Aikin- Lambert & Co. 6 Gold/ Electroplated Filigree
Nib: Turner & Harrison Philadelphia, G/E
A beautiful example of a Late Victorian era (c. 1880s–1890s) desk dip pen, showcasing the typical jewelry-grade construction method favoured by high-end New York manufacturers like Aikin Lambert, Mabie Todd, and Edward Todd.
Chased Gold-Filled Overlay: The center body features an intricately engraved, relief-patterned metal sleeve. During this era, this style was achieved via engine-turning or manual chasing to create repetitive floral or geometric patterns that caught the light, mimicking solid gold jewelry.
Tapered Black Tail: The dark, tapering tail-piece is almost certainly made of hard rubber (ebonite) or stained ebony wood. Hard rubber was highly favored during the 19th century because it was lightweight, warm to the touch, well-balanced for long writing sessions, and could be molded to a perfectly smooth taper.
Gold-Plated/Filled Ferrule: The forward section (or ferrule) holding the nib is stepped down to securely house a slide-in metal or gold dip pen nib.
Aikin Lambert was one of the premier American manufacturers of high-quality gold nib dip pens, jewelry, and writing instruments during the Victorian era. Founded in New York City, the company earned a stellar reputation for its exquisite craftsmanship before eventually transitioning into the fountain pen era and becoming a subsidiary of the L.E. Waterman Company