A Nib Belonging To Gen. Robert E. Lee.

[Goudy]

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

William Smith and Edward Todd were agents for the pen makers Bard & Brothers. When the business closed in 1851, the two men took over the New York office to form Smith & Todd. Edward Todd later joined with John Mabie to form Mabie, Todd & Co (1860), then in 1868 left to make pens under his own name.

[Georgiabight]

Thank you very much. I love having the history behind this

[zwack]

William Smith and Edward Todd were agents for the pen makers Bard & Brothers. When the business closed in 1851, the two men took over the New York office to form Smith & Todd. Edward Todd later joined with John Mabie to form Mabie, Todd & Co (1860), then in 1868 left to make pens under his own name.

So if this is a Smith and Todd nib that places it in 1851 to 1860 which would place it's manufacture in the right time frame just prior to the civil war.

[Larry Barrieau]

What kind of provenance does the nib have? Does that paper tell some of it? Thanks

[Georgiabight]

If I understand what you are asking for by way of provenance, this is what I can tell you.

 

The pen was presented to Col. (Brevet Genl.) Albert Ordway in December of 1865 by a J. H. Henry who states in his letter to Ordway that the pen belonged to Lee in 1861 while Henry was serving as a clerk of Lee's.

 

Noted at the lower portion of Henry's letter is that Ordway donated the pen to the Massachusetts branch of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States in March of 1887.

 

The piece has a metal museum-like tag on the back with #253. The facility which tagged it so is unknown to me.

 

My father became friends during the 1970's with a rare book dealer from Vermont, who, being aware of my father's interest in the War, gave the piece to him as shown.

 

I hope this answers your question.

[Larry Barrieau]

It does. Thanks very much.

[sidthecat]

Antiques Roadshow.