TintenfassfederNibs

TintenfassfederNibs is a term used in niche pen and calligraphy communities to describe nib assemblies designed for use with an ink bottle (Tintenfass). The concept emphasizes compatibility with traditional inkwells and the presence of an ink reservoir (Feder) that feeds the nib, allowing longer writing between dips and a more continuous ink flow than a bare dip nib.

The notion draws on the historical development of dip pens and early reservoir systems. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, various nibs and pens incorporated small reservoirs or feed mechanisms to extend writing time between dips. The label TintenfassfederNibs is often applied by collectors and enthusiasts to classify these reservoir-enabled nibs, especially those intended to be paired with standard glass inkwells rather than modern cartridge systems.

Design and variants commonly fall into two categories. Some nibs have an integrated reservoir built into the nib body, while others rely on a tiny reservoir chamber near the base that feeds ink to the tip. Materials frequently include steel, plated steel, gold, or brass, with tip shapes ranging from pointed and flexible to broad-edge and italic. Performance depends on nib geometry, ink viscosity, and holding angle; reservoirs help maintain a steadier ink supply but require regular cleaning to prevent clogging or leakage.

Maintenance typically involves rinsing with water or on-water cleaning solutions, periodic drying, and careful storage to avoid corrosion. See also: dip pen, inkwell, reservoir pen, automatic pen, calligraphy.