What with testing pens and one thing or another, I get through a lot of ink, but this should keep me going for a while!

I was amazed to see full, unopened bottles of Swan ink for sale in eBay. So far as I remember, Swan went out of business around 1956, so these bottles are at least 54 years old. Maybe more. There appears to have been a little evaporation, but the ink is still in perfect condition. The bottles are nine and a half inches high and must hold best part of a pint of ink. One bottle will be kept unopened, but I’ll use the other. I don’t think I’ll need to buy any more ink. Ever.

Curious, I asked the seller how he came by these bottles and here’s his answer:

 

We own a stationers and when ink went out of fashion

these were put underneath the window staging. Because of the

spiders and damp under there the girls never ever

went under. It was only when I decided to have a clear out

that I discovered them. We put them on display for the

last 20 years and then decided to let them go to good homes

or to be used.

These are wonderful Mabie Todd memorabilia and as Swans are my favourite pens, it will be good to write with both Swan pen and ink.

These are still on sale in eBay, so if you are interested, search for Item 260741407084 on the UK site.