Today, I wanted to figure out something that’s been bugging me for a while: when did quills go out of fashion? I mean, those feather pens look so cool, but you never see anyone using them anymore.
So, I started digging around. First, I checked a few general history websites. They mostly talked about how quills were the main writing tool for, like, a really long time. I found out that people used quills for almost 1,500 years. That’s way longer than I expected! I scribbled that down in my notebook – gotta keep track of these things.
Main research
- Key fact: Quills were used for almost 1,500 years.
Next, I looked into what quills were made of. Turns out, they’re usually from goose feathers, but sometimes swan or turkey feathers. The sites mentioned that they had to be specially treated with heat. Interesting, but not exactly what I was looking for. I made a quick note of it anyway, just in case.
Materials
- Common material: Goose feathers (also swan or turkey).
- Process: Heat-treated to remove the outer layer.
Then I stumbled upon some articles talking about the decline of quills. It seems like the invention of metal pens, especially those steel-nibbed ones, was the big turning point. They started mass-producing these metal pens in Great Britain around 1822, thanks to some guy named John Mitchell in Birmingham. That was a big “aha!” moment for me. I highlighted that date in my notes – 1822, the beginning of the end for quills.
Turning point
- Invention of metal pens: Steel-nibbed pens.
- Mass production: Started in Great Britain, 1822, by John Mitchell.
I also found out that in some parts of the world, like the Eastern Mediterranean and much of the Islamic world, they didn’t even use quills. They used reed pens instead. Another interesting tidbit, but not crucial to my main question. Still, I jotted it down. You never know when these random facts might come in handy.
Regional differences
- Eastern Mediterranean and Islamic world: Used reed pens, not quills.
The articles also mentioned that by the middle of the 19th century, steel nibs were really taking over. Then, in the 20th century, we got fountain pens, ballpoints, and all those other modern pens. That made sense to me. I mean, who wants to mess with a feather when you have a smooth-writing ballpoint? I made a mental note to look up the history of ballpoint pens later – that’s a whole other rabbit hole.
Later developments
- Mid-19th century: Steel nibs gained popularity.
- 20th century: Fountain pens, ballpoints, etc., emerged.
One site mentioned that by 1920, quills were pretty much gone, except for maybe calligraphers and artists. That seemed about right. I mean, I can’t imagine trying to write a quick note with a quill. So, I circled that date – 1920, the final nail in the quill’s coffin, so to speak.
Final decline
- By 1920: Quills were mostly obsolete, except for specialized uses.
So, there you have it. Quills started going out of style in the early 1800s with the invention of mass-produced metal pens, and by 1920, they were practically extinct in everyday use. It’s kind of sad in a way, but also pretty cool to see how technology changes over time. I’m glad I finally got to the bottom of this – another mystery solved!
