Great Grandpa's pen and signature

Your comments are appreciated. Shadow too harsh?

Not for me. It looks just fine. I like how you can see a bit of light through the tip of it. Was that done on purpose? By the way, your grandpa had/has a hell of a good signature!

I did show the light through the slit on purpose. My great-grandfather taught school and penmanship was very important back then. The pen tip is solid gold.

Exquisite. Fine hand too, very unusual after about 1840. Gold nibs are lovely and soft, a real tactile pleasure.