb8f.jpg http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/9326430543_7516d57485.jpg Construction and Quality It's an Aurora. Everything is well put together. No manufacturing marks or imperfections noted. The slip cap closes with a satisfying click. Just enough pull is required to remove the cap that it is not likely to open inadvertently in one's purse or pocket. The clip slips easily in a shirt pocket and holds tightly. It is not stiff; there is a bit of side-to-side play in the clip. Out of the box, however, the nib of my pen had rotated slightly out of alignment with the feed. It's simple to move it back into place with one's fingers. (I did not try to pull the nib or feed from the section.) The tines of my medium nib were aligned and did not require readjustment or smoothing. http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2809/9326418605_0bb3f5a43f.jpg Weight and Dimensions Pen dimensions: Approximately 5.4 inches (13.8 cm) long when capped, 5.7 inches (14.6 cm) long from tip of nib to end of cap when cap is posted on back of pen, and 0.55 inches (14 mm) in diameter at widest point on cap. Pen weight: I don't have a scales but one retailer gives the weight as 0.8 ounces. Lacking the chrome cap, the Style Resin is almost certainly lighter than the other Style models. In use, I did not find the Style Resin too light; indeed, it felt substantial in my hand. Posted, the pen is well-balanced, the center of gravity located precisely at the cap band. Comparisons (Aurora Style Resin, Aurora 88, and Montblanc 146) http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/9329216312_9346fa649a.jpg http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5462/9329212158_d237333b1f.jpg Nib and Performance My medium nib is a superb performer. As noted by the earlier reviewers, flow is slightly wet and consistent, nib has a bit of spring and gives feedback. Although the plastic resin is glossy, it was not slick and the pen did not slide in my hand. In fact, it was warm to the touch and adhered to my fingers. Not sweaty or oily. Because of its all-plastic construction, fingerprints will not mar the appearance of the pen. http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5443/9329212970_01caf5a930.jpg Filling System As noted, the Aurora Style Resin is a c/c filler. Standard international cartridges and converters will not fit. It has been reported here on FPN and elsewhere that the Aurora Style accepts Parker cartridges and piston "twist" converter; and one FPNer noted that a Lamy Z24 converter, which fits the Safari, also fit his Aurora Style. Value As rollerboy wrote, "Bottom line: A model of pen that doesn't seem to get the love it deserves around here on FPN. Aurora calls it one of their 'everyday' pens and that fits. A modestly sized and modestly priced pen, timelessly contemporary in appearance, with a nib that delivers the fountain pen experience. I *like* it." I do too.

I pulled out my Pentrace 2004 Limited Edition that had been sitting for quite sometime, filled with PR Avocado (the newer formula) and it started right up! (Is Filcao still in business?) I have just added a Stipula Passoporto (the one I mentioned under the repair thread) and I did just order the Stipula Israel 65 as a gift to my husband.... All this got me thinking about my Italians....I have more than I realized! Delta (2), Filcao (3), Aurora(2), and Stipula (2)....

It is no secret I love Aurora ink. It is my go to ink for all new modern pens. (I use 1940's vintage Quink B-B for new-to-me vintage pens, but that is just an irrational new vs. vintage thing.) However, from time to time, I would like to have a nice blue-black, also a slightly darker blue might be good. I've seen posts from 2009 and 2010 that indicate fairly consistent bad results mixing Aurora's black ink with their blue ink (their only colors.) Also, I had always (as long as I've been in the hobby and been aware of Aurora ink.) Then, I saw several reports in posts from last year of posters having no problems using Aurora B-B mixes. I did not see what ratios were used. There have long been reports of Aurora ink being safe in Aurora:[non Aurora ink] mixes, but I'm specifically interested in Aurora:Aurora. Can anyone provide any information about Aurora ink (black or blue or both?) changing in any way between 2010 and 2014 that would allow it to be safely mixed? My experimental mix of 7:2 blue:black had been sitting in a glass jar for 4 days before I scrutinized it to confirm no goop, particles or weird viscosity issues. I took a deep breath and filled my Sole with it. About 2 pages of notes in, and everything seems to be working well. Color is good (darker Aurora blue) as is flow. (Some early reports when mixing did not work were that the result was a black ink with no flow properties.) So, I'm now in the "well, it works for me" camp. But, I'd still like to know if the ink changed, or if the horse learned to talk. Best Regards, greg

Ciao a tutti! I bought a user-grade vintage Aurora 88 with Fine flex nib off of FPN Classifieds recently, but having serious nib issues. It railroads like crazy any time I try to flex, and even a little when I don't. I've tried Aurora Blue, Pelikan 4001 Black, Diamine Grey, and Sheaffer Skrip BB. It doesn't seem to matter, because it still railroads. I've unscrewed the nib section and soaked it overnight, to no avail. Normal writing is generally fine, though there's still the odd occurence of railroading. That said, with normal, non-flex writing, the super-soft nib lays a super-wet "Fine". Given the softness and flexibility potential of this particular nib, if it didn't railroad I'd be in the presence of a wet noodle. My questions to vintage Aurora 88 owners: Does your flex nibs on the 88s lay down a proper line of ink when flexed? Now that I've tried the 88, I think it's too smooth, too soft for my liking. I'm wondering if I should get a Firm nib, or just let it go to someone who understands the 88, or has experience fiddling with pens that don't write right away. Any thoughts or shared experience on the matter would be most appreciated.

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