Domestic object - Fountain pen, 20th century

Historical information

No specific information is available for this object. However, fountain pens originated in France in 1827, with the first patent attributed to a Parisian student named Romanian Petrache Poenaru. The fountain pen typically has a fine stainless-steel tip that is filled with ink via an ink well. Widespread production of fountain pens occurred from 1857, with new designs having improved filling techniques. Fountain pens became popular with professionals, such as barristers, professors, doctors, and accountants for over 100 years. The only downside to using fountain pens was their tendency to sometimes leak onto documents, so in the 1950s, they were made with disposable cartridges. The cartridges made the pens more popular, especially with university students. For this reason, in the early 1960s, fountain pens were renamed cartridge pens and were deemed the best writing instrument in most schools.

Significance

This object is an example of the use of fountain pens in domestic households and professional workplaces since 1827.

Physical description

A solid and complete green and gold patterned fountain pen.

Inscriptions & markings

There is green shimmer-like decorative patterning on the body with gold-coloured veining.

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