A history of the ink pen

Used as writing and drawing device, the ink pen went through many stages along the time. Its documented history goes way back to the 10th century. This article summarises the key aspects from the ancient dip pens to the fountain pens we use today.

History

Background
Although the Indians were the ones to use first the pen made of bamboo sticks or bird feathers, the initial historical record of an ink-reservoir-based pen dates back to 953AD in Egypt. Apparently, a two-quill reservoir pen was developed later in the 17th century by the German inventor Daniel Schwenter.
Quill pens were also commonly used in the 18th century.
This is how the Constitution of the United States was written and signed in 1787. In the 19th century, Romanian engineer Petrache Poenaru invented, while he studied in Paris, the fountain pen with replaceable ink cartridge.
The pen was patented by the French Government in May 1827. A mass fountain pen production began in the 1880 by two major producers in America, Waterman and Wirt.
Waterman became and stayed the market leader until 1920s. In Europe, the German supplies company, Pelikan, introduced their pen in 1929, based on a Croatian and Hungarian patent.

Inks

Overview of inks
Inks are typically water-based and usually available in bottles or plastic cartridges.
When selecting the ink, dye-based ones are preferable since pigmented ones clog the pen's insides.
The right attention should be given when acquiring the ink in order to avoid any problems. Brands
The European fountain pen brands like Pelikan, Montblanc and Delta use standard or universal cartridges in both short or long sizes.
Other brands like Sheaffer, Parker and Cross have developed their own type of cartridges.
Their benefit is they are mess-free as opposed to ink bottles, yet not as economical.

Nibs

Overview of nibs
From the dip pen stages, the nibs used were metallic.
The modern pens have nowadays 14 and 18 Carat gold or stainless steel nibs. Gold nibs usually have an iridium tip.
Stainless steel ones may have harder tips which may lead to rapid wear due to scratching on paper.
As opposed to ballpoint pens, fountain pens don't require pressure as the ink acts as lubricant. Good quality nibs - if used correctly - can last decades.

Ink pens these days

Final word
Luxury pens represent a status symbol today.
The computers era changed the way people approach writing, but pens can't be entirely replaced.
Pen boxes can be a very nice gift to offer.
Some pens are real works of art, getting collectors' attention.