Rohrer & Klingner Iron Gall Ink 50ml

Scabiosa

£10.50

1/2

Rohrer & Klingner Iron Gall Ink 50ml

Rohrer & Klingner iron gall inks are made in Leipzig, Germany. Iron gall is the oldest continuous ink technology — it bonds chemically with paper fibres as it dries and continues to oxidise, deepening in colour over days and weeks. The R&K iron gall range includes Scabiosa, one of the most discussed inks in the fountain pen world.

Traditional Iron Gall (Chemical Dye / Metalloid compound)

50ml glass bottle

Moderate when fresh, High once fully oxidized (Water washes will lift the dusty pink surface dye, but leave the permanent iron script behind)

Yes (Archival standard)

Matte

Colour change: Yes — deepens with oxidation over days to weeks

Leipzig, Germany — Rohrer & Klingner

£10.50

Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Packaging:

We know art supplies are fragile. All professional pair and boards are shipped in reinforced rigid flat mailers. No tubes, no folds, no crushed corners.

Order Processing Times:

Orders are processed within 1–2 business days - we always aim to dispatch all “in-Stock’ items within 24 hours..

Note: Orders placed after 2 PM GMT on Fridays will be processed the following Monday.

Domestic Shipping (UK):

Standard (2–4 days): £3.50 (Free for The Illustrator & Studio Master tiers).

Priority (1–2 days): £4.50 (Free for Studio Master tier)

International Shipping:

We ship globally. Costs are calculated at checkout based on weight and destination. Please note that customers are responsible for any local customs duties or taxes.

Order Tracking:

You will receive a tracking link via email the moment your tools leave our studio.

30-Day Change of Mind:

We offer a 30-day return window (exceeding the UK legal minimum of 14 days). Items must be unused, in original packaging, and in "as-new" condition.

Faulty Goods:

In the rare event of a defect, you are entitled to a full refund or replacement within 30 days. We will cover all return shipping costs for faulty items.

Defective Nibs:

Occasionally, a pen may arrive dry or a nib maybe scratchy. Contact us within 7 days of purchase with a photo/video of the issue and we will send a replacement immediately.

Exclusions:

Due to the nature of the product, unless faulty we cannot accept returns on opened markers or used paper pads returned.

Digital Goods:

The "Birthday Palette" and other digital downloads are non-refundable once accessed.

How to Start a Return:

Email studio@inkwellartsupplies.com with your order number. We aim to process all refunds to the original payment method within 5–10 business days of receiving the item

"Gravity Happens. We’ve Got You Covered."

We know the heartbreak of a fountain pen hitting the floor. As a member of our Creative Rewards, you don't have to worry about the 'tines.' If the worst happens, just send us a photo and we'll send you a 50% discount for a fresh start.

"The Nib Safety Net" – Terms & Conditions

Eligibility: This benefit is exclusive to active members of the Creative Rewards program at the time of the accident.
Coverage: The 50% discount applies strictly to accidental damage (e.g., dropping the pen) that renders the nib unusable. It does not cover intentional damage, loss of the pen, theft, or normal wear and tear.
The Claim: To activate your discount, you must provide a clear photo of the damaged nib and your original order number to oops@yourstore.com.
Limitations: This discount is valid for a one-time replacement per pen purchased and applies only to the cost of the replacement nib unit. It cannot be combined with other promotional codes or used for full pen replacements.
Availability: We will provide the discount for the exact nib model where stock is available. If the model is discontinued, we will offer a 50% discount on a comparable alternative nib unit.

Iron gall — the ink that wrote history
Iron gall inks have been used continuously since at least the 5th century. They are the inks of historical manuscripts, legal documents, and master drawings — they bond chemically with paper fibres rather than simply sitting on top, which is why iron gall manuscripts from 500 years ago are still perfectly legible. R&K make their iron gall range in Leipzig, a city with its own centuries-long connection to printing and bookmaking. Scabiosa and Salix are the two inks in this range — both iron gall, each with a distinct character.

Honest Note:

Mildly acidic — flush pens every one to two weeks if not in daily use. Not for vintage pens. Some nib scratchiness is normal with iron gall. The colour changes after writing due to oxidation — this is the correct and intended behaviour. Scabiosa has a standalone product page with more detailed guidance.

Who is it For?

Fountain pen enthusiasts interested in historical and traditional ink chemistry
Writers who want inks with permanence and a connection to writing history
Calligraphers who appreciate the character of iron gall for expressive scripts
Anyone who has encountered Scabiosa in pen communities and wants to understand its reputation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)

Is iron gall safe in fountain pens?

Yes, with regular use and periodic flushing. Iron gall inks are mildly acidic — flush every one to two weeks if not writing daily. In daily use, normal maintenance is sufficient. Not suitable for vintage pens.

Why does the colour change after writing?

Iron gall oxidises — the iron reacts with oxygen in the air and deepens the tone. This is the defining property of iron gall and the reason historical manuscripts survive. The change is intentional.

Which should I choose — Scabiosa or Salix?

Scabiosa is a dusty purple-grey that develops complex character with oxidation — it is the collector's choice and has a standalone page. Salix is a more classical blue-black iron gall — reliable, traditional, and excellent for everyday writing.

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Rohrer & Klingner Iron Gall Ink 50ml

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