Cattail Pen Made by John Burroughs, 1890-1920

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Artifact Overview

John Burroughs was an internationally known naturalist and writer whose nature essays were well-received in both literary and scientific circles. From his home in the Catskills of upstate New York, Burroughs not only crafted essays on the natural world around him, but also crafted cattail pens--writing utensils that would eventually help him get his ideas down on paper.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Dip pen

Date Made

1890-1920

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

93.205.152

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cattail (Material)
Steel (Alloy)

Color

Brown

Dimensions

Length: 6.25 in (cattail pen)
Diameter: 0.875 in (cattail pen)
Length: 5.125 in (cattail piece)

Cattail Pen Made by John Burroughs, 1890-1920