Aurora

How the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War II, inspired a new pen company.

Aurora is an Italian manufacturer of fine writing instruments, fountain pens, paper and leather goods. Their products represent the first true Italian fountain pens and are still manufactured in their original factory in Turin, northern Italy.

It was 1919, the year the treaty of Versailles was signed. In an Italy marked by a post-war crisis, but bubbling with great hopes for recovery, the first steps down a long road were taken with the birth of Aurora, and the creation of the first true Italian fountain pen. A rich textile merchant, founder of the Torino Company of the same name, saw the crystallization of a dream he had long meditated and planned. In that year, the success enjoyed by the Aurora pen coincided with a new historic direction. Italy woke up to the first rays of a sun that was destined not to set, while Aurora became the name of a company destined for success.

From those very first years the company showed that it was able to produce writing instruments with inimitable allure and refinement. A unique style which, following the evolution of taste, yesterday as today, brought together experience, technique, precious materials and artisan skill and refinement. Having earned the appreciation of admirers round the world, the trademark represented forms and materials which, from the beginning, were tangible examples of the most refined made in Italy products. The brand is synonymous with high quality, exquisite taste, and fine Italian craftsmanship. Each Aurora Pen is influenced by the renowned culture, artistic legacy, and design characteristic of the Italian tradition. One of the only manufacturers to craft their own nibs, Aurora fountain pens feature fixed points - a reference for future generations of writing masters.

Pen Boutique is currently offering 20% off recently reduced prices on Aurora Ipsilon Resin pens. This is the lowest price available from an authorized dealer!

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Mechanical Pencils and How to Refill Them

 
It’s an arguable truth that mechanical pencils are the most convenient and all-purpose instruments ever created. They are a class all unto their own, and are so ingenuously effective and magnificent that their inherent marvels are on par with that of a lamp – even more so, many would argue.
Mechanical pencils, alternatively known as propelling pencils in the UK, typically have the body and feel of pens. Instead of ink, however, they tote replaceable graphite cores, alternatively known as lead or lead sticks. These sticks are not bonded to the device itself, and are designed to be used until they are worn down to the point where they can no longer be used. Mechanical pencils are additionally designed to maintain a consistent thickness and sharpness without ever needing to be sharpened. This unique longevity makes them ideal for technical drawing and long writing sessions.

There are generally only two types of mechanical pencils: propelling and clutch. Propelling pencils, in a method that is true to their name, push lead forward and out through the tip when a special mechanism is pressed. Clutch pencils use gravity; the aforementioned mechanism is held down, allowing the lead to drop freely through the tip. When the mechanism is released, inner jaws “clutch” the lead and hold it in place. When considering lead, mechanical pencils have about 13 different kinds, but the vast majority of those who use these instruments only use about two different kinds. 0.7mm and 0.5mm are the most common, respectively, and the other different lead versions can be a challenge to find.

Despite all these technical aspects, mechanical pencils are easy to use and understand, second only to ballpoint pens. Although there are some, albeit only a few, mechanical pencils that should be thrown away after their lead has expired, most are refillable. This process is extraordinarily simple, and only takes one test drive before you know how to do it like a pro.

First, you need to remove the plastic cap covering the pen’s eraser, should it have one, and then the eraser itself. Take a couple or so lead sticks and hold them gently in your palm. The size of the inner barrel of your mechanical pencil will determine how many lead sticks can fit in at once. You do not want to add too many, because then they can jam together it is a long, elaborate, frustrating process to get them all set to rights again. Check the inner compartment, and after determining that your small selection will fit, carefully drop the lead pieces into the barrel and put the eraser and its covering back in their proper place. Give pencil a few test clicks and if the lead appears then you have officially succeeded in this endeavor.

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