If you’re holding on to your pennies for something exciting, Catalog #78 will be available very soon. If you would like first dibs on available pens, subscribe here! To stay up to date on Catalogs and other pen-related news from us, please join our mailing list.
Can I use a fountain pen if I’m a left-handed writer? Absolutely. Many fountain pen users are left-handed. Depending on whether you write over or under, you may prefer an extra-fine or fine nib, which tend to have less wet flow of ink. However, there are left-handed writers who use broad nibs, too! With finer nibs, drying times of inks are usually faster, and you’ll have less smearing. Using very smooth paper can prolong your drying times, …
Written using Diamine Amaranth! One of the most educational things about inks is you learn about colors you didn’t even realize existed, especially in the case of flowers.
This 1917 Waterman 42 ½ Continental Safety ring-top vintage pen is an eyedropper-filler (easy to clean!) with an 18KT gold-filled Diamond pattern on a pinstriped background. It’s a gorgeous pen. There are two small dings in the barrel, with a discounted price to reflect this, but otherwise in near mint condition, with a form-fitted box and papers. Aside from the beautiful pen itself, the pen has an extra-fine, extra-flexible nib. Waterman made fantastic flexible nibs, so …
I write with a really heavy hand. What’s the best kind of nib for me? Unless you learn to lighten the pressure with which you write, I’d suggest steering clear of soft, flexible nibs! Try a firm nib like those found on the Parker 51 – they are better designed to handle a heavy hand.
As with round-tipped nibs, stub nibs can vary in size. This OMAS stub is just labelled as a stub, whereas the Visconti is labelled as a 1.3 mm stub. The Stipula is a 1.3 mm stub, but feels like an italic, and the Parker is a medium italic. Italics are some of my favorites!
Take a look at this great 1935 Parker Duofold button-filler fountain pen and ink well desk set! The base is incredible, in bronzed metal, and has the factory imprint ”PARKER DUOFOLD” on the bottom front. It measures 13 ½” x 7″ x 2″, with a slanted face, an ornate die stamped floral design, and surface storage compartments. The trumpet is black hard rubber. The base originally held a daily calendar. As that is dated, it is …
What does a ”special edition” pen mean? Unlike limited edition pens that are only produced in a certain quantity, special editions are often produced by a company for a set period of time – such as a year. It could also be that there is no specified number of pens to be produced, but the company will manufacture pens based on how many they can produce out of the raw material they may have.
Trying to figure out what model your vintage Waterman is? Many of them have an imprint on the end of the barrel. Depending how old and worn it is, you may be able to see it quite clearly. The numbers can tell you a lot about your pen – visit Mr. Richard Binder’s site to find out what your pen may be!
If you need the perfect piece to display your pens, this Anonymous/Parker counter top display case, circa 1920, is fully operational and quite interesting, although the case and trays are a little threadbare. The rear door is hinged, unlocked, with no key. This display case measures 25 ½” x 9.5″ x 4″, and has three wooden trays – two vintage and one more modern reproduction. All have the ”Parker Lucky Curve” reproduction label. A great piece …
