Antique Victorian MacNiven & Cameron Waverley Pen Nib Tin c.1900

This one has a lovely bit of social history behind it. The wording and design point to a late Victorian example, probably around the 1890s to c.1900. MacNiven & Cameron adverts from 1897 were already using the boast “3007 newspapers recommend them” together with their government-supply credentials, while a closely comparable Waverley nib box is dated to the 1890s.

MacNiven & Cameron had roots going back to 1770 and became one of Scotland’s important pen and stationery manufacturers. Duncan Cameron is credited with developing the celebrated Waverley nib, with its characteristic turned-up point; Waverley became one of the firm's best-known products.

Antique Victorian MacNiven & Cameron Waverley Pen Nib Tin c.1900

5 cm wide

6 cm depth

2 cm tall

A wonderfully timeworn antique advertising tin for MacNiven & Cameron's famous Waverley Pen, believed to date from the late Victorian period, circa 1890s–1900.

The small hinged metal tin is finished in burgundy red and cream and is absolutely packed with period advertising. The lid prominently displays “WAVERLEY PEN”, together with the wonderful claim “3007 Newspapers Recommend Them”, while further wording includes “MacNiven & Cameron's Pens Are The Best” and “Pen Makers to Her Majesty's Government Offices.”

The side is marked “1 Gross (144 Pens)”, showing that the tin originally contained a gross of steel pen nibs. Another panel carries an illustration of a nib together with the memorable period advertising rhyme referring to the Pickwick, Owl and Waverley Pens.

Maker History

MacNiven & Cameron was a celebrated Scottish stationery and pen-making firm whose origins stretched back to 1770. The Cameron family became involved during the 19th century and the business developed a considerable reputation for steel dip-pen nibs.

One of its greatest successes was the Waverley nib, associated with Duncan Cameron and distinguished by its slightly turned-up writing point, designed to move smoothly across the paper. The Waverley name became synonymous with the company and was joined by other wonderfully named nibs including the Pickwick, Owl and Hindoo.

This little tin survives from the age when the steel dip pen was an everyday writing tool and manufacturers competed vigorously through colourful advertising, extravagant testimonials and memorable slogans.

Condition

A genuinely well-used survivor showing considerable age-related wear. There is rubbing and loss to the printed decoration, surface scratches, marks, discolouration and areas of oxidation/rust. The interior has particularly noticeable corrosion and retains a fragment of the original paper packaging or label.

The worn condition is very much part of its history and gives the piece enormous character, although please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

The tin is now empty and is being sold as a decorative and collectable historical item.

A great little piece of Victorian advertising, writing, stationery and social history, ideal for collectors of antique tins, pen and ink memorabilia, advertising wares or unusual desk accessories.