- 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
- French Inkwell Makers
Nelson Goodyear
Nelson Goodyear Gold Pen nib - GOODYEAR'S PAT. MAY 6th, 1851
Nelson Goodyear, brother of vulcanized rubber inventor Charles Goodyear, worked to perfect a hard rubber compound that was awarded a patent on May 6, 1851.
Although Nelson was not likely a Gold Pen nib maker his patent rubber was used in the production of many pen and pencil holders.
Depicted from within the collection is a vulcanized rubber pen nib molded around a Gold Pen nib and exposing the tines, complete with partial original iridium tipping present. The Gold Pen nib contains Nelson Goodyear’s 1851 patent mark. Further testing reveals that the gold content is 18k. A comparative analysis of the weight of the tubular Goodyear Gold Pen nib relative to similar length Gold Pen nib revealed that the Goodyear vulcanized rubber coated nib is considerably lighter In weight.
Further X-ray tests were performed to determine the Gold Pen nib maker. The X-ray imagery revealed that a Gold Pen maker name is NOT present and furthermore that the majority of the nib consists of vulcanized rubber. Approximately .5 inches of 18k Gold Pen nib tines is embedded within the Goodyear vulcanized rubber.
Length
The Gold Pen nib ranks in size with larger nibs.
Microscopic View
Under magnification, the Gold Pen nib iridium tipping technique examination analysis revealed only that the Gold Pen nib was an early production item as expected.
Experimental?
Although this item may have been an experimental piece, it may also have been produced in more volume as the popularity of vulcanized rubber products increased.
Nelson Goodyear’s 1st Hallmark
N. GOODYEAR'S PAT. MAY 6, 51
Nelson Goodyear, brother of vulcanized rubber inventor Charles Goodyear, worked to perfect a hard rubber compound that was awarded a patent on May 6, 1851.
All writing instruments marked with the Goodyear patent known to this collector are marked "Goodyears Pat May 6 51". This early pencil is the only known example marked "N. Goodyears Pat May 6 51".
Except for the brass lead mechanism, the entire pencil is made of Goodyear's early hard rubber compound and was found with other components including a pen holder with cover, also in hard rubber, and an unusual sterling silver tube, crudely slitted at each end which the pencil and penholder are inserted into. The pen holder was found mounted with a Dawson, Warren & Hydes Tip Top No D gold pen nib. The red line represents 100 pixels.
First Nelson Goodyear Instrument
The depicted instrument is the only known N. Goodyear's writing instrument marked as such. Possibly an early example of Nelson Goodyear technology, this instrument contains both pen holder and pencil, entirely of hard rubber with the exception of the crude silver case.
Overall Length
The overall length of the instrument with pencil deployed is approximately 8.5 inches and 4.4 inches closed.
First Nelson Goodyear Instrument
The images reflect the instrument length when fully deployed and closed.
Pencil Mechanism
The Nelson Goodyear pencil mechanism is depicted above.
Pencil Mechanism
The Nelson Goodyear pencil mechanism is depicted above.
Dawson, Warren & Hyde Gold Pen nib
The combo was acquired equipped with a Dawson, Warren & Hyde Gold Pen nib mounted in the pen holder which is also fabricated of Nelson Goodyear hard rubber.
Goodyear Gold Pen nib/ Pencil Combo & Goodyear Pencil
Nelson Goodyear produced at least two pencils utilizing his own pencil mechanism novelty. The combo depicted on the right is marked with Nelson Goodyear’s only known 1851 patent mark styled as "N. Goodyears Pat May 6 51".
Depicted on the left is a Nelson Goodyear pencil marked with the typical “Goodyear’s Pat. May 6 1851”
Goodyear Pencil - GOODYEAR'S PAT. MAY 6th, 1851
Exhibited is only the second know example of a Goodyear’s Pencil produced in solid vulcanized rubber with Nelson Goodyear’s own pencil mechanism design in brass
Nelson Goodyear Pencil - GOODYEAR'S PAT. MAY 6th, 1851
Comparison of the two pencil mechanisms reveals that both are the same design. The left most pencil longer and houses a thicker lead.
Nelson Goodyear's Patent
Patent Claims
Patent No. 8,075, awarded on May 6, 1851.
I do claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-
1. The combining of india-rubber and sulphur, either with or without shellac, for making a hard and inflexible substance hitherto unknown, substantially as herein set forth.
2. The combining of india-rubber, sulphur, and magnesia or lime, or a carbonate or a sulphate of magnesia or of lime, either with or without shellac, for making a hard and inflexible substance hitherto unknown, substantially as herein set forth.
New York, December 26, 1850.
NELSON GOODYEAR.
Goodyear’s Patent Pen & Pencil Holders
Cinnabar
New York Gold Pen makers were quick to recognize Mr. Goodyear's discovery and begin utilization of the hard rubber or vulcanite product to produce pen holders.
Mercury ore contains the mineral cinnabar which was added to paint, plaster, and other materials to produce brilliant red and orange hues.
Cinnabar was employed as a pigment for pen holder enhancement, producing a bold, new look for the daring consumer.
Pen Holder Variety
Griswold Gold Pen nib mounted on an unusual pen holder crafted primarily of Nelson Goodyear hard rubber with gold accents.