Stephens Pens

[rustynib]

Hi all

 

I am interested in the most complete information on the Stephens pens.

 

I only recognize the english 56,76,and 106 lever and button fillers.

 

But even those can have different plastic finishes and nibs variations, which I don't know.

 

I know nothing of the french counterpart pens (probabaly made by the Bayard brand).

 

Please help.

 

No need to quote from Lambrou etc. - I have already looked.

 

Thanks

rusty

[shostakovich]

Hi all

 

I am interested in the most complete information on the Stephens pens.

 

I only recognize the english 56,76,and 106 lever and button fillers.

 

But even those can have different plastic finishes and nibs variations, which I don't know.

 

I know nothing of the french counterpart pens (probabaly made by the Bayard brand).

 

Please help.

 

No need to quote from Lambrou etc. - I have already looked.

 

Thanks

rusty

I have a Stephens No 76 in black. It is a lever fill pen of the 1930's. Mine has a fine nib. Quite nice, but I rarely use it. At least I suppose this keeps it in near mint condition.

 

I used to go the meetings in the house in Finchley, London, that the Stephens family donated to the borough after his death. It is a very large house set in its own park. It is called Avenue House. It still houses a museum and some of his laboratory equipment and it is where he designed Stephen's Ink. Unfortunately a fire in about 1990 destroyed part of the house, but it has been restored minus his laboratory.

 

I think the company must have ceased to exist around the 1950's. More information can be had from http://www.avenuehouse.org.uk

 

Shostas

 

Here is some info from the website.

 

Avenue House, East End Road, London N3 3QE

(nearest underground Finchley Central)

tel: 020 8346 7812

Open to the public 2pm - 4.30 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only.

Admission free

 

The Stephens Collection aims to show

 

* Aspects of the life of Henry Stephens

* The history of the Stephens Ink Company

* The history of Avenue House

* The development of writing materials

 

 

Dr. Henry Stephens was the inventor (in 1832) of the famous "Blue-Black Writing Fluid", later developed into ink. The family firm manufacturing the ink and various accessories lay the foundations of a considerable family fortune. His son, Henry Charles Stephens, continued the development of the family business. He was a member of Parliament and during his lifetime fought numerous battles on behalf of local interests. His involvement in local affairs, and his nickname "Inky" Stephens have since remained familiar to several generations of Finchley people.

 

Henry "Inky" Stephens bought Avenue House in 1874, altered and extended it, adding, among other things, a laboratory, where he carried out his experiments in writing fluid. The grounds were landscaped and many rare trees planted, still here for us to see and admire.

 

Hands-on experience for primary schools

 

Groups of up to 15 are offered "hands-on" writing with steel pens, ink and blotting paper. Also with quill pens! A slide presentation on the life of Henry C. Stephens is available to schools. Discovery sheets are also obtainable.

 

The Stephens Collection - Registered Charity No. 1051384

 

Peter Marsh, Hon Chairman/Curator

stephens.collection@avenuehouse.org.uk

 

EDITED to add website info.

Edited January 27, 2008 by shostakovich

[rustynib]

I wonder if there is a connection between pens sizes and nibs.

 

Some nibs have a number: I have found mainly 76;

 

Some don't.

 

Anymore on Stephens ?

 

Rusty