What is a Quill Pen Feather?
From antiquity through the 19th century, quill pens were the go-to writing implement. Used to write almost all medieval manuscripts as well as such important documents as Magna Carta and Declaration of Independence, quill pens became the standard writing instrument.
Quill pen feathers are long, stiff feathers from the outer wings of large birds such as geese or swans. Optimum quill pen feathers consist of primary flight feathers for primary flight control purposes.
The Quill Feather
Quill pen feathers are composed of long, stiff bird feathers that have been cut to form writing nibs, typically geese but sometimes also crows and swans have also been used. At their tip lies a narrow slit which holds ink by capillary action. These plumes can also be found adorning other types of writing instruments such as fountain pens.
Feather pens were far more popular than their wooden or reed counterparts for writing purposes due to being lighter and more durable. Feathers could be used on parchment and vellum without leaving indentions behind them, making them suitable for drawing with fine brushes as well. Feathers were even employed to pen many medieval manuscripts such as Magna Carta and Declaration of Independence documents written with these quill pens; Thomas Jefferson kept an ample supply at Monticello so he would always have one ready when writing them out!
When using a quill, it is crucial that the shaft (also called the calamus) and slit remain moist at all times in order for ink to flow freely from it. A cushion may help with this goal while placing some felt underneath paper can prevent dry out of nibs. Also important when monitoring ink build-up on metal nibs as excess ink could corrode their surfaces and destroy them altogether.
The Slit
Quills were used as writing tools for over one millennium before metal nibs became widely popular. Their hollow shaft served as an ink reservoir while their sharpened point, or nib, allowed for fine script on parchment and vellum paper.
Feather quills were often constructed from primary flight feathers shed during birds’ annual moult, making it suitable for use during longer writing sessions. Additionally, these quills could accommodate multiple writing styles due to their natural curve and could accommodate right- or left-handed writers due to the inherent flexibility.
For making a quill pen, feathers must first be immersed in hot water or sand to harden and cure their shafts, before being cut with a “pen knife”. Once this step has been completed, an upper side slit is created on which can be shaped into either a pointed or blunt tip depending on your desired calligraphic technique. Capillary action helps transport ink from shaft through the upper slit all the way to nib.
The Inkwell
An inkwell is a freestanding container used to hold ink that serves as the basis for dipping quill or dip pen into it. Many inkwells feature lids to prevent contamination, evaporation, or accidental spillage of ink; antique inkwells are highly prized by collectors, while travelling inkwells come equipped with secure screw lids that make transport easy without risk of leakage.
With the proliferation of ballpoint pens and typewriters, inkwells have seen their need diminish; however, they remain popular among calligraphers and those who prefer handwriting letters or documents. Furthermore, these high-end keepsakes make thoughtful gifts for lawyers, judges, or other dignitaries.
Many modern fountain pen brands provide inkwells that are ready to use once their ink bottles have run dry, such as TWSBI Diamond 50 which features both traditional inkwell use as well as vacuum fill functionality – perfect for using with vacuum pens! No more dealing with messy bottles while adding elegance and sophistication to your desk space.
The Stroke
Quill pens use capillary action to write, with liquid drawing itself up the narrow end of a pen (or feather) through a narrow slit to fill its entirety. This principle resembles how water rises up through plant stems.
The ideal quills for writing are created from primary flight feathers discarded by birds during their annual moult cycle. These feathers are strong, long and stiff – ideal qualities in creating points (nibs). Their natural curve is comfortable to hold for both right- and left-handed writers.
Once a quill has been meticulously cleaned, hardened, and sharpened to a fine point it is ready for use. Before writing begins it’s important to dip the pen in ink before writing begins – this helps avoid sticky and clogged nibs in future use! Quill pens perform best on quality paper that won’t tear or pill when loaded with extra ink loads.
