Ink on vintage letter

[shufen]

I was watching a video clip about the things found at the shipwreck of Titanic.  The handwritten letters found at the victims truly surprise me.  The ink used did not fade in cold sea water for so many days.

Can some experts tell that during 1910s, the materials of the fountain pen inks used by Europeans and Americans should have been what stuff?  Iron-gall?  Pigment?  Permanent Dye?   Interesting.

 

Many thanks.  Merry X'mas and a Healthy 2021!

[bunnspecial]

I’d guess healthy iron gall content combined with lack of light and super cold temperatures. I wonder in the first place how many we’re written with fountain pens-I could see some of the wealthy having them, but at the same thing me were they not fairly primitive then? 

[yazeh]

As bunnspecial said, it was iron gall ink...Carbon inks smudges with humidity. 

[ParramattaPaul]

3 hours ago, bunnspecial said:

I’d guess healthy iron gall content combined with lack of light and super cold temperatures. I wonder in the first place how many we’re written with fountain pens-I could see some of the wealthy having them, but at the same thing me were they not fairly primitive then? 

Personally, I would be surprised if any were written with a fountain pen.  I suspect that they were written with dip pens, either ship's supply (much like the hotel, etc. pens ones housekeeping supplies) or personal travel pens.

 

Travelling Dip Pen - Fountain Pen Reviews - The Fountain Pen Network

[ParramattaPaul]

Another...

 

[yazeh]

4 minutes ago, ParramattaPaul said:

Personally, I would be surprised if any were written with a fountain pen.  I suspect that they were written with dip pens, either ship's supply (much like the hotel, etc. pens ones housekeeping supplies) or personal travel pens.

 

Travelling Dip Pen - Fountain Pen Reviews - The Fountain Pen Network

I don't see why they could use fountain pens? They were common and available.....

[ParramattaPaul]

2 hours ago, yazeh said:

I don't see why they could use fountain pens? They were common and available.....

True. In fact, I have my late wife's grandmother's eyedropper fountain pen that dates from the 1880 or 1890s.  What I suggest is that those in Steerage (Third Class passengers) would more likely than not have been able to afford fountain pens, and that most of the First Class passengers would have been established dip pen users, having written with them for much of their lives, and not as likely to try 'something new'. 

 

This is, as was my earlier comment, speculation.

[yazeh]

4 hours ago, ParramattaPaul said:

True. In fact, I have my late wife's grandmother's eyedropper fountain pen that dates from the 1880 or 1890s.  What I suggest is that those in Steerage (Third Class passengers) would more likely than not have been able to afford fountain pens, and that most of the First Class passengers would have been established dip pen users, having written with them for much of their lives, and not as likely to try 'something new'. 

 

This is, as was my earlier comment, speculation.

So true... that's what I thought too

[ParramattaPaul]

25 minutes ago, yazeh said:

So true... that's what I thought too

I have to admit that this discussion has me contemplating buying an antique travel pen just to experience what it was like to use one on a regular basis.

 

I think I'll wait until the new year ... maybe.

[yazeh]

3 minutes ago, ParramattaPaul said:

I have to admit that this discussion has me contemplating buying an antique travel pen just to experience what it was like to use one on a regular basis.

 

I think I'll wait until the new year ... maybe.

So many "historical" pens try and to rediscover. Keep us posted if you get one

Incidentally, the Japanese used aYatate for travel, but I'm sure you know it already

[ParramattaPaul]

Actually, I didn't know that.  Thank you.

 

Of course one needs a travel ink well if one has a travel pen.  Then, the next downward spiral into obsession would be ... Antique English Rosewood Lap Desk | eBay

[yazeh]

9 hours ago, ParramattaPaul said:

Actually, I didn't know that.  Thank you.

 

Of course one needs a travel ink well if one has a travel pen.  Then, the next downward spiral into obsession would be ... Antique English Rosewood Lap Desk | eBay