Aurora Talentum
Despite having visited with Aurora a number of years ago, it was not until I came across the Talentum that I added an Aurora fountain pen to my collection.
The Talentum was issued in 2000 and Aurora issued this as a pen of the new millennium. Past and future, tradition and innovation blend together in a pen of modern design with technical precision.
The nib and the size of the body drew me to acquiring this pen.
This is the large size pen. The original press releases from Aurora targeted this pen to the young modern manager. Later a Finesse line was issued which is the same pen, but in a slimmer size. The target was the young female market.
The width of the body is a good 1/2" wide so there is a good substantial feeling to this pen. The pen itself is just under 5 1/2 inches in length, with the cap posted it is 6 1/4'. This is okay for my hand and very similar to the Pelikan M800 which I find a very comfortable size.
The clip has an elegant style. A single smooth curve with a rounded "ball" end which shows very well when the pen is clipped in a shirt pocket. There is enough metal at the end of the cap so it looks like the clip was meant from a design point to be attached, and it is secure. The clip it self is "stiff" and you will not have to worry about the pen not being secure when you clip it into a shirt pocket.
The pen uses a converter for ink so there are lots of options for ink in this model.
The body is a smooth, shinny black resin. With the silver tone trim the pen has a very classy appearance. It is one of those pens that just feels good in your hand.
The nib is a 14 carat gold nib with rhodium treatment, and I selected the Italic Medium. Aurora is one of the manufacturers that produces its own nibs and when I visited with Aurora I spent a fair amount of time in that section of the factory. Aurora makes a full section of nibs for this pen ranging from an Extra Fine up to a Broad Oblique.
The pen I have had to have the nib replaced as it first nib was faulty and cracked on the first day of use. It was promptly replaced and the nib I now have is a very smooth writer.
Aurora lists the Talentum as one of its "everyday" lines of pens. It is available in a variety of models. Chrome caps, sold black with gold plated or chrome trim. In addition to black there were a number of solid colours offered including yellow and red. The black is available in the regular resin body as well black resin with opque "soft touch" rubber coating.
The pen has also been issued with a chrome cap with black or light blue resin barrel, with chrome trim; or, with a chrome cap with yellow or pink resin barrel, with chrome trim or as I have acquired, the classic black resin body with chrome trim. There was also issued a Finesse line, slightly thiner in body width, in pin resin with chrome trim.
The pens with gold plated trim are available in black or bordeaux resin body and cap While I like the crisp look of black with silver, the black with gold has a very classic look..
All of the lines have a 14 kt gold nib.