For your consideration, we are delighted to offer this exceptional circa 1996 Aurora 88 Big Argento Massiccio Sterling Silver Fountain Pen from Aurora's distinguished Jewelry Collection. This elegant Italian writing instrument combines the timeless design heritage of the Aurora 88 with the understated luxury of a beautifully engraved solid sterling silver cap, contrasting black resin, and gold-plated appointments. Presented in Mint, New Old Stock condition and never inked, this outstanding example remains completely unused and is accompanied by its original presentation box and factory literature. For the discerning Aurora collector, this is a particularly attractive opportunity to acquire a beautifully preserved example of the 88 Big in its distinctive Argento Massiccio configuration.
The Aurora 88 occupies a distinguished place in the history of fine writing instruments. Its celebrated design lineage began with the work of renowned Italian industrial designer Marcello Nizzoli, whose original Aurora 88 helped establish the model as an enduring icon of twentieth-century pen design. Subsequent generations carried that heritage forward, combining distinctive styling with refined construction and the technical sophistication expected from Aurora's Italian manufacturing tradition. The Argento Massiccio Jewelry Collection takes this established design in a more luxurious direction, pairing the familiar Aurora 88 silhouette with precious-metal detailing and the substantial proportions of the Big Model.
The visual centerpiece is the magnificent solid 925 sterling silver cap, featuring finely executed linear guilloché engraving that creates an attractive interplay of light across its patterned surface. The cap bears the Italian silver hallmark ★ 5 TO, an identifying mark that adds an additional point of interest for collectors. The richly textured sterling silver contrasts beautifully with the deep black resin barrel and section, while the gold-plated trim provide an elegant finishing touch. The sculpted Aurora clip and carefully balanced combination of silver, black, and gold give this fountain pen an unmistakably sophisticated appearance. It is a design that manages to be distinctive without becoming overly ornate, reflecting the understated elegance associated with fine Italian writing instruments.
Beneath its impressive exterior is the practical engineering that makes the Aurora 88 Big Model such an appealing writing instrument. This example features Aurora's traditional piston-filling mechanism, allowing the pen to draw ink directly from a bottle, along with a visual ink window for monitoring the remaining ink supply. The piston-filling system is an important part of the classic Aurora 88 experience, combining dependable functionality with the convenience of an integrated filling mechanism. The substantial proportions give the pen a reassuring presence in the hand while maintaining the refined lines that have made the Aurora 88 such an enduring design.
This example measures approximately 5 3/8 inches capped and 6 1/4 inches posted, with a diameter of approximately 15.15 mm around the cap banding. It weighs 0.96 ounces, giving it a substantial and satisfying feel that complements its designation as the Big Model.
The pen is fitted with a 14K solid gold Medium nib, adding another element of precious-metal craftsmanship to this already impressive edition. The nib tipping measures approximately .85 mm when checked with digital calipers. Importantly, the nib remains completely untouched and has never been inked or used for writing. I have intentionally preserved it in this original condition for its next owner, allowing the fortunate collector to enjoy the experience of using this beautiful Aurora for the very first time.
Condition: Mint, New Old Stock, Never Inked. This Aurora 88 Big Argento Massiccio remains in exceptional, unused condition and is accompanied by its original presentation box and factory literature. The solid sterling silver cap, bearing the ★ 5 TO hallmark, black resin components, gold-plated appointments, and original 14K gold Medium nib make for an especially appealing combination. The original piston-filling configuration further distinguishes this example from other Aurora 88 variants.
Combining the celebrated design heritage of the Aurora 88, the luxurious presence of a solid sterling silver guilloché cap, a beautifully contrasting black resin barrel, and a 14K solid gold Medium nib, this Argento Massiccio Jewelry Collection Big Model is a distinguished example of Aurora's Italian craftsmanship. For the serious Aurora collector, it represents an opportunity to acquire a substantial and elegant silver-capped 88 in genuinely untouched condition. Equally impressive as a collectible and as a future writing instrument, this is a fountain pen that deserves a place in a fine collection.
