Are oblique nibs also stubby? Are they better? Some oblique nibs are italic, but if you rotate the nib into the paper to such an extent that you need an oblique nib, having an italic makes it more difficult to use because of the angle you must maintain to write with an italic nib. Some modern obliques are a little stubbed, but are not as crisp as an italic.
One of the most interesting specimens in the vintage pen world: the Waterman Prohibition Flask! This 1920 Prohibition Flask is an extremely rare piece – that is an understatement! Made to look exactly like the Model 20 Safety pen (the largest pen in Waterman’s model line at the time). Allowed folks to carry booze without being suspected of breaking the law. Complete with perfect barrel imprints and G/F pocket clip. Wonderfully rare and collectible! New-old-stock. Mint. Item 15 …
Fountain pens? Aren’t ballpoints easier? To some extent, ballpoints are easier to use than fountain pens. No ink, no refilling, generally inexpensive and disposable, but for many, they are not as interesting, collectible, or fun. The writing experience with a fountain pen is very different than that you’ll get with a ballpoint. A fountain pen can be a lot more enjoyable if the pen is suitable for your hand and style. Readers, which do you prefer?
This 1920 Conklin#3 Crescent-fill in gold-filled “Hand Engraved Vine.” Take a look at that wonderful pen; one of the most beautiful and sought after Conklin patterns, and one of their few models with the barrel end metal covered. The locking ring in higher-relief engraving. Matching gold-filled lock-ring. Medium/fine, extra-flexible nib. The smallest mar to the cap indicia, otherwise near mint. Incredibly beautiful! Item 4 in Catalog #79
I see BCHR on eBay a lot with vintage pens – what’s that? Black chased hard rubber. These are some of the abbreviations we use in our Catalogs: LF – Lever Filler HR – Hard Rubber BCHR – Black Chased Hard Rubber RBHR – Red & Black Hard Rubber CF – Cartridge Filler ED – Eyedropper Filler CPT – Chrome Plated Trim NPT – Nickel Plated Trim PF – Plunger Filler (ie. Sheaffer) PIF – Piston …
This 1930 Aurora Duplex Large lever-fill in Jade with Black ends is one of the rare models, with a floral filigree design on the repousse clip, and three cap bands . The “Duplex” was Aurora’s first celluloid pen. A “Duofold” look-a-like, made in the very early years of Aurora, when their design was highly influenced by US pens. In 1927 Aurora introduced the “Duplex” in Red Hard Rubber with black ends. In 1929 the celluloid Duplex was introduced …
What is special about the Montblanc Hemingway? The Montblanc Hemingway was released in 1992, the first of Montblanc’s Writers Edition pens. 20,000 of these pens were released, and they are not always easy to find today. For Montblanc collectors, it’s a pen to have because a new Writers Edition is released annually. For non-collectors, it’s a lovely looking pen that can be dear to many for various reasons. Used models are more affordable. Mint models go …
Prohibition flasks… thermometer sets… Waterman had tricks up their sleeves! Not just vintage pens, but sets for working. View: Items 242 and 243 in Catalog #79 The 1941 set is a Doctor’s set. The #2 size Doctor’s lever-filling Fountain Pen – Thermometer Set in white. A very rare set, new-old-stock, and in mint condition! The fountain pen has a fine nib, but this is a great set for collectors of Watermans, and unique pen sets!
Can italic nibs be flexible? I like the variation but I also like flex nibs. Yes they can be, and you can find several examples in our Catalogs. Catalog #79 has a stunning Parker Red Giant in Cardinal Hard Rubber, with a broad flexible italic nib!
A unique item in Catalog #79 – the Scripto Pussycat Ball Pen Counter Display! This is item 255 in Catalog #79. A piece from 1966: twelve (12) Scripto “Pussycat Pens” button-activated Ball Pens in plastic with Chrome Trim. This is a point of purchase counter-top display containing 12 Scripto “Pussycat Pens” from 1966 or 1967 in various color combinations, all mint-in-the-box. Scripto was no doubt hooking onto the popularity of the “Pussycat” theme made so popular and …
