Ink type?

[Eddski]

I am currently working on a pair of pens as a gift to a bride and groom. I am hoping they can sign the register with them, someone I know thinks there is a restriction on the ink for this use but can’t find any information on this. Anyone know anything please?

 

[Neil]

Correct, registrars ink is needed to sign the register. It’s a particle ink rather than a solution, is mildly acidic ( sulphuric acid), will eventually rot nibs and will easily clog nib feeders. Iron gall ink as it’s otherwise known is believed not to fade for 400 years, hence the requirement to use the wretched stuff. Clerical Stationery Supplies, based in Haverhill used to be the only place that the home office got the stuff from, several registrars got a bit upset when I told them you could get it from any distributor of Diamine ink, as they are the supplier to the CSS.

 

[Eddski]

Thanks for that. Seems like the pens as a gift are a good idea but don’t expect to sign with them.

 

[pittswood]

My brothers wedding registrar had spare ink and allowed the forms to be signed with the wedding pen I made for them, after filling and emptying the pen bladder.
Ask them, you never know.
Kelvin

 

[Penpal]

Check with the Wedding Regitry people and have the answer and the appropriate ink on the day.

Peter. No such problem over our way the degree of difficulty is to get your pens back from the Clergy. Many years ago I was registered to perform marriages through my Church Position,there were no instructions given me re signing ink etc.My birth certificate in the first 1/3 of the 1900,s was signed using indelible pencil a requirement then.

Peter.

 

[wm460]

When my sister got married she used a pen I made for her, just normal parker refill.

 

[monophoto]

Whether a specific brand of ink is required is likely a matter of local culture and tradition. As Peter said, the best approach here would be to ask the officiant who will perform the ceremony what is actually required. There are many brands of iron gall ink, and there are dye-based permanent inks that aren't iron gall. In many places, no one cares what kind of ink is used, and for some people, using an ink that fades in a few years is also appropriate.

I vaguely remember signing something when we got married (49 years ago), but I don't recall whether we used a specific pen, or just the one in my pocket (which at the time was likely a Cross ball point).