Antique Calligraphy Pen Nibs, French, Baignol & Farjon and Blanzy Poure, Original Carton

Antique Calligraphy Pen Nibs, French, Baignol & Farjon and Blanzy Poure, Original Carton and Metal Boxes, 76 Nibs Detailed Below

Blanzy Poure and Baignol & Farjon are two of the most famous pen companies in France along with Maison Conte. Maison Conte was founded in 1795 followed by Blanzy Poure in 1846 then in 1872 by Baignol & Farjon who were absorbed by Maison Conte in 1881. Leonard Gilbert joined Blanzy Poure in 1940 and the company became Gilbert Blanzy Poure.

I mention all that because it helps with dating the boxes and their contents.

The Blanzy Poure cardboard box dates from around 1910 and it helpfully mentions that the company won the Grand Prix of Paris in 1889 and 1900. It says on the box that it contains 144 'Departementale' nibs - but it doesn't, it has 5 'Departementale nibs and these are currently on sale at www.kallipos.de for euros 2.20 each.

It also contains 32 'Sergent Major No. 500' nibs which are marked Gilbert Blanzy Poure so the box is older than the nibs. The sergent major nibs were the standard nibs used to teach French schoolchildren to write. These are on sale at Kallipos for euros 1.80 each.

Plus 2 Gilbert & Blanzy Poure 'Multifold' nibs currently on sale for 2 euros each.

The box is in excellent condition.

The small oblong tin box is from Blanzy - Conte - Gilbert, which dates it to just after 1945 and says it contains 'Sergent Major nibs but in fact it contains a 'Treraid' nib and a technical drawing nib.

The third box is a little treasure trove. It is from Baignol & Farjon and dates from late 1800s to 1900. One is currently on sale for 20 euros (although it is in better condition).

Contents:

6 x La Gloire De Boulogne nibs currently on sale on Etsy for 2.20 euros each.
12 x 'Henry Type 2' nibs on Kallipos for euros 1.90 each.
15 x 'Velleda Type 2' nibs on Kallipos for euros 2.20 each
4 x 'Plumes Du Sergent Blandan' C.L. Posner & Cie

Most the nibs are in excellent used condition although although a few of the Sergent Majors have been through the wars. One tin box is a bit tatty so it did its job of protecting the nibs well.

Lovely collection for a calligrapher or just as desk decoration and at a great price for the rarity and quality of these nibs as, sold individually, this collection would retail at just over 200 eruos so it a real bargain at this price.