My Favorite Pens – Aikin Lambert Filigree Overlay

This week on My Favorite Pens, we take a look at an Aikin Lambert Filigree overlay!

Aikin Lambert has long been a favorite brand of mine, and this one pen is one of the reasons why. Originally won during the Ohio Pen Show Auction of 2009 (and one of my very first pen show auction wins), this remains one of the highlights of my collection.

Aikin Lambert Overlay

Aikin Lambert Overlay

Made in the very early part of the 20th century, probably early 1900 era, this was likely a gift for a distinguished individual. Aikin Lambert was a New York Jeweler who made exquisite pens, among the best in the world during their several decade rein. As is common with most early overlay pens, this has an engraving in the cartouche area of the pen.

Aikin Lambert Overlay

Aikin Lambert Overlay

This pen’s most outstanding feature is of course its high relief gold filled filigree overlay. There is quite a depth between the base hard rubber and the top of the overlay. It is uncommon to see overlays of this high relief on any brand of pen.

Aikin Lambert Overlay Open

Aikin Lambert Overlay Open

The pen is eyedropper filled and has a 14kt gold nib. One of the most interesting aspects of this nib design is the location of the breather hole in relation to the nib slit. In every other pen, these two parts intersect. On early Aikin Lambert eyedropper pens the slit stops short of the breather hole. Unfortunately, many nibs have cracked and the slit will travel down to the breather hole.

Aikin Lambert Overlay Posted

Aikin Lambert Overlay Posted

Posted, this is a terrific length pen and very well balanced. This is an exceptionally light pen by modern standards, and would be very comfortable for long writing sessions during its time.

Aikin Lambert Overlay Open

Aikin Lambert Overlay Open

I hope you’ve enjoyed a look at one of the highlights in my Aikin Lambert collection!

Ink it up!
Brian & Lisa