Aurora Historical Archives - Black + Satin Chrome

[eric47]

I've had the fortune to test this pen yesterday, an Italian friend had it with him (originally it was his father's pen, from the University years). What a surprise and delight, makrolon body, metal cap, and a semiflexible hooded nib from the 50's in it.......His was the aerometric latest version, and works like a Parker 51 Aero. But with a softer nib. I am surprised the Archivi Storichi do not get more relevance among colectors, essencially it's a vintage pen without any of the drawbacks.

 

You probably tested a vintage 88, rather than the Archivi Storici per se.

 

The latter were released last year(?), two years ago -- the memory, it's the first thing to go.

 

Depends what you're looking for. If you're looking for an 88 without risk and hassle, and in new condition, then something like the 022 is it. Chrome cap, resin body, and somewhat rigid M nib -- only 1 nib size.

 

If you want say flex or another nib size, celluloid body, or even a Nikargenta or gold-plated cap, then you start looking at true vintage 88s. If those things really matter to you, along with say a piston filler, then you might think those piston-filled 88s (vintage or Archivi Storici 022) smoke the 51.

Edited October 4, 2010 by eric47

[Ondina]

I've had the fortune to test this pen yesterday, an Italian friend had it with him (originally it was his father's pen, from the University years). What a surprise and delight, makrolon body, metal cap, and a semiflexible hooded nib from the 50's in it.......His was the aerometric latest version, and works like a Parker 51 Aero. But with a softer nib. I am surprised the Archivi Storichi do not get more relevance among colectors, essencially it's a vintage pen without any of the drawbacks.

 

You probably tested a vintage 88, rather than the Archivi Storici per se.

 

The latter were released last year(?), two years ago -- the memory, it's the first thing to go.

 

Depends what you're looking for. If you're looking for an 88 without risk and hassle, and in new condition, then something like the 022 is it. Chrome cap, resin body, and somewhat rigid M nib -- only 1 nib size.

 

If you want say flex or another nib size, celluloid body, or even a Nikargenta or gold-plated cap, then you start looking at true vintage 88s. If those things really matter to you, along with say a piston filler, then you might think those piston-filled 88s (vintage or Archivi Storici 022) smoke the 51.

 

I had an 88 and sold it years ago; nice but fragile, and the maintenance issue with the cork was a dealbraker. The Archivi Storichi is a much sturdier pen, with an understated yet elegant look, and the very same nib & feed than the vintage ones. The 12 adds a very practical aerometric filler, and yes, I only agree that they look, write and feel much more to my liking than the 51's. Not wonder they sold out within months when they were issued. And no again; the pens I saw were a 98 and an Archivi Storichi, and they are both fantastic instruments.But the Storichi is such a well done combination of vintage where I want it and modern where is needed to, that I foresee one whenever possible.

Edited October 4, 2010 by Ondina

[langere]

I agree with Ondina - the Archivi Storici are great pens. Got one from Novelli's in Rome - a 022 - and one from Fountain Pen Hospital (a C/C filler). I prefer the 022. Very elegant and understated, durable too. Nice piston fill and writes like an Aurora - smooth nib, with just a little bit of feedback, just as I like it!

 

Erick

[Doug C]

I just received one of these pens as part of a close out that Susanna Buffo (PENS.IT) is having.

 

I like the pen quite a bit. It is almost identical to a mid-70's Pelikan I have; brushed finish, the same size and feel.

 

I was going to say that mine was stainless steel, but the body actually had a 925 hallmark on it, which I would think indicates silver. Does anyone know for sure?

 

Also since this was a closeout, it didn't come with the ink bottle or converter. I can live without the bottle, but I only use bottle ink so I need the converter.

 

Does anyone know if other converters will work, or does it have to be the aerometric. Is there a place to get this converter in the US so I don't have pay international shipping.

 

Finally, has anyone yet figured out how much of the pen is new vs vintage? The body of mine pen looks new, but if you look closely there are areas where it appears that they made repairs.

 

Just curious...

[dudleian]

I just received one of these pens as part of a close out that Susanna Buffo (PENS.IT) is having.

Me too. I really like the nib - a good daily user.

 

Also since this was a closeout, it didn't come with the ink bottle or converter. I can live without the bottle, but I only use bottle ink so I need the converter.

Same here. I know it was a close out, but I was disappointed at no converter.

[Doug C]

I just received one of these pens as part of a close out that Susanna Buffo (PENS.IT) is having.

Me too. I really like the nib - a good daily user.

 

Also since this was a closeout, it didn't come with the ink bottle or converter. I can live without the bottle, but I only use bottle ink so I need the converter.

Same here. I know it was a close out, but I was disappointed at no converter.

 

 

So NO one knows of alternative converter options for this pen?

[rockydoggy]

I think that Aurora and Parker carts are interchangeable--so a Parker converter would probably fit?

[Doug C]

I think that Aurora and Parker carts are interchangeable--so a Parker converter would probably fit?

 

 

It looks to me that it will take the international carts (i.e.MB, etc), but since it came with the extra long cartrige that will take a while for me to use.

 

Once it is gone, I'll try and notmal converter and if it doesnt fit, get one of the 'trik-trak' converters that PENS.IT sells. I just hate to pay as much for shipping as for the converter.