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Plastic pen holders with stainless-steel nibs, circa 1962
About the object
About the object
These red plastic pen holders were used in NSW schools in the 1960s. They were used by primary students from 4th Class.
These were the last pen holders to be used in NSW schools. From the late 1960s, plastic biro pens were used.
The handle of the pen is non-brittle plastic. It has a ridged finger grip. There is a groove at the end to insert a nib.
The stainless-steel nib on this pen is a new technology of the time. Its design features include:
a rigid rounded tip which enabled smooth-flowing, less scratchy writing
a 'cover' over the curve to form a small reservoir enabling more writing before refilling
non-rusting stainless steel.
The new design reduced ink blots and was smoother to write with compared to the earlier nibs. They were a better pen for left-handed writers.
Students used these pens and nibs to write Modified Cursive handwriting, newly introduced in 1962.
To write with this ink pen, students:
dipped the pen into the inkwell
wrote until the ink ran out
gently pressed blotting paper onto their wet writing.
Significance
Significance
The plastic handle signifies the invention and beginnings of non-brittle plastics used for functional items.
The nib shows an example of a changing technology that improves its functionality.
The pen holder and nib marks a change in handwriting style and tools in NSW education – a progression from Cursive style to Modified Cursive.
Object details
Object details
Date – circa 1962
Creator – unknown
Place – unknown
Materials – plastic, metal
Dimensions – penholder with nib 19.5cm long
Look closer
Look closer
Close-up of the rigid stainless steel nibs with a rounded point and reservoir to hold ink, circa 1963.
Plastic pen holder with stainless-steel nib, circa 1965 on social studies book with map outline and handwriting written with a pen and nib such as this.
Think and wonder
Think and wonder
See
See
What do you notice first?
What would the red pen holder feel like to touch and hold?
What would the metal nib feel like?
Think
Think
What can you learn from examining this object?
What challenges might you face when writing with this ink pen?
Why do you think this object is important?
Wonder
Wonder
What do you wonder about this object?
What else would you like to know about it?
Do
Do
Students practised their handwriting in writing text books, also called copy books.
Copy some Modified Cursive writing.
Compare it to Foundation style learnt today.
Explore and connect
Explore and connect
Modified Cursive Writing Models, page 48, Curriculum for Primary Schools Spelling and Handwriting, NSW Department of Education, 1961
Pen holders and nibs specified for Modified Cursive writing, page 39, Curriculum for Primary Schools Spelling and Handwriting, NSW Department of Education, 1961
Handwriting curriculum, 1962
Handwriting curriculum, 1962
Modified cursive
Modified cursive
This page from the 1961 Curriculum for Primary Schools Spelling and Handwriting introduces the style Modified Cursive handwriting into NSW schools.
Through the 1800s to early 1900s students were taught Copperplate style and from the 1925 Cursive style. Both were ornate with thicker down strokes and loops.
In 1961 it was recognised that a faster more legible writing style was needed. This curriculum was implemented in 1962.
Pen holders and nibs
Pen holders and nibs
Page 39 of the 1961 spelling and handwriting curriculum recommended the use of 'inflexible, stainless-steel nibs, fitted with reservoirs'. It stated that nibs with a ball tip produced 'cord-like strokes of a uniform width'.
These nibs were more like the nibs on fountain pens. Biro pens with ball tips and an ink cylinder then became common.
Timeline of NSW hand writing styles
Timeline of NSW hand writing styles
1800s to 1925 – Copperplate style
1925 to 1962 – Cursive style
1962 to 1987 – Modified Cursive style
1987 to present – NSW Foundation style.
The New Syllabus Writing Tester kit, circa 1925
Writing tester, circa 1925
Writing tester, circa 1925
This small writing tester kit was invented as a device to improve handwriting. The 1925 Course of Instruction in Handwriting introduced Cursive writing for primary students and script writing (printing) for infants students.
The envelope contained instructions and transparent 'cards'. The 'see-through' cards were designed to place over a student's handwriting.
The student could check the shape, height, slope and spacing of their letters and words.
What are the differences between Cursive and Modified Cursive styles?
What are your thoughts on this writing tester kit?
Plastic ink wells, circa 1965
Plastic ink wells, circa 1963
Plastic ink wells, circa 1963
These two inkwells are made of plastic. The underside has the label 'Precision Plastics Pty Ltd, Sydney.
They hold liquid writing ink. The round shape of the inkwell fits into the round ink hole in a wooden school desk.
The wide lip at the top secured the well in the desk. The narrow hole just fitted an ink pen and reduced the chance of spillage.
Plastic inkwells replaced ceramic ink wells.
Packet of blue black Ink Powder by Angus & Co. Pty Ltd, circa 1955 and Simpson's Ink Power, circa 1940.
Ink powder, circa 1940 and 50
Ink powder, circa 1940 and 50
These packets of ink powder from the 1940s and 50s contain powdered blue-black ink.
Ink powder was used to make liquid writing ink. It could be purchased in powder form in small measured sachets such as these ones.
Liquid writing ink was poured into inkwells sitting in holes in the desks. An 'ink monitor' often mixed the ink and filled the inkwells. Small jugs or old teapots were used for a precise pour into the small holes in the inkwells.
Ink was used by students for writing and drawing. It was used by teachers for marking and other writing tasks
What care would be needed when mixing the ink?
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