A Nib Belonging To Gen. Robert E. Lee.

[Georgiabight]

I have in my possession something of a family heirloom. It is a gold nib with letter of authenticity in museum framing which belonged to Robert E. Lee. It was a gift originally given to Union Gen. Ordway by a former clerk of Gen. Lee in 1865.

 

While I've never considered using or selling the item, it occurred to me that I had no idea of its worth, whether for insurance or other purposes.

 

Any information on such would be very helpful.

 

Many thanks in advance.

[Wahl]

Picture please ???

[zwack]

The nib could be worth as much as a couple of dollars...

 

Unfortunately, I think that this is probably the wrong place to ask about the value of this item. It has a certain amount of "pen" value, but the real thing that is likely to push up the value is the historical association with the General. In this respect it would be best to ask a Civil War expert. There are two price guides specifically about Civil War artifacts, I don't own either and I suspect they are more about the militaria but perhaps your local library has them (or can get them on inter-library loan).

[Georgiabight]

I do agree that the nib itself likely has little value. I'd presume any value would, as you suggest, come from the ownership by Gen. Lee along with the original documentation.

 

If this is not the appropriate forum, I apologize, but appreciate the help!

[Georgiabight]

The piece in question, FYI

[Aelie]

That's a fascinating piece of American history you got right there! I am not an antique collector by any means, but I would imagine the value on this nib being higher than just any ordinary nib owned by Gen. Lee if you can provide evidence that it was used to draft and/or sign certain historical documents. I am sure there are historical societies and associations down there in Georgia, and they would know far more about this than me. Another place you might want to try would be the history department at your local colleges and universities - I am sure you can find an American history professor who can point you in the right direction in assessing the value of this nib.

[Georgiabight]

Many thanks, Aelie!

[ceac]

I'd like to have one of Marse Rob's nibs :-)

[Georgiabight]

I'm fortunate....but won't take the pleasure of using it, more's the pity

[Zookie]

Beautiful piece, display it with pride!

As for me, I'd like to see a letter and pen from Gen. Braxton Bragg, one of the greatest crazy people ever

[rwilsonedn]

Your best bet for an accurate value (which you really should have for insurance purposes) would be to take the item to an auction house, or maybe Antiques Roadshow if it happens by. As others have said, the value will be to American Civil War memorabilia collectors, not pen collectors. And the value may be regional--significantly higher in Virginia than in Washington State, for instance.

ron

[Georgiabight]

The advice is appreciated. I'll locate an appropriate appraiser. Many thanks to all!

[AAAndrew]

Out of pure curiosity, as a collector of vintage nibs, what is the imprint on the nib itself? What writing is on the nib?

[Georgiabight]

It's the damnedest thing to try and get a picture of beneath the glass and as positioned, but it appears to be "Smith & __", by my guess, with additional writing and design below

 

 

[nigelg]

Could the imprint be that of a precursor to Mabie, Smith and Todd in New York ?

 

Spookily enough, I have just (about 30 mins ago ) finished watching 2 PBS programmes on the American Civil War.

Edited March 21, 2016 by nigelg

[kernando]

It isn't a nib without a pen. It's a pen without a holder.

[Georgiabight]

I bow to the expertise of the forum as I have no knowledge of antique writing instruments. The War, however, has been a subject of interest of mine for some time.

[Vintagepens]

The nib would be a Smith & Todd product. A great relic!

[AAAndrew]

The nib would be a Smith & Todd product. A great relic!

 

And he knows, if anyone does.

[Georgiabight]

Excellent information! Thank you very much!