Author Topic: European nibs  (Read 29516 times)

Offline tintenfuchs

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European nibs
« on: October 17, 2014, 06:04:14 AM »
Hi everyone!

So I've got some tips on flea markets in Paris where I could score some nibs, now I only need to know which nibs! ;D

I would appreciate any tips on European (esp. French) nibs that are good for pointed pen. My favourite nibs so far are Hunt 101, Brause EF66 and Leonardt Principal, just so you know what I like.

Best,
Natascha
« Last Edit: October 17, 2014, 10:24:01 AM by sisterofdream »
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Offline AndyT

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Re: French nibs
« Reply #1 on: October 17, 2014, 09:16:11 AM »
By reputation, the Blanzy-Poure Conti Gilbert #2552 Cementée (got that? - snappy name, eh?) is the one to swoop on.  Performance like a Principality, but with Gallic looks - see below.  Also the Blanzy-Conté-Gilbert No. 172F Montgolfier, which might be on the large side for the average holder.  Those two recommendations are from Bob Hurford articles, so you can hang your hat on them.

Furthermore, the following are in the fine and flexible class (information from Kallipos.de, which is well worth a look for further ideas):

Blanzy Poure & Cie No. 72 fine St. Georges
Blanzy Poure & Cie No. 103, Penna Parlamento
Blanzy Poure & Cie No. 160, Plume Tremplin
Blanzy Poure & Cie No. 161, Plume Regulateur
Blanzy Poure & Cie No. 552, Plume Departementale
Blanzy Poure & Cie No. 755 EF Atlantique

Gilbert & Blanzy-Poure No. 29, Lance
Gilbert & Blanzy-Poure No. 160, Plume Tremplin
Gilbert & Blanzy-Poure No. 620 Henry
Gilbert & Blanzy-Poure No. 730 EF, Plume Princesse
Gilbert & Blanzy-Poure No. 752
Gilbert & Blanzy-Poure No. 993, Plume Chicago

Baignol & Farjon No. 0165 F, Hors Concours
Baignol & Farjon No. 440 EF, Congo
Baignol & Farjon No. 567 EF
Baignol & Farjon No. 583 EF, Agenda
Baignol & Farjon No. 644, Plume Reseau
Baignol & Farjon No. 2436 EF, Velleda Cémentée
Baignol & Farjon No. 2730 EF Henry Superieur

J. B. Mallat No. 10 EF
P.L.M. (Chemins de fer de Paris y Lyon et a la Mediterranee) No. 39

Enough to be going on with?  ;)

Edit: pics added.
« Last Edit: October 17, 2014, 03:24:05 PM by AndyT »

Offline AnasaziWrites

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Re: French nibs
« Reply #2 on: October 17, 2014, 09:47:22 AM »
Hi everyone!

So I've got some tips on flea markets in Paris where I could score some nibs, now I only need to know which nibs! ;D

I would appreciate any tips on European (esp. French) nibs that are good for pointed pen. My favourite nibs so far are Hunt 101, Brause EF66 and Leonardt Principal, just so you know what I like.

Best,
Natascha
I like these:  Gilbert & Blanzy Departmentale Cementee No. 2552. Very flexible and sharp. Not expensive, either (some on eBay just now for $0.39 and full gross boxes available sometimes for around $30), and seem to be some always available.

Offline AnasaziWrites

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Re: French nibs
« Reply #3 on: October 17, 2014, 09:51:21 AM »
Oh, Andy, while typing my response, I see you also recommend the GB2552. I definitely confirm from experience this is a great nib, and worth swooping up, as you say.

Offline SueL

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Re: European nibs
« Reply #4 on: October 17, 2014, 10:41:57 AM »
I've got the 2552 and love it. I have the montgolfier too and that's pretty nice, though not as flexy as the 2552.

Offline Heebs

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Re: European nibs
« Reply #5 on: October 17, 2014, 12:59:47 PM »
I was coming in to recommend the Blanzy 2552 as well ;D

Offline rebeccasinnen

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Re: European nibs
« Reply #6 on: October 17, 2014, 02:07:52 PM »
Me too! 2.2.5.2.

Offline Mandy

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Re: French nibs
« Reply #7 on: October 29, 2014, 10:37:54 AM »
Hi everyone!

So I've got some tips on flea markets in Paris where I could score some nibs, now I only need to know which nibs! ;D

I would appreciate any tips on European (esp. French) nibs that are good for pointed pen. My favourite nibs so far are Hunt 101, Brause EF66 and Leonardt Principal, just so you know what I like.

Best,
Natascha
I like these:  Gilbert & Blanzy Departmentale Cementee No. 2552. Very flexible and sharp. Not expensive, either (some on eBay just now for $0.39 and full gross boxes available sometimes for around $30), and seem to be some always available.

Gorgeous writing! I'll look out for those nibs. Hope I find some. :)

Offline AmyNeub

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Re: European nibs
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2014, 04:01:55 PM »
I found some on Etsy (2552) look at the description for them

"Vintage French Gilbert & Blanzy-Poure pen nibs No: 2552. This listing is for six nibs which would be fantastic used for altered art, steampunk jewellery, mixed media or romantic home decor or used for their original purpose"

Really? Or used for their original purpose.

What is wrong with these people? Using nibs for decoration, instead of their use. I see that a lot on vintage nib sellers. It's like buying a typewriter and using it as a foot stool.

Offline patweecia

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Re: European nibs
« Reply #9 on: October 30, 2014, 09:56:14 PM »
I found some on Etsy (2552) look at the description for them

"Vintage French Gilbert & Blanzy-Poure pen nibs No: 2552. This listing is for six nibs which would be fantastic used for altered art, steampunk jewellery, mixed media or romantic home decor or used for their original purpose"

Really? Or used for their original purpose.

What is wrong with these people? Using nibs for decoration, instead of their use. I see that a lot on vintage nib sellers. It's like buying a typewriter and using it as a foot stool.

amy, i got that nib.  it's weird for them to put a description like that, but i suggest you get it anyway.  i love it.  it's flexible, but not as delicate as the brause 66ef.   very easy to clean too :)
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Offline Jean Santos

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Re: European nibs
« Reply #10 on: October 31, 2014, 05:06:13 PM »
Hi Natascha,

look for" Departementale Cementée" 2552  ;) I like very much the 2552, the word « cementée » means that the steel of the nib has been carburized ; You can write with these nibs  a very long time .

Offline Salman Khattak

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Re: European nibs
« Reply #11 on: October 31, 2014, 06:48:31 PM »
The 2552 seems to be an interesting nib to try.

I would like to get an idea of the flexibility (and softness/feel if possible) as a comparison to some of the nibs that are more common e.g. Hunt 101, Leonardt Principal, Gillot 303, Esterbrook 357, EF 66 or any other that the current owners have.

To me the modern (blue) 303 is a very soft nib which isn't always a good thing. The 357, while quite flexible is not as 'soft' and allows for better control in some cases IMO. The Leonardt Principal falls in between these two in terms of feel and flexibility in my hand.

Thanks in advance.

Salman
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Offline Heebs

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Re: European nibs
« Reply #12 on: October 31, 2014, 08:25:37 PM »
I'd say its similar most to the Principal, possibly a bit more stiff, but the best thing is how smooth it is. It can achieve swells similar to the Principal (not quite blue 303 or hunt 101, until you break it in). Because of the combination of smoothness, flex and most importantly price (paid $38 US for an unopened gross) it's become my go-to nib after the Spencerian 1. I prefer it even over the vintage first gen 303 which it's very similar to but the 2552 is smoother, although the 303 gets slightly finer hairlines. The problem for many is that such a long nib is hard to fit properly in most holders but that's not a big problem when you make your own holder :P

PM your address and I'll send you a couple.
« Last Edit: October 31, 2014, 08:27:10 PM by Heebs »

Offline Salman Khattak

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Re: European nibs
« Reply #13 on: November 01, 2014, 06:04:40 PM »
Thank you for the excellent information and very generous offer Heebs. I think I will pull the trigger on this nib as it has so many recommendations.

Regards,
Salman

update: I just ordered the nibs. I am looking forward to trying them out. S.
« Last Edit: November 03, 2014, 02:37:32 PM by SMK »
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Offline lyndsaywrightdesign

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Re: European nibs
« Reply #14 on: November 07, 2014, 09:16:29 PM »
2552, just like everyone else recommends!   :D
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