6 replies to this topic

[rpk1204]

On my way to the local PENS meeting, I stopped by some local antique shops to hunt and kill some time while waiting for the meeting.  I scored this nice 14KT gold filled pen for $10.  No markings except for the nib.  The nib is marked M.T.P. CO / 2 / MPLS.  I reached out to Phil Munson (MusonOnPens, local PENS Member, and philm on here) to tap is knowledge of Minneapolis pens and he couldn't find anything in his archives - he suggested maybe Brown and Bigelow, who did some pens back in the day.

 

I'm just reaching out here in case anyone recognizes the pattern, the manufacturer or anything such as the lever or cap imprint.  I cleaned this up and it turned out beautiful, just need to order a size 14 sac to complete.  Thanks for any help or ideas. 

 

 

[david i]

Hi,

Cute pen.  MTB might have rung bell as Mabie Todd & Bard, but this is not that.

 

regards

 

david

[rpk1204]

Hey David, that was our collective first thought at the meeting, but was dismissed as well.... thanks for the thoughts! 

[Hugh]

I lean to a pen made for a store, MTP Co. sounds more storelike than makerlike to me.

Regards
Hugh

[philm]

Yes, I  kicked around the idea that it was a Company, or Store that had the pens made.  Unfortunately, none of us can think of an MTP Co.   Presumably the M might be for Minnesota, or Minneapolis (though that might be redundant due to the MPLS abbreviation underneath).  The timing is right for George Kraker being in MN, but nothing on the pen points to his stuff. There were a few other pen Companies in Minnesota in the 20s, but MTP doesn't fit either.  So, hopefully someone will figure it out......

[rpk1204]

.... Minnesota Territorial Pioneers were around back then, but wouldn't be a company.   May have to head to the library and dig up some old business journals from the 20's.  Gotta love a mystery! 

[rpk1204]

Got my #14 sacs and finished this one.  It cleaned up way better than I expected.  The area where the cap posts came out decent.  I love the "patina" aspect of this pen.  I'll ink it up in the next day or two and see how it writes.  Still searching for what it is.....