Stephens ink--is it still around?

[Sketchy guy]

Years ago I used to use "Stephens Calligraphic Ink" A matte carbonous black, black fountain pen ink. I was told the company went out of business, and never quite found a substitute (Higgens makes one that's pretty close, but not as dense). Over the years, I came across a few vintage bottles of their other fountain inks (1950 stock, works perfectly). Recently I heard they were still around! All i could find was an inexpensive black drawing ink listed in some UK office supply sources, but nothing else.

 

If anyone has some other sources I'd be very appreciative!

 

Cheers,

Jeff

[Mangrove]

Some recipe for ordinary Stephen's ink can be found at the book linked below.

 

Beasley, H. 1878. The Druggist's General Receipt Book (8th Edition). p. 385.

 

2. STEPHEN'S (patent) Carbon Ink. Common soda of commerce is mixed with resinous matters (as shell-lac or resin), in about equal parts by weight. Water being added according to the strength required, the solution is boiled until the resin has become dissolved. Mix in a mortar with the requisite quantity of fine lamp-black, and add any suitable coloured solution.

Edited June 8, 2009 by Martti Kujansuu

[dwallace]

I've seen some recently although I can't remember what colours there were. That was at Thomas' in Sheffield, UK. Not sure if it was NOS though

[ZeissIkon]

Some recipe for ordinary Stephen's ink can be found at the book linked below.

 

Beasley, H. 1878. The Druggist's General Receipt Book (8th Edition). p. 385.

 

2. STEPHEN'S (patent) Carbon Ink. Common soda of commerce is mixed with resinous matters (as shell-lac or resin), in about equal parts by weight. Water being added according to the strength required, the solution is boiled until the resin has become dissolved. Mix in a mortar with the requisite quantity of fine lamp-black, and add any suitable coloured solution.

 

I don't think I'd want that in my fountain pen -- that's nothing more or less than a recipe for India ink.