Aurora Vintage Pen Questions: 88P/k Vs. 98?

[JayInPA]

I'm trying to decide between two vintage Auroras: The 88P (and 88K, though that seems harder to find) vs. the 98. I have a few questions, since this is would be my first journey into Aurora pens:

 

1. It looks like the main difference is that the 88P or K are piston-filled, and the the 98 requires a cartridge or converter. Since the 98 is an older pen, and I've read that there have been some variations in Aurora nipple sizes over time, what currently-available cartridge or converter would likely fit it?

 

2. Should I expect 88P or K pistons to require restoration?

 

3. Are the 88P or K and the 98 more or less the same dimensions? If not, what are the differences?

 

4. What are the writing characteristics of Aurora F and M nibs on these pens? How do they compare to classic smooth writers like the Parker 51 or Sheaffer Triumph-nibbed pens? I really love that a buttery-smooth experience. A little feedback is okay, but to me, there's nothing like the feeling of the pen gliding across the page.

 

Thanks to anyone who can help me gain a little more knowledge before I make the leap!

[praxim]

1. It appears that the 98 (which I do not own) came in both piston and cartridge versions, with the latter more common. I have no idea what size it took. The piston version (as for the 88P and 88K) will have an ink window where the cartridge version of course will not.

 

2. Buying one said to be restored or in working condition has been a safe step for me so far. At most, any of my Aurora 88 / 88K / 88P have needed only a dash of pure silicone grease to smooth the piston's path. The later the pen, the more likely it has survived in working order.

 

3. The 88P is a little slimmer than the 88K, which maintained the 88's size if not materials. The caps are not interchangeable between the 88P and earlier versions. Not having a 98, I can compare no further although this describes the 98 as slim and a bit squarer.

 

4. The Aurora 88P nibs are very smooth. They were made a little stiffer than the earlier 88 so produce more of that modern glide. I find them excellent pens to use continuously. I believe the 98 nib to be the same.

[jar]

The 98 uses modern Parker or Aurora cartridges and converters.

[JayInPA]

Thanks, praxim and jar!

 

Now, it's just a matter of finding one to purchase!

[praxim]

FPN classifieds are a good place to check before launching into ebilbay.

I have bought several of my pens (not only Aurora) from other FPN members.

 

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Edited June 30, 2017 by praxim

[jar]

Thanks, praxim and jar!

 

Now, it's just a matter of finding one to purchase!

There may still be some of the Archivi Storici pens available, actual 1950s pen bodies that were refurbished and released not too long ago.

[ralphawilson]

I have both an 88P and a 98; both piston fillers, both very nice writers. The 98 has an interesting filling design: you press a gold plated button at the end of the pen, and it pops out to provide the thing you twist to fill the pen. Then you push down the button to start writing. The 98 is slimmer than the 88P. I don't quite love the shape, but it's a fine pen.

 

I think it's great advice to look for a restored pen. My old 88P was cheap to buy but required expensive repairs of the filler, which more than doubled the cost.