Vintage Aurora 88

[Cloud]

Hello,

 

I bought a Vintage 88 yesterday. I am not sure which model but seller claims it is the first generation by serial number.

Supposed to be a wet F writer with some flex =)

 

 

My question is: What is the difference between the 88, 88K and 88P model in terms of construction. I've heard that the 88P was technically superior but I would like more info.

[gregoron]

According to Richard Binder, who has one in his collection, the 88P is the latest version and is technically better the its predecessors. Congratulations on this purchase. Please give us a review when you have time.

[Cloud]

Hi Gregoron,

 

This is what prompted me to ask this question.

 

Also, do anyone knows what size it is?

 

There is such a lack of information on this pen. It is also hard to search because results are always contaminated with the more recent model of the 88...

[Nikolaos]

Congrats on your purchase! I hope it works. I had to buy 3 88s to find one in excellent working and cosmetic condition> I know have what iwant

It is a great pen, certainly a vintage must-have!

 

Nikolaos

[gregoron]

There is such a lack of information on this pen. It is also hard to search because results are always contaminated with the more recent model of the 88...

 

I know what you mean. I've searched FPN for a review of this pen and got the modern version one. I just bought a vintage Aurora 888 and that's even more mysterious. It would be nice if we vintage Aurora collectors could write reviews on these nice pens.

[Cloud]

Alright, for my 1000 post.

 

I found a Website by one of our member (Daniele) on the 88, some good info and some nice pictures.

 

http://xoomer.alice.it/penandpencil/Aurora_88.html

[gregoron]

I found this one as well:

 

http://www.fortunecity.it/lunapark/eventi/71/w88.html

 

Congrats on your 1000th post. Aren't you glad it was on the Aurora?

[Cloud]

Yup,

 

it's a good topic for a 1000s post

[Cloud]

Also, can anyone do a brief review of the pen.

[Shelley]

Hey Cloud, nice pen, I think the Aurora's are very nice, I toyed with the idea of an 88-although I was tempted by the modern version, before getting the Optima-of course I have to wait until x-mas before I unwrap the Optima...

Anyway I hope you enjoy your pen.

[Cloud]

Found another article on the subject

 

http://www.pencollectors.com/pennant/sprin...ingvintage.html

 

 

[diplomat]

Hi,

I love A88 and I collected here and there over the internet (ebay auctions, personal webpages, etc) informations over A88 history. Then I tried to put toghether the matching info and discard what sounded wrong/strange. I own a A88P but my goal is to have at least one original 88, one 88k and one 98 in my collection.

 

Here's what I found:

1. Aurora 88 mkI was introduced in 1947 as piston filler. Only one color available (like mr. Ford, Aurora likes simplicity and cost reduction policies): black. Only one size: big. It got a celluloid body with section and piston knob in Ebanite (hard rubber). The top model had a gold-filled cap, the next a nickel/silver alloy called "Nikargenta." Both caps had the same style: closely spaced vertical lines around the cap with a domed top inset with a silver disc similar to the aluminum “jewel” of the 1941 “51”. The pen sold in an original two pieces semi oval aluminium case, also designed by Marcello Nizzoli. Originally gray with the picture of the pen on the outside, the case was later given a more cheerful look and appeared in shades of pink, blue and yellow. Inside were a yellow/red flannel polishing cloth with the Aurora 88 logo in red on it.
2. Aurora 88 mkII is a “new” release of 88, introduced sometime around 1950. The main differences with the mkI were:
   • o The cap whit flat design (subsequently used for 88k - 88p and 98 models);

   o The striped pattern of the cap which is larger;

   o Introduction of a small size fountain pen;

   Other characteristics, as the metallic top insert and turning knob, as 88 first series;

A88 first series (mkI and II) went on selling 1 ml of pieces in first 5 years of production. It is characterized by a 6 digit serial number stamped on the section (later variants had more digits in the serial number).

Aurora 88k model (introduced 1952) is the successor of the top selling 88 model and bears some major differences. They are:

• o The cap which is different on the top for a "black insert";

o The clip which is flat;

o The striped pattern of the cap which is larger;

o The turning knob is built in black celluloid instead of black hard rubber.

o The 88K model was besides fitted with a new laminated feed that better regulated the ink flow.

o Last, the 88k had a different box (made for 88k only), the classic 88 box is the “legendary” metal box but for the 88k was produced a different

box in red satin and signed 88k in the metal plaquettes.

Aurora 88p model (introduced 1958, produced until 1964) was the last evolution of the top selling 88 model. As for the 88K model, also the 88P was fitted with a new lamiated feed that better regulated the flow of ink. Serial number is seven digits. The main differences are:

• o The cap which is different on the top: a flat top with black resin insert;

o The striped pattern of the cap which is larger;

o The characteristic rounded clip was replaced by a squarer model with a black enamel insert.

o The hard rubber top and and grip section were dropped in favor of an entirely plastic body. The turning knob as the 88k is built in black celluloid instead of black hard rubber.

o The 88P is slightly thinner respect the 88 - 88k series.

o Introduction of matte finish for some model.

Aurora 98 was introduced in 60’s and is considered the last of the original “family". It was characterized by a squared and slender design compared to the original 88. The finish can be matte, or with the entire body striped chrome plated or gold plated. It came both in piston and cartridge versions. It was available a different piston filling mechanism than the 88: the bottom of the pen was like a push button: depress the bottom of the barrel to reveal the filler mechanism, depress a second time to lock it back into place. No turning knob, no silver ring at the bottom. Aurora marketed an extra feature called “Riserva Magica” to go along: the piston mechanism has a special device, dubbed the "riserva magica" that insures the last drop of ink is used. The “Riserva Magica” model got an Ink window. Other model are without window.

• o The 98 GL (Grand Lusso) is called like that because of its solid (9K) gold cap (of course other versions were available with rolled gold caps);

o The 98 C (1965) is a rare lady version of the 98. It had a gold laminated body with an engraved pattern and a gold rope around the cap. Different

pen ending: a twisting part hides the piston filler mechanism;

Then we have a second family, the cartridge filled 88:

1. Aurora 88 Duocart was introduced in 1954 as cartridge variant to the original 88. It featured a double ink cartridge in polyethylene for the first time on Aurora production. The production went on during the 60’s. Initially it was black and similar to the original 88, then you may find it with grey celluloid body. Bottom of the body was flat. Cap completely flat with a different slimmer clip.
2. Aurora 888
3. Aurora 888p

That's it for now. I would be more than happy if anyone can correct mistakes or add info. Maybe one day it will be a book!

 

Cheers,

[Cloud]

Thank you, a lot of good information here.

[Silas]

I bought an 88P a couple of years ago from a seller in Italy. Compared to my Parker 51's, the 88 is the classier pen. It writes every time you put the nib down even after days! And it's smoooooth.

I really wouldn't give up either the 88 or the 51 though.

 

 

[gregoron]

My vintage Aurora 888 arrived today from Italy. I purchased it from eBay under this transaction:

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...A:IT&ih=014

 

It's a cartridge filler and it has the used double cartridges with the brass (or copper) holder. I filled up one of the cartridges with Pelikan Black using an eyedropper after washing the section and both cartridges. The fine nib is a little dry and the ink tends to run out on paper. I may have to dip it in water and ammonia overnight to clean the section completely. Any ideas on why this is and if this is the right solution?

 

By the way, it's an exquisite vintage pen since it's in very good condition. I like the design and the flex of the fine nib. It has more flex than my Parker 75 XF. I'll do a thorough review after I get it fully working.

Edited December 3, 2007 by gregoron

[Dib]

diplo,

you may put the firma on your list. It is a 888 desk pen.

[diplomat]

I will do it. So is it cartridge: will it accept both long and short carts? Was it sold with an original desk base? Do you have picture of the base? I have already seen the photo of the Firma you have on the marketplace and it is tempting!

 

Cheers,

[sanpei]

I will do it. So is it cartridge: will it accept both long and short carts? Was it sold with an original desk base? Do you have picture of the base? I have already seen the photo of the Firma you have on the marketplace and it is tempting!

 

Cheers,

 

I do have a Firma with original base,

nice aero-space design,

would be perfect in Jetsons house.

Do you wanna see images???

 

S

[Robert Hughes]

My Aurora 98 with the "Reserva Magica" piston is everything good - piston fill, semi-hood nib, generous collector, gold body and cap. This is as nice a pen as you could wish, as long as you don't mind the slimmer 60's design.

[diplomat]

I will do it. So is it cartridge: will it accept both long and short carts? Was it sold with an original desk base? Do you have picture of the base? I have already seen the photo of the Firma you have on the marketplace and it is tempting!

 

Cheers,

 

I do have a Firma with original base,

nice aero-space design,

would be perfect in Jetsons house.

Do you wanna see images???

 

S

 

Guess what?!?

 

 

 

Yes!

 

please