{"product_id":"brandauer-299-magazine-pen-nib-vintage","title":"Brandauer #299 Magazine Pen Nib (Vintage)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese striking, blue-black, extra-wide nibs were made in Birmingham, England, the historical center of the steel pen trade. C. Brandauer \u0026amp; Co. was one of several major penmakers in the city, along with giants like Gillott, Perry, and Leonardt. More than 100 companies made steel pens in Birmingham in the 1930s, but few are still around. Brandauer no longer makes pens, but the company remains in business after more than 160 years; they now make precise parts out of metal for other manufacturers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow, about the #299 Magazine Pen itself: it's really big, with an unusual two-vent-hole configuration and very large, square-shaped side cuts. We had to try several pen holders just to get it to fit (so, watch out for that) and it was a tight squeeze regardless. But once mounted in the holder, it's a great writer, with an extra-large stub shape that's been rounded out to remove any pointy parts. Brandauer heavily advertised the roundness of all its nib surfaces, because no sharp corners means less likelihood of snagging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe estimate that this nib was made 80-90 years ago, around 1930-40. It's incredible that they are still smooth writers today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eABOUT OUR VINTAGE DIP PENS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks to the protective coating applied to all dip pens (even new ones produced today), these pens are in excellent vintage condition. They've been checked for rust and other defects by our experts and are ready to return to service on your desk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with any dip pen, you will need to remove the protective coating so that ink will stick to the nib consistently. To remove the coating, simply dip your new pen in ink a couple of times and wipe it off. Repeat until the ink coats the nib completely and doesn't bead up. This process takes about 15 seconds and only needs to be done once, before you use the pen for the first time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSold individually. Appearance may vary slightly since this is a vintage item. Limited stock. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"St. Louis Art Supply","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48042074931458,"sku":"785366202175","price":3.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2228\/7429\/files\/magazinepen.jpg?v=1782353071","url":"https:\/\/shop.stlartsupply.com\/products\/brandauer-299-magazine-pen-nib-vintage","provider":"St. Louis Art Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}