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Instruments Extraordinaire

Instruments ExtraordinaireInstruments ExtraordinaireInstruments Extraordinaire
  • Introduction
  • Asia / Islam
  • Europe & Britain
  • French Origins
  • Stylus-Quill-Penner
  • Early Fountain Pens
  • Hawkins-Mordan Patent
  • Virginia Roots
  • Jefferson Pen Analysis
  • American Pencil Makers
  • American Gold Pen Makers
  • Gold Pen Advertising
  • Philip Poole ‘HIS NIBS’
  • Inkwells
  • Inkwells & Writing Sets
  • Writing Sets
  • Cyphers

John Holland - Cincinnati, Ohio

First Holland Patent

John Holland was awarded over 30 patents for his novel pen and pencil ideas. Patent No. 118,367 was his first patent, awarded on August 22, 1871 for a pen holder improvement.

First Holland Patent Example

Depicted is a John Holland No. 6 Gold Pen nib mounted in a Holland pen holder in gold and ebony. Based upon his first patent, the design clearly illustrates a simple but secure Gold Pen nib holder concept.

First Holland Patent Example

John Holland patents wee focused on subtle novelty concepts that enabled his pen holders as art to flourish while continuing to add practical value to his customer experience.

First Holland Patent Example

John Holland patents were focused on subtle novelty concepts that enabled his pen holders as art to flourish while continuing to add practical value to his customer experience.

Holland Pen Holder Art

John Holland

John Holland designed his own pen holders which became known for an artistic flair. Typically signed JNO Holland, they are often fabricated of gold.


Depicted is a John Holland Gold Pen nib mounted in a John Holland designed gold pen holder attached to a mother of pearl handle embellished with red cut stones. 


Both pen holder and Gold Pen nib are stamped John Holland.


On the right is exhibited a John Holland pen holder with John Holland Gold Pen nib. 


The pen holder is artfully executed gold with an exquisite Tiger Eye handle.

Matching Case

The red pen case is original to this combination. 


Both items are  stamped No. 4.

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