Krone Architectus Gothic

[QM2]

KRONE ARCHITECTUS GOTHIC

F Nib; purchased on "Super Special" at Fountain Pen Hospital

 

 

First Impressions 5/5

 

The Krone Architectus Gothic looks like something out of a fairy-tale -- a charmed object with magical properties.

 

The presentation is impressive: The pen comes in a very large, black leatherette box that is unmarked on the outside. Inside, the pen is the sole object amidst an expanse of black velvety cloth. The contrast is quite breathtaking. The inside of the lid is embellished with a large silver Krone logo. The box comes with a warranty card with an “unconditional guarantee ... throughout its life with the original owner”.

 

 

Appearance 5/5

 

The Gothic features sterling silver overlay in an elongated floral design over red resin. The overlay is quite thick, and the silver has a dark, aged look to it. The red resin is a rich, luscious strawberry color. It is pearlescent, with tiny flecks of silver in it -- making it look even more like “strawberry flesh,” as the flecks resemble seeds. The overall effect is just beautiful, I cannot stop looking at it.

 

Another effect of the speckled red resin, is that it strikes a nice balance between beauty and playfulness. This pen does not look overly ostentatious, because the texture and color of the resin lend a cuteness and innocence to its appearance. The pen does not take itself too seriously, and thus presents itself as fun, rather than gaudy or over-the-top.

 

One thing to keep in mind, is that the color and the floral design make this more of a ladies’ pen than a men’s.

 

 

Design 3.5/5

 

Some people have expressed concern about the section looking as if it is uncomfortable to hold. For me this happens not to be a problem: I hold my pens very low, almost at the nib -- so my fingers grip the smooth resin and not the silver overlay. Also, the transition between the grip section and the main portion of the barrel is not as sharp as it appears in the photos: the edge is actually beveled and rounded, so that it does not cut into my fingers when they rest against it. Furthermore, the overlay itself is not sharp at the edges, but rounded and smoothed out. When I do try to hold the pen by the overlay just to test how that feels, it is not at all disagreeable. Having said this, I recognise that the design might be uncomfortable for those who hold the pen differently.

 

In other aspects, the design is sufficiently functional for a pen the purpose of which is not primarily ergonomic. The pen is not too heavy, especially considering the thick layer of silver. And contrary to the speculations of some based on its looks, the pen does not become top-heavy when posted; it is rather evenly balanced. The Gothic is actually a little smaller than the other pens in the Architectus series (it is 5.5" capped, 4.75" uncapped, and 6.75" posted), so this model is particularly suitable for women, or those with smaller hands. In general, I cannot stress enough that design-wise the pen is really not at all as forbidding as its photos might suggest; it is quite user-friendly and pleasant to hold.

 

Nib 3.75/5

 

The 18K nib is smooth and works well with both viscous and liquidy inks. It produces a rather wet line, which is a plus for those who like that. The nib was available in F-B. Mine is a F, but writes more like a Medium. The line it makes is similar to an F Visconti Van Gogh, or the F Montblanc. I like my nibs to be as fine as possible, my favourite being the Japanese Fines and the Aurora EF. So the nib width on this pen is a problem for me, and I will need to send it out to get reground before truly being able to enjoy it for everyday writing. However, those who are not after the finest line possible, should find no fault with the nib what so ever.

 

Filling System 5/5

 

I love piston fillers, and as far as these go the pen is perfect. The piston filler works flawlessly and is easy to use. It is protected by a removable cap.

 

 

Cost and Value 5/5

 

I purchased this pen on super-clearance from Fountain Pen Hospital. The retail was $575 and my purchase price was $189. I would say that a Krone Silver Overlay pen for that price is quite a bargain. This pen in particular was definitely worth it.

 

Conclusion 4/5

 

Obviously, the Krone Architectus Gothic is not meant to be a practical pen for all occasions, so I will not judge it as such. In the category of specialty pens with “Wow” appeal, this pen is a tremendous success.

 

I have seen three of the Architectus pens in person: the Swords, the Celtic and the Gothic. Of the three, the red Gothic is by far the most impressive and unique. If you collect silver overlays, I would say that an Architectus is a must -- especially for this incredible price.

 

QM2

 

---

For a pre-purchase, frenzied discussion of this pen, see this thread:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...opic=30976&

Edited May 10, 2007 by QueenMargot2

[Titivillus]

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the color and the floral design make this pen more of a ladies’ pen than a men’s.

 

I thought the overlay looked more like the marginalia from a middle ages manuscript than a floral design. :embarrassed_smile:

 

Oh dear how will I be able to use the pen

 

But it does have a king's head on the clip doesn't that count for something

Edited May 10, 2007 by Tytyvyllus

[QM2]

 

Hi there Tytyvyllus,

 

Oh no -- I hope I don't get into trouble for the un-PC-ness of my remark

I should clarify, that I can definitely see men using this pen -- especially many men in my circles. But there are definitely florals in the design!

 

QM2

[Titivillus]

Hi there Tytyvyllus,

 

Oh no -- I hope I don't get into trouble for the un-PC-ness of my remark

I should clarify, that I can definitely see men using this pen -- especially many men in my circles. But there are definitely florals in the design!

 

QM2

 

No PC stuff from me I was commenting more on that two people saw in the pen different things. You saw flowers and I saw flourishes.

 

 

Not that I'll be using mine out in public at least more than any of my other pens.

 

[QM2]

I was commenting more on that two people saw in the pen different things. You saw flowers and I saw flourishes.

 

You will get a kick out of this, then: When I was considering buying the pen and looking at the photo, I thought the king's head on the clip was a strawberry!

[Titivillus]

I was commenting more on that two people saw in the pen different things. You saw flowers and I saw flourishes.

 

You will get a kick out of this, then: When I was considering buying the pen and looking at the photo, I thought the king's head on the clip was a strawberry!

 

 

Just inked mine and was severly disappointed to find that there are scratches/ gouges in the red material beneath the overlay! Found them when I was looking over the cap.

 

Trying to figure out if I will be able to return the pen <_<

 

Kurt

[Ghost Plane]

If you got it from FPH, they'll take returns within 30 days if you send them back clean in the original box. Check their website for all the details.

 

Absolutely adoring the Celtic green I got.

[tomoarranmore]

I kind of split the difference in whether they are floral or flourises. I see some leaves, with a seed or berry, but no flowers. Must be masculine versus feminine eye sight. Or maybe I'm just old.

[QM2]

Kurt,

 

I am also confident that FPH will take it back from you. After reading all of the warnings on the forum, I was worried about the pen turning out to be "bad" or painfully uncomfortable after several days of writing, so I spoke to FPH about it prior to purchase and they assured I could return it if a defect surfaced.

 

I've had mine for a week now however, and I am very pleased. The nib writes even better after being broken in than it did originally, and after switching to a more viscous ink (at first I had put Zhivago in it, which is quite liquidy), the nib writes considerably finer than I described in my review. In fact I am getting rather attached to this pen and will probably wait a month or two before sending it to be ground down to an EF.

 

QM2

[lefty928]

Thanks for the really thorough description and details -- an excellent, helpful review!

[ProfMike]

Absolutely adoring the Celtic green I got.

 

Oh, dear... I was looking at these pens after hearing about the great discount at FPH. While I wasn't sure the red was for me, there's something about that Celtic green that catches my eye, too... Now that I'm hearing good things, my wallet may have to get a bit lighter :embarrassed_smile:

 

Mike

[Johnson]

Thanks for the review! Looks like they have all sold out except for two models.

 

http://www.fountainpenhospital.com/Index_S...D596%26MFG%3D33

[Leigh R]

I got mine today!

More pictures.

 

http://static.flickr.com/231/494028906_c59c82ddcc_d.jpg

 

http://static.flickr.com/220/494028982_38e417e2c2_d.jpg

 

http://static.flickr.com/173/494062605_21bd45e1d9_d.jpg

(I would prefer to think of it as a strawberry, too.)

[Titivillus]

If you got it from FPH, they'll take returns within 30 days if you send them back clean in the original box. Check their website for all the details.

 

Absolutely adoring the Celtic green I got.

 

 

After I posted this I posted to their website and got a reply to end it back. Unfortunately that means I am paying $20 to decide that I didn't like the pen. But I'll call it the cost of education

[Ghost Plane]

Beats paying for a pen you don't like :blink:

[Titivillus]

Beats paying for a pen you don't like :blink:

 

 

That's why I said it was the cost of education There are several pens that I have gladly paid the shipping. It is the problem with being an internet collector.

 

 

Kurt

[Ghost Plane]

I hear you. At least they're reasonable. Have you seen some of the greedy grabbers on eBay?!

[Dan Carmell]

What a well written and interesting review! Nice job on a neat pen! Seeing the photos here, it is far more enticing than it was on FP Hospital's website.

 

I was happy that I was beyond broke when the discussion of these pens came up, with the flurry of orders, because as others have said, this was an excellent price for this pen. Sterling overlay, piston filler, what's not to love?

 

Dan

[georges zaslavsky]

That is a very nice pen but sadly Krones are way way out of my price range.

[Ghost Plane]

Technically they're out of mine too, but when FPH puts on a sale like that, I'm willing to sacrifice food and air conditioning to the credit card deities.