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The fountain pen history cannot be separated from an analysis of the main materials that were used in their construction over the more than 100 years of life of this object. The materials in fact were an element of innovation and distinction, both technically and stylistically, and also today manufacturers seek to market their models enhancing the ''preciousness'' (real or perceived) of the materials used to build them.

The fountain pen history cannot be separated from an analysis of the main materials that were used in their construction over the more than 100 years of life of this object. The materials in fact were an element of innovation and distinction, both technically and stylistically, and also today manufacturers seek to market their models enhancing the ''preciousness'' (real or perceived) of the materials used to build them.

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Nowadays technology evolution allows to use for fountain pen production a variety of materials, some of which, such as stone and wood, are certainly not suited to such an object. Once the choice was dictated by precise technical or economic reasons, only later stylistic aspects became important. Today however the use of the more esoteric materials seems dictated by the logic of a market aimed only to exclusive objects creation, that often are completely unusable (and therefore of questionable value) or towards the pursuit of an originality without any practical use, which often leads to results between vulgarity and insignificance.

Nowadays technology evolution allows to use for fountain pen production a variety of materials, some of which, such as stone and wood, are certainly not suited to such an object. Once the choice was dictated by precise technical or economic reasons, only later stylistic aspects became important. Today however the use of the more esoteric materials seems dictated by the logic of a market aimed only to exclusive objects creation, that often are completely unusable (and therefore of questionable value) or towards the pursuit of an originality without any practical use, which often leads to results between vulgarity and insignificance.

We will examine here only the materials traditionally used in the construction of the pen [[body]] (and [[cap]]), leaving out those used for other parts, such as decorations or nibs. Regarding the nibs we need only to say that if at fountain pens dawn they were made out of gold for technical reasons (the resistance to corrosion from inks, particularly aggressive in that era), in the mid '30s the choice of this material was only for commercial reasons, given that the use of stainless steel would have allowed (and in many cases did, as for the [[Esterbrook]] and Japanese ''[[shiro nib]]s'') a gold substitution without any technical problem.

We will examine here only the materials traditionally used in the construction of the pen [[body]] (and [[cap]]), leaving out those used for other parts, such as decorations or nibs. Regarding the nibs we need only to say that if at fountain pens dawn they were made out of gold for technical reasons (the resistance to corrosion from inks, particularly aggressive in that era), in the mid '30s the choice of this material was only for commercial reasons, given that the use of stainless steel would have allowed (and in many cases did, as for the [[Esterbrook]] and Japanese ''[[shiro nib]]s'') a gold substitution without any technical problem.

In the following are listed, in approximate historical order of use, the descriptions<ref>the technical and historical data on the single material has been written using as starting point their respective [http://www.wikipedia.org Wikipedia] page, adding considerations specific to their use in fountain pen production.</ref> of the main materials used for the realization of fountain pens; some of which (such as metal and plastic resin) must be regarded as generic indication rather than a precise specification.

 

In the following are listed, in approximate historical order of use, the descriptions<ref>the technical and historical data on the single material has been written using as starting point their respective [http://www.wikipedia.org Wikipedia] page, adding considerations specific to their use in fountain pen production.</ref> of the main materials used for the realization of fountain pens; some of which (such as metal and plastic resin) must be regarded as generic indication rather than a precise specification.

== Ebonite ==

== Ebonite ==

{{:Ebonite}}

{{:Ebanite/en}}

== Galalith ==

== Galalith ==

{{:Galalith}}

{{:Galalite/en}}

== Metall ==

== Metal ==

 

To be done

To be done

== Bachelite ==

== Bachelite ==

{{:Bachelite/en}}

{{:Bachelite/en}}

{{:Laccanite/en}}

{{:Laccanite/en}}

== Celluloid ==

== Celluloid ==

{{:Celluloid}}

{{:Celluloide/en}}

== Plastic resin ==

== Plastic resin ==

{{:Plastic resin}}

{{:Resina plastica/en}}

== Notes ==

== Notes ==

<references/>

<references/>

== External references ==

== External references ==

* [http://web.archive.org/web/20120411143856/http://materiaux.penandco.com/accueil_fr.html] Article on matherials

* [http://web.archive.org/web/20120411143856/http://materiaux.penandco.com/accueil_fr.html] Article on matherials

* [http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00218468708075424#preview] Article on solvents and gluing

* [http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00218468708075424#preview] Article on solvents and gluing

* [http://flounders-mindthots.blogspot.com/2009/10/servicing-1980s-sheaffer-targa.html] Product for repair (Capt Tolley)

* [http://flounders-mindthots.blogspot.com/2009/10/servicing-1980s-sheaffer-targa.html] Product for repair (Capt Tolley)