What's The Meaning Of The 585 Code On A Nib?

[TheDutchGuy]

I've got two totally different nibs on two totally different pens that both have 585 stamped into them. One is an old Sheaffer Targa 14k from the late '80s or so, the other is a newly acquired Sailor Pro Gear Slim 14k H-M. Given that both nibs are made of 14k gold, I assume (as in: a wild guess) that the 585 code has something to do with that. Any thoughts on the matter?

[PaganArcher]

585 denotes 14k gold (58.5% gold in the alloy).

[TheDutchGuy]

Had to be something like that! Thanks for the swift response.

[Chrissy]

585 denotes 14k gold (58.5% gold in the alloy).

 

+1 yes this is correct.

[Bo Bo Olson]

K, C, CT are all the same(carat, karat), but made in different places...CT=British Empire.

K is often European....and C US....but have heard some reports that the K&C are not set in stone to where produced.

18 K = 750 gold, 14K = 585.................same for jewelry.

[praxim]

Divide carats, or multiply the large number, by 0.024 then do a bit of rounding.

[TheDutchGuy]

585 denotes 14k gold (58.5% gold in the alloy).

 

 

One does wonder what the remaining 41.5% are made of :-) .

[PaganArcher]

 

 

One does wonder what the remaining 41.5% are made of :-) .

Usually a proprietary ratio of silver and copper, at least from I have heard from a couple of jewelers I've known.

[TheDutchGuy]

Usually a proprietary ratio of silver and copper, at least from I have heard from a couple of jewelers I've known.

Interesting. Gold and silver are precious metals and as such resistant to corrosion etc. Not so with copper, that's a quite reactive material.

[PaganArcher]

Interesting. Gold and silver are precious metals and as such resistant to corrosion etc. Not so with copper, that's a quite reactive material.

Copper is quite reactive on its own, but alloys that can be tamed. It also work - hardens quite well and could be a large contributing factor to say, the snap back of a soft 14k nib. Gold and silver don't quite harden to the same degree while working with them.

 

Metallurgy is a fascinating science.

[TheDutchGuy]

Indeed! Thanks!