I have read a few reviews that identify a pen’s metal section as a downside – why is that? Some people prefer resin materials, or something other than metal anyway, because metal tends to be heavy and can feel slippery if you use them extensively. The best way to find out if it’s an issue for you is to try them out.
How can I mail a pen to my friend safely? We have the very answer for that! We offer protective shipping tubes that can accommodate many sizes of pens, are affordable, twist lock to remain secure, and are sturdy. See the protective shipping tubes here.
Are all those fountain pen books worth it? Can’t I find all this stuff online? Fountain pen books are not unlike college textbooks – they are usually expensive, but one must consider the amount of research and work that goes into them! Fountain pen books, whether they are coffee table books or repair guides, are labors of love. Does that make them worth it? Only you can decide if they’re worth if for you, but …
It’s not too late to get a few gifts for friends and family! We have a few things that might be of interest to the vintage pen lover in your life: Subscription to our quarterly catalog, available as a hard copy or online only! More information here. Glass top display cases to display your pens, and/or to store them and protect them! More information here. Vintage protective pen shipping tubes, great for storage of …
Catalog #81 is scheduled to open to the public at 11:00 AM EST on Monday, December 5, 2016. Keep an eye on the site so you don’t miss out on the available pens. Subscribers get the first look at the new catalogs and have their choice of the available pens. If you would like earlier access and a larger array of available pens, please consider becoming a paid subscriber (US$10.00 for four issues). Click here for …
We are pleased to announce a sale of 10% off of any item remaining in Catalog #78. There are about 50 items remaining – hopefully one will be just what you’re looking for. Please be sure to also check out the remaining pens in our other active Catalogs – #76, 77, and 78. Catalog #76 will be moved to the archives very soon!
Here is a 1932 Vacuum Filler Junior (the mid size model) in opaque Black (solid black – not laminated). Parker was issued a design patent for the laminated plastic (which at first Dupont doubted they could manufacture). Introduced as the “Golden Arrow” in mid-1932, the name was changed to “Vacuum Filler” in November that same year, and again changed in mid-1933 to “Vacumatic.” Parker attributes the Vacumatic as saving the company during the lean Depression years. …
From 1920,a #4 size Anonymous button filler in Black Hard Rubber, with 9K Solid Gold overlay in Barley pattern. English hallmarks. Near mint+ in original tooled leather box signed “By Appointment Mappin & Webb Ltd. Regent Street, London, W.” Mappin & Webb started in 1775. Their London showroom opened in 1849. They received their “appointment” from Queen Victoria in 1897. They are still in business today, a major jewelry and gift store, and do still sell …
What’s the point of washable blue ink? Washable blue was the ink of choice when fountain pens were being used in schools, essentially. The ink would be easy to wash out of clothing, off of hands, and whatever else it got on.
This Conklin from 1920 is a #20 Crescent-fill “Dummy” in Black Chased Hard Rubber. A mock pen, used for window displays, so a sellable pen would not get ruined by the heat, sunlight, etc. The pen is either painted black or heavily coated in clear sealant, so it would not discolor from the elements while on display. The cap can go onto the top or bottom. The nib is signed “14K Gold Plate.” The lock …
