Instrument for cutting quill pen nibs, its case and a pen

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This instrument for cutting quill pen nibs dates from the 19th century. It was housed in the cardboard case together with the quill pen.

The instrument has a metal sharpening blade at one end and a brass plate at the other. The brass plate is engraved 'W.R. Beedle'.

As postal services improved in Scotland throughout the 18th century, writing letters became an increasingly important means of communication. The quill remained the common writing implement until the introduction of the metal nib in the 19th century.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-829-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.VG 35 A
• Date: 19th century
  
• Material: Brass. Inscription: W.R. Beedle
  Cardboard, black. Inscription: W R Beedle
  Case, nib cutting instrument
  Instrument, nib cutting
  
• Dimensions: 103 mm L
  15 mm H x 109 mm L x 23 mm D
  
• What: Case, nib cutting instrument
  Instrument, nib cutting
  
• Subject: Writing objects - quills, sanders, etc (NMAS Classification)
  Writing objects - quills, sanders, etc (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: W. R. Beedle
  W.R. Beedle
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Instrument for cutting quill pen nibs, with `W.R. Beedle' engraved on the brass
  Black cardboard box for an instrument for cutting quill pen nibs
  
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