<p>
	This section covers antique writing instruments and accessories. &nbsp;Dip pens and nibs are favourite &nbsp;collectibles. The nibs can be in simple metal or richly etched, &nbsp;the body sometimes in simple wood but also in silver or other metals. &nbsp;From 1836 ready-made ink became available leading to the inkwell made in pottery, glass and silver. The inkwell was often portable but very decorative inkstands for desks were also available in material such as bronze or Limoges porcelain. &nbsp;In the early 20th C the fountain pen appeared and with it the bottle of ink. &nbsp;Both vintage pens and ink bottles are also collectibles. &nbsp;The writing box was an important personal possession throughout the 18th and 19th C as a means of always having writing materials at hand.</p>