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Hello Estie lovers, My first real "rabbit hole" into fountain pen collecting was the serendipitous purchase of an Esterbrook that had an 8668 palladium-silver nib attached. I have a background as a chemist and have long been in love with palladium; that coupled with the WWII history (another interest of mine) made this a fantastic discovery for me. It writes just beautifully! The first thing I did, being new to the game (and I still am!) was to look for advertising about these nibs and Esterbrooks in general during WWII. I loved finding ads stating that "only a few pens can be made" due to the war effort, and, "If your stationer cannot supply you immediately with Esterbrook Pens we know you will understand why." Just amazing stuff, and a wonderful look into one aspect of WWII American culture viewed through the lens of a fountain pen lover. I wondered if the 8000-series nibs ever showed up in advertising, and I had not been able to find any such ads until recently. I thought the other Esterbrook fans here might enjoy a look at this Argentinian ad I found that shows the 8000 series... I wonder if anyone else knows of 8000 series Esterbrook nibs showing up in ads or being mentioned in period literature? Cheers! Matt

So I recently acquired1 a Homo Sapiens Maxi with the two-tone 23k Pd nib. The nib is a broad and, typically for a palladium, writes wet and really broad. I'm not really a broadside dweller, so I am now faced with a quandary. Do I keep the pen and have someone grind it down to a medium cursive italic, or do I not vandalise a beautiful broad, now discontinued, nib and pass it on to someone who would actuall enjoy it? I'm also conscious that having a narrower grind on a nib clearly stamped 'B' would probably trigger my OCD every time I uncapped the pen, so there is that... What are your thoughts? Respect the nib, or grind away? 1. I won this unexpectedly in an auction, and am still sort of surprised I now own it: so it feels like a windfall...

I posted this in the Italy forum, but I think this is a better place... I've heard that Visconti are going to phase out the Dreamtouch Pd nibs...the relaunched watermark series and the Voyager 30 all have 18K nibs. Flipside? The newer nibs are insanely expensive. I queried getting one for my watermark feom 2017 to swap out the Pd nib, and they are EUR315+VAT for F, M and B and the EF and Stub will be EUR363+VAT I'm not sure whether they're just meant to replace the Pd nibs or are simply another tier up...Considering they're a good EUR125 (ex-VAT) more expensive than the Pd nib units, this could mean the refreshes of the HS series could go up by as much as US$200(!) Your thoughts?

Hello Everyone! If that's OK, I would have a kind question regarding the war-time Pelikan 100 and the Pd nib it was at that time (if I understand it correctly) offered with. Browsing through our domestic Polish eBay-styled websites, I have come across two Pelikans 100 with Pd nibs. In the attachment and belowyou can see photos of both Pelikans 100: - no. 1: - no. 2: Now, as you can see, the Pelikans, albeit both featuring Pd nibs, both have differently looking Pd nibs. The Pelikan no. 1 has a nib very similar to the ones I can see here: https://www.pelikan-collectibles.com/en/Pelikan/Nibs/Nib-units-since-1929/index.html However, the no. 2 is different, more goldish, and with a line running to both sides of the "Pd" imprint? I cannot find any other Pel 100 with such a Pd nib. Does anyone know anything about it? Would you say it is a legitimate Pelikan Pd nib from that time? I would really not like to purchase any counterfeit...

The tryst with fountain pens never ends. To add one of the heavier retractable ones in my collection, I had two choices - Fermo or a Dialog 3. And I went with the dialog 3 . Here goes a review for the same. I have also replicated the content with some additional pictures in my blog as the image upload size is limited by this free photo-sharing tool and it re-sizes images to a thumbnail size after a short while. Below is a link to the same: LAMY Dialog 3 Review Motivation A collection of fountain pens is never complete without the retractable ones in your armoury. And the ones which immediately strike an already covetous mind, are of course the Pilots (VPs, decimos and the fermos). Then there are pens like lamy dialog, visconti pininfarina among a few others each with a relatively small sized non-hooded nib. Somehow, the idea of yet another hooded nib became quite less appealing, when I saw the dialog 3. I knew it was quite a heavy pen of the capless clan, and so was the fermo. The Dialog 3 was launched by Lamy back in 2009 designed by one of the contemporary designers, Franco Clivio. The Lamy Pico is another pen by the same Swiss designer. As per LAMY, Franco innovates with basic shapes – circle, square and triangle foregoing anything superfluous in the process to achieve technical necessity. As you would have already discovered, there is no dialog 1 or 2 in fountain pens. Dialog 1 refers to a ball-point pen whereas Dialog 2 is a roller-ball pen, and they belong to different designers. Presentation (6/6) How do you ensure minimalism with luxury? By establishing extravagance incrementally in little steps. A paper sleeve encases a much more attractive black cardboard box etched with the LAMY logo. With the usual papers and a cartridge outside, a thin sheer cloth then encloses a beautifully polished gift box made out beech wood, with a magnetic closure. http://s25.postimg.org/q3eu0za5r/d3_001.jpg http://s25.postimg.org/ml2u4l99r/d3_003.jpg The beauty of the beech-wood box is that it’s alluringly small enough to slip inside your pocket, the pen still dreaming inside with a soft cushion under her head. PS: It could be heavier than your cellphone with the pen inside. http://s25.postimg.org/67iulft4f/d3_004.jpg Design (6/6) A twist-action fountain pen with an advanced design, it comes with two variants – matte-black and palladium finish, with six nib sizes – EF, F, M, OM, B & OB. The silvery palladium finish with chrome polished clip reflects its immediate environmental colours. An etched pair of parallel lines running along the barrel & grip pieces represent the final nib retraction point, when in sync. LAMY is etched between the lines at the end of the barrel. Half-a-twist clockwise from the barrel top-end will open a ball-valve at the nib end of the grip and the nib extends to a click-stop, keeping the pair of parallel lines at diametrically opposite ends. Anticlockwise, post the parallel sync, the barrel can be unscrewed from the grip+clip section, to take out the nib + filling system. There might be an odd slippage in the twist mechanism, but once I tightened the barrel and grip section, it did not occur again. Simply Elegant! http://s25.postimg.org/n0e3xlv73/d3_006.jpg A chrome ball-valve at the nib-end of the grip section protects the nib from damage of dust and drying-out, acting in sync with the twist-mechanism. Secondly, the clip lifts and rescinds with the twist to either facilitate an easier grip or enable clipping it on your pocket. http://s25.postimg.org/ux36jkw1b/lamyd3mech.jpg From the aesthetics of design, the dialog 3 is really majestic. Filling System (6/6) The sum of parts for me is greater than a whole. It’s fun taking the pen apart, because it’s meant to. Once the barrel is unscrewed anticlockwise beyond the synced parallel lines, it separates out to reveal the nib & fill system. The nib/fill system can be unscrewed anticlockwise from the grip section. You will find a standard Z26 converter fitted into the nib section. Again like the 2000, the design elements are so fluidic in both nature and function. The standard capacity is around 0.7-0.8 ml for the Z26 converter as per FPN reviews. http://s25.postimg.org/pcqp8xx67/d3_007.jpg Once you fill her up, you can put the pen together and then there is of course the wow moment. Nib (6/6) – All that matters The 14k two-tone nib comes in four standard sizes (EF, F, M, and two special sizes (OM and OB). Elegantly, designed although in a modern fashion, the white rhodium decor occupies the tines and the tail parts of the nib, while a golden streak runs from the breather hole and diverges itself at the tip end of the nib. Embossed near the tail end are the usual specs of nib size (F), content - 14k-58.5% and of course the LAMY logo. http://s25.postimg.org/52tdtsw1b/d3_009.jpg One thing I did observe, is the difference between the tipping sizes of 14k-fine nibs of lamy - a lamy 2000-F in this case, which is in my current rotation. Though, the 2000 had its nib replaced with a somewhat older-service stock of Fine nibs, you can clearly see the difference between their tipping sizes, even without using a loupe. I am also told that a recent lamy 2000 fine nib may have a similar tip. FPNer maverink can confirm this, since we had bought the pens quite recently (an he went with an F). Physics of it (4/6) – relatively speaking A cylindrical body with a 1.3 cm diameter having around 50 grams of weight, might seem to be a somewhat heavy proposition to wield it as a pen, rather than a weapon. The length of the fully extended pen is similar to a posted MB146. Taking these into account, this pen might not be comfortable for extended writing sessions. However, as far as short note taking sessions or signatures are concerned, believe me it could be a dream to write with. The illusive weight, the copious flow and the buttery nib will ensure a silky glider. Retracted Length ~ 13.8 cmExtended Length ~ 15.7 cmNib Leverage ~ 1.8 cmWeight ~ 50 g http://s25.postimg.org/pkec5g84v/lamyd3compare.jpg Economic Value(4/6) With a street price of USD 250-260, it falls right into a category where you would probably think thrice or may be more, before buying the pen. There is always some discount running on MRP of USD 385 in local stores, which brings the price closer to the street price. Overall (5.3/6) A flawlessly efficient pen as far as the vital parts of the pen are concerned. It has never skipped and all the twist mechanisms operate with a firm intent of functioning. The d3 fine nib is a stiff one and it lays a broader line than a 2000-fine. A wet and intense line, it gives the paper 15 secs, to dry itself, each time it writes. Line variation between horizontal and vertical strokes seems non-existent. A pen to go for if you wish to have a retractable one with one of the smoothest nibs http://s25.postimg.org/9pzfvkje7/d3_0145.jpg I hope you enjoyed the review. Thank you for your time. Best, Sonik

My favourite of the demonstrators. Below is the link to my blog post: Pelikan Souverän M605 Marine Blue So, here goes my review of the m605. The M4XX/6XX are usually considered to be next steps to an M2XX. As with the model numbers, there is a general increase in nib size & specs, in addition to overall dimensions, when you move from M4XX to M1XXX. Brass piston fittings in 8XX/1XXX series, render additional weight to these pens. The designs of the striped 400/600/800/1000 are pretty linearly recurring over the entire writing range except for several special editions. 405/605/805/1005s refer to the similar pens with silver accents, plated with noble metals (like Palladium or Rhodium), unless it’s a special or demonstrator model. The other model numbers refer to special/limited editions like the one reviewed here which is the m605 Marine Blue Special Edition. Another such alluring model is Souverän M 625 with sterling silver fittings (Ag 92.5%). DESIGN - THE MARINE TRANSPARENCY (6/6) Light and dark can play very differently with this pen. The m605 marine has a darker hue of blue which is as elegant as the deep blue ocean and it’s capable of refracting even a tiny shimmer of light with the palladium coated silver loops dazzling in utter consonance. Absence of light makes it adorn an almost blackish blue hue. http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EbGwVJGZXLA/Vd2hwV8nyBI/AAAAAAAAFN0/mkuC89g9HMw/s1600/DSC_5582.jpg The blue is remarkably darker than the blue shade of a Pilot Custom Heritage 92. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tVz2wn40wI/Vd2hukVg4dI/AAAAAAAAFNs/QqDdHt8JJxI/s1600/DSC_5590.jpg The entire pen gleams with a revealing blue and silver with ambient light and these effects do proliferate with sunlight. The radiance is matched throughout the pen starting with a silver gleam from the famed finial and the pelican beak (clip) through the concentric bands in the cap before finally converging with the piston rings. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DrS42sX2yDc/Vd2hs3IgvXI/AAAAAAAAFNk/iecshy1EKOE/s1600/DSC_5588.jpg The cap feels light and unscrews with a single turn, revealing a dazzling rhodium plated nib. The grip reveals another knot of glitter, towards the nib end. The transparency does reveal the inside works of its piston mechanism. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1PvVXxR0ck/Vd2h5_AmgfI/AAAAAAAAFOM/dUefKi-PrYg/s1600/DSC_5600.jpg Two concentric palladium plated bands with a dazzling silver crown embossed with the pelikan logo, adorn the cap with a signature pelican beak-shaped clip. The thicker one carries the usual brand imprint of PELIKAN SOUVERÄN GERMANY. The logo on the finial is the one embraced by Pelikan post 2003, that of a mother pelican and its chick, gleaming in brushed palladium. You can see the distinct outlines of the cap insert here. The bands have an intrinsic association with the design rather than just differentiating the aesthetics element. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xN1Kc33fuI4/Vd2iBapyplI/AAAAAAAAFOk/6VIsqP5pdqM/s1600/cap.jpg FILLING SYSTEM (6/6) A piston filler with a sturdy knob is embellished with two concentric silver loops. Apart from their enchanting looks, like any other pelikan, it's an easy and hassle-free mechanism. The piston end unscrews with three to four rotations and ink is sucked in, with quite a gush, once the piston is screwed back on. And of course, you can observe the entire thing in action. A plastic spindle connector in the m4XX/6XX limits overall weight. M6XX fills upto 1.75 mL of ink. However, given the wet flow of the flock, it does not last for a long time. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zUjch5SlNPs/Vd2h7Rtsa2I/AAAAAAAAFOU/uoRgn3z9SkI/s1600/DSC_5603.jpg One thing to note here is that these piston mechanisms for M4XX/M6XX are not supposed to be dismantled as they are friction fit under heat. In case of problems other than lubricating the piston seal, it’s better to send the pen to Pelikan Germany/Country Authorized Service Center. Pelikan does have an excellent customer service. NIB - ALL THAT MATTERS (6/6) The nib comes in a rhodiated 14k design across four stock widths - EF, F, M & B. It has the standard pelikan scrollwork with the usual convenience of a screw-fit section. Like all its cousins, the nib is exquisite and efficient. With a standard m6xx feed, the nib-section is an ensemble of efficiency as well as art. And this monotone rhodiated finish does converge with the palladium coated trims in terms of both glitter and glimmer. The tail end specifies the nib-width and composition (14 C, 58.5% Au) of the gold-alloy used. Three arabesques diverge along the shoulders of the nib with two of them converging near the circular breather hole. The third curve runs across the tines towards the shoulders ending with the tail end of the nib. There is of-course the dazzling mother-baby pelikan logo, resting above the tail. This one in the picture is a Fine nib and writes smooth and wet out of the box. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2VTl4bu_hs0/Vd2h5MrKedI/AAAAAAAAFOE/2WVWKksH5mw/s1600/DSC_5643.jpg A standard black plastic feed (earlier ones had ebonite feeds) ensures a good ink buffer for the promised wetness and prevents hard starts. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xDXXzk82WrA/Vd2h8WPlGYI/AAAAAAAAFOc/ARajTx329A4/s1600/DSC_5654.jpg PHYSICS OF IT (6/6) – RELATIVELY SPEAKING For me, this pen is quite comfortable to write continuously, while posted.. The overall capped length is around 13.3 cm. The total weight of m605 has a third of contribution from the cap and it feels light without posting the cap. The pen does get some heft from the ink inside the barrel. Uncapped Length ~ 12.4 cmPosted Length ~ 15.4 cmNib Leverage ~ 2.3 cmOverall Weight ~ 18 g (without ink)Capped, uncapped and posted comparisons with its cousins - m400 and a m805 go below for your reference. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Szlbwi8JT7U/VatxFBpMP8I/AAAAAAAAE6A/WI3MKqTWTYQ/s1600/DSC_4556.jpghttp://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKRvVUnJtLo/VatxdhNisxI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/yAypHzfnwZc/s1600/DSC_4574.jpghttp://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YpU6_6F8m_M/Vatxb2Ic7tI/AAAAAAAAE6I/jH4ohE7Ic7s/s1600/DSC_4568.jpg ECONOMIC VALUE (4/6) The m605 Marine retails at around USD 595, it does sound like a rather crazy spend. I have found it frequently auctioned on the bay with the final price dropping to 60% of RRP or even less. You can get a Pilot Custom Heritage 92 for USD 130 or less, although it will lack the finesse of a pelikan. I do consider the pen as a dependable workhorse. OVERALL (5.6/6) These 14k nibs are extremely smooth and have a very wet flow. The nibs are stiff & I absolutely love these nibs since I find myself quite ill equipped for flexible nibs. With a slight bit of spring and softness in them, there is absence of any noticeable line variation. Being extremely wet writers out of the box, the Fine nib puts a line which takes around 20 seconds to dry GvFC Moss Green ink on MD Paper. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSAMdt3eHqQ/Vd2iCdiHHTI/AAAAAAAAFOs/2w7h7D_vrUA/s1600/DSC_5660.jpg REFERENCES Pelikan M4XX Nib Adjustment Pelikan M625 Patent Piston mechanisms Ink Capacities Pilot Custom Heritage 92 Thank you for going through the review. You can find some more pen and paraphernalia reviews here.

I recently received a Caran d'Ache Ecridor in guilloché. It's a beautiful pen, but unfortunately I had to send it in for maintenance due to a feed issue. I was always under the impression that these pens were palladium coated. However, the owner of the shop I brought it to seemed to suggest it was silver plated, as was written in his catalog. One of the reviews on FPN mentions it's silver plated and palladium coated, and a second look at the Caran d'Ache website lists various models in different plating. Does anyone know what metal is on the Ecridor?

It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon here and the rains have finally arrived. I had reviewed the HS Bronze on a similar afternoon. If you are looking for the HS Bronze review, here it is: HS Bronze Review The Blogger view runs below for the HS Florentine Hills review: The Visconti Homo Sapiens Florentine Hills Review So here goes the review. THE HOMO SAPIENS In late 2009, Florence-based luxury pen maker Visconti announced in a press-release covering a nib made of 95% Palladium (23k) alloy. Commonly available nibs are 14k/18k/21k Gold alloy (Sailor), with a few exceptions (Danitrio & the Japanese karat warriors), and this was the first of its kind perhaps after the Esterbrook or Sheaffer PdAg nibs. The other side of the snippet showcased a pen christened with a name of HomoSapiens(HS), which was forged from an equal mix of basaltic lava and resin, adorned with bronze and protected from competitors by a patent. The lava came from Mt. Etna (one of the active volcanoes) on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. I came to know of the HS a few years later. Visconti (estd. 1988) promised the HS lava to be unbreakable, flameproof (upto 100°C), albeit with a slightly hygroscopic body, oxidation prone bronze trims, but with a corrosion-resistant titanium power filler. The available designs now range from lava plus bronze/steel/black PVD to a 388-limited edition (bronze LE) or some 1000-LEs Crystal Swirls or Florentine Hills or 888-limited-London Fog (made up of Acroloid/Sterling Silver). Besides, fountain pens there are also roller-balls and ball-point pens in the HS range, but those, of course do not concern our primary interest. Initially after getting a HS in bronze, I was always on the lookout for one of these beauties in silver trims. DESIGN (6/6) AN ITALIAN JOB Visconti started the Homo Sapiens in Bronze & Lava as an homage to the evolution of mankind. Bronze Ages predates us by around five thousand years is the period, when humans began smelting and mixing of metals like copper and tin, to produce alloys like bronze. Also during that particular period, a system of writing/recording had evolved, mostly through the use of symbols. The trim-fittings including the HS Bronze clip are all made of bronze. The Florentine Hills carries the same design but is an acrylicdemonstrator fused with ribbons of coloured celluloid suspended within - thereby the nomenclature acryloid. The ribbons range from light green to vivid tinges of yellow and reddish brown. These colours remind of meanderings through vineyards and olive groves, from the beechwood forests to the grassy groves of the countryside. The splendid works of Tuscany art and those picturesque landscapes somehow seem to share quite a common inspiration in spirit. A large silver centre-band at the start of the grip section with a HOMO SAPIENS imprint is followed by the particular LE number of the piece. So it’s typicallyXXX/1000 unless you ended up with the thousandth piece. The overall shape tapers towards the ends where you can enjoy the translucency of vivid green. Looks almost photosynthetic! The cap & blind cap might carry some of those celluloid ribbons, in a more subtle manner. The taper is more pronounced at the plunger end/blind cap rather than in the cap itself. A sterling silver loop embellishes the design at the start of the blind cap. It’s actually the filler collar. You can perhaps see a drop of Yama Budo The unique locking system of the cap is nothing new if you have tried a HS. The quick hook safe lock threads (six) enable disengaging the cap, with a quarter of counter-clockwise twist. That little twist will of course reveal the dazzle of 23 karat Palladium nib and another photosynthetic grip section! A click is heard, once you correctly twist-lock the cap. A view of the inner cap locks..The cap has a spring inside to assist the locking mechanism. The section starts with the upraised locking threads with a faint resemblance to the Greek Key, and then tapers comfortably before ending up with a slightly raised stop. The finial mentions VISCONTI with the company trademark of the mirrored V. As always, the medal is customizable via Visconti's My Pen System with your initials or zodiac sign or gemstone (available from $15 onwards). You can pull out the visconti medallion from the finial by using any magnet and replace it with a gemstone of your choice. VISCONTI is embossed within a dark enamel background on both sides of the Ponte Vecchio clip which is made of sterling silver. The cap itself has a subtle taper towards the finial. Two spaced silver rings adorn the middle of the cap, dazzling within the greener pastures. The clip is spring loaded and you have to lift it to put it in your shirt pocket. The HS Bronze cap seems to have its own allure. FILLING SYSTEM (5/6) A silver loop logically separates the blind-cap, from rest of the barrel. On rotating the blind cap till its end-stop, you will be able to pull out a plunger, much like a tethered sword pulled from its sheath. The inside of the blind cap carries a silver insert to run the threads and so that the acrylic is protected from any damage. The plunger rod is made of Titanium, a metal which has proved to be phenomenally resistant to most corrosive of fluids. Titanium rods are often placed as support inserts by dentists, in order to rebuild broken tooth structures! However, the shining filler collar made of sterling silver shines down condescendingly on the rather dull rod. The filler collar in the HS bronze is made of titanium with a graphite like dull lustre. Once you push in the knob with the nib dipped inside an ink bottle, you can feel a surge of ink inside the pen. An ink capacity of around 2.2 mL doesn't allow your favourite ink to last that long, given a generous flow of even for a fine nib! Here you can observe the secondary ink chamber (double walled), which can be loaded/drained into the main chamber, once you pull back the piston seal. My flight experience has been pleasant with a fully filled secondary chamber. So unless one is taking the HS FH to Mars/ISS, one doesn't have to worry about it. The small chamber lasts quite a few pages with the Fine nib and can be filled once the wetness reflects a paucity of fuel! During longer writing sessions or broad nibs, I keep the piston seal open. NIB - ALL THAT MATTERS (3/6) The giant two-tone nib with an usual iridium tip comes in four main sizes – EF, F, M & B along two special widths – BB (double-broad) & Stub (S). The nib has an leverage of around 2.6 cm and it is a #6 Visconti nib. These dreamtouch nibs are manufactured by Bock. Half of them are probably out of touch due to a tine issue or the other! At the tail end of the nib, lies the nib width, above which embossed are the specifications of 23k Pd 950 and a word FIRENZE. Firenze refers to Florence in Italy which is the birthplace of both Italian Renaissance and Visconti Pens, thereby its borrowed tagline - The Writing Renaissance. Palladium is the dazzling silvery and matches well with the overall trims. Personally though, I prefer the two-tone gold adornment. The silvery finish diverges from the lunar-eclipse breather hole across the inside of the tines and over to the tail. The name VISCONTI lies below the moony breather hole, with splashes of shapes of diamonds, droplets and half-moons to ornament the nib. This one is a fine nib and came with misaligned tines. Now it writes smoothly after adjusting the tines, thankfully I didn't have to send it to Visconti again. The feed is a standard visconti feed with closely spaced fins, carrying the V logo at the delta region. The nib is screw-fit onto the grip section and can be swapped with ease, provided you take care of the tines. It has a bit of flex (which increases with use), although there is not much difference for an EF & F nib, when it comes to line variation with mild pressure. Be careful with over-flexing the palladium nib, it might result in a permanent damage. This nib initially ran wet, though it gave a strong feedback at certain angles due to the right tine, which was misaligned. The right tine stood lower than the left. And the width it lay was close to a true EF. That’s was what bewildered me, how come a Visconti Fine write so thin! I bet it was still better than some of my bad sailor nibs! Post alignment of the tines, the width of the lines increased to a true European fine or a Japanese medium and it now runs with heavy juice. PHYSICS OF IT (6/6) – RELATIVELY SPEAKING With a cylindrical body forged out of acrylic and celluloid & adorned with silver rings, it does give an earthly greenish repose. The overall weight has got a significant contribution from the cap due to the silver clip. A girth of around 1 cm is quite comfortable and it’s one of the most comfortable pens for me. As an analogy, the cap itself could be as heavy as a Pelikan m400 fountain pen. The HS bronze is heavier compared to the FH. Capped Length ~ 14.4 cm Non-posted Length ~ 13.2 cm Non-posted Weight ~ g Nib Leverage ~ 2.6 cm Overall Weight ~ 37.8 g (HS Bronze ~ 43.7 g) Overall Weight (inked) ~ 40.1 g Weight Without Cap ~ 22.8 g (HS Bronze ~ 26.6 g) Comparing capped lengths, the HS (Since HS LEs are Oversize/Maxi) does seem similar to a Pilot Custom 823 (which is not as hefty), a m1000 is there to reference a comparison with the Size#8 nib (its heft is on the higher of HS). ECONOMIC VALUE (4/6) Though the Homo Sapiens Florentine Hills sells around USD 800, it is available for lower street prices. I was able to get the pen at a pretty good price, and I don't want your decision to be coloured by this price, apart from discussing it. Still, I do fail to find a great economic value for a piece of acrylic with some silver(@50 cents/gram), even though it does feel great to hold, write and a pleasure to see. I feel the bronze edition is a rather memorable pen to keep. OVERALL (4.8/6) One thing regarding the misaligned tines, it was an easy fix for me and did not require specialised services. It’s the most common problem across many luxury brands and sometimes it does run worse. Had it been something worse where I would have had to send the nib back, my rating would have been 1/6 on the nib, 1-for the design. I am used to a few large pens, I like the balance and do not find any problem with either the heft or balance of HS. Personally I like the Lava model more, since the materials and workmanship seem much more elegant. There is some line variation as the #6 nib does render springy softness to cushion mild writing pressures. No hard starts, no skips! The Fine nib lays a line which runs true to its European standards and for a cross-reference it runs more like a Japanese Medium nib. The pen feels well balanced for my hands though it does seem to have a short section for gripping. The hook-safe threads might interfere with your grip, if you tend to hold a pen higher. I have used multiple fills of Iroshizuku Yama Budo & GvFC Moss Green inks, and the pen runs rather nicely with Iro. Which pen doesn't Being a wet writer out of the box, the Fine nib lays a nice juice but thinner line, which takes around 35 seconds to dry a GvFC Moss Green (I find Moss Green to dry quicker) on MD Paper. The flex is evident due to the springy nib, which with a gentle pressure delivers thicker strokes, though the range of strokes run broader with increasing nib-width. Personally, I would have saved up for a Conid in acrylic, but the lure or Palladium/Silver/Acryloid vs a Titanium/Acrylic marched right ahead in my head. Perhaps some day else, since titan is already there. REFERENCES HS Bronze ReviewPress Release - 23kt Pd nibTine Adjustment Video (8:00 onwards)- Brian Goulet Thank you for going through the review. You can find some more pen and paraphernalia reviews here. Comments are welcome

Dear FPNers, Here is my take on a Visconti Homo Sapiens maxi with an 23k Pd EF nib. I hope you find the review fun and enjoyable. Wish you a prosperous and fun-filled new year with loads of new pens and paraphernalia. In case there are any problems with pictures you can also view the same review in my blog: http://iwonder-thecartographer.blogspot.in/2015/01/visconti-homo-sapiens-bronze-maxi-review.html Main Motivation Somewhere in late 2009, Florence-based luxury pen maker Visconti announced a nib made out of a 95% Palladium (23k) alloy, in a press-release. Most of the nibs that were commonly available were 18k/21k Gold with a few exceptions (Sailor, Danitrio among others), and this was the first of its kind. And the other side of the snippet showcased a pen christened with the name of ‘Homo Sapiens’ (HS), forged from an almost equal mix of basaltic lava and resin, adorned with bronze and protected from competitors with a patented formulae. The lava came from Mt. Etna (an active volcano) on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. I came to know of this pen three years later while watching an ebay sale though . Visconti (estd. 1988) promised the HS lava to be unbreakable, flameproof (upto 100°C), with a slightly hygroscopic body, fitted with bronze parts with a highly-corrosion resistant titanium power filler. The versions available these days are HS-lava/bronze or steel, a lava/bronze (by Mazzi) 388-limited edition (LE) and a 1000-LE crystal swirl (made up of Acroloid/Sterling Silver). Besides, fountain pens there are also roller-balls and ball-point pens in the HS range, but those are of course not our primary interest. An Italian Job http://s25.postimg.org/4e5nas59r/DSC_1752.jpg Visconti does pay a gentle homage to the evolution of mankind by attaching significance to the Bronze Age, predating by around five thousand years. That’s the period when humans began smelting and mixing of metals like copper and tin to produce alloys like bronze. Also during this period, a system of writing had evolved, however it was majorly through symbols, to convey information. The trim-fittings including the clip are all made out of bronze, for this version of the pen. The variants are steel or sterling silver trims for the other HS pens. http://s25.postimg.org/ghayycgbz/DSC_1753.jpg Out of the well-protected box, this pen comes out with a spring-loaded clip made of bronze, holding a paper-flyer, which tells you the nib specification on one side (23K Pd – 950) and expresses ‘dreamtouch’ as – ‘Do not press! The nib will follow your dreams’. The name of the company VISCONTI is embossed on both sides of the clip on a black background. The bronze in my case has a slight patina developed over the rose-gold sheen, and I am happy with the dated-look. Alternately, there is a deep yellow bronze polishing cloth provided along with the pen to clean the surface-oxidation. The complete capped piece is a bit heavy weighing around 45 grams and is 14.4 cm long. For carrying it in your shirt pocket, you might have to lift the spring loaded clip by a bit, as the clip end does not slip easily. There is a bronze ring at the power filler end and two in the cap itself. Other reviews would tell you that the HS-Steel comes with a piston filler instead of a power-filler (vacuum-plunger). There is a large bronze centre-band at the start of the grip section which says HOMO SAPIENS. The next thing one would notice is the unique locking system of the cap. The quick-locking grooves enable (un)locking with a slight twist (counter) clockwise (fourth of a complete turn). A little twist will reveal the fantastic 23 karat Palladium nib and an inherently earthly grip section. A click sound is heard once you correctly twist-lock the cap. http://s25.postimg.org/ao0wxs4of/DSC_1756.jpg The finial mentions‘Visconti’ with the company logo. This can be customized using their My Pen System to customize a finial with either your initials, zodiac sign or even a gemstone. http://s25.postimg.org/pzapye20f/DSC_1757.jpg HOMO SAPIENS can be seen imprinted on the thick bronze centre-band which starts the cap-locking threads and subsequently the grip section of the pen. I would rather say that the pen is very intelligently designed apart from wielding materials hard to master. http://s25.postimg.org/mxfcaozhr/DSC_1760.jpg The filling system is a vacuum plunger power-filler system with a titanium rod making it highly resistant to ink corrosion. You can unscrew the blind-cap counter-clockwise to the end-stop and then pull out the vacuum plunger if you wish to fill it with ink. The length of an uncapped pen reads a comfortable 13.2 cm with a 25-26 g weight. http://s25.postimg.org/jruqkhgvj/DSC_1763.jpg The nib has a leverage of around 2.6 cm and is a size#6 nib. There are many reports that these dreamtouch nibs being manufactured by Bock, but I am not certain of that. Made up of palladium and adorned with gold, the nib of HS-bronze makes a distinctive statement. Embossed is the company name VISCONTI near the lunarly-eclipsed breather hole . Below around the tail end of the nib, imprinted is the nib width above which lies the mesmerizing specifications ‘23k Pd 950’ and FIRENZE. Firenze refers to Florence, Italy which is the birthplace of both Italian Renaissance and Visconti Pens, thereby, the tagline ‘The Writing Renaissance’. Nib is screw-fit into the grip section but I did not try to take that out. The nib has a bit of flex although there is not much difference for an EF nib when it comes to line variation due to pressure. My nib being an EF was a QC-victim and needed some smoothening with a 12000 Grit buff-stick and 0.3 µm lapping film to get to its true dreamtouch state. http://s25.postimg.org/4x656b7an/DSC_1767.jpg And now it’s truly one dreamtouch pen. Comparison – m805 & c823 (PS-It’s a m805 not a m800, quoted as a dimensional reference only, felt very lazy to correct it ) http://s25.postimg.org/xytbi227j/DSC_1771.jpg Capped the VHS maxi seems to be longer than a m800/5 but shorter than a pilot custom 823. http://s25.postimg.org/hd2v020mn/DSC_1775.jpg Uncapped all of them roughly have a similar length. Writing Post nib-adjustment – butter-smooth, wet-flow and ‘dreamtouch’. Sometimes, it dries up and has somewhat of a hard-start if cap is left open for sometime. http://s25.postimg.org/kzd9qfwdr/DSC_1783.jpg The writing is super-smooth with a wet and free-flow. The EF nib lays a line tad thinner than a pilot 14k medium nib. So, if you want an M you might go for a F nib. Ratings http://s25.postimg.org/tqyj9b0rz/VHS_rating.jpg Overall, the cost of the pen defines the value you place on this unique piece. Though it retails at USD 595 it’s easily available at heavy discounts in both online and offline markets. I also guess the problem of sweating of ink at the edge of the grip section has been fixed and there is no need to grease the nib-threads anymore. I did not notice any sweating of ink at all. Thanks, Sonik.

Hi FPNers! I have a Lamy Studio Palladium (Medium nib). I've been using it with the converter for more than one year and think it runs out of ink so quickly. Does it really have a small ink capacity, smaller than other brands'? Regards, Marcelo

Do enjoy the pictures. -Peppers

Hey all, So I've always been partial to all chrome/"white metal" pens since buying my first "real" pen -- a Sheaffer Javelin. I'm thinking of introducing a new branch to my collection of these pens and I'm asking for assistance in gathering alternatives. There are four limiting parameters: 1) the pen cannot have gold furniture (i.e., it must have chrome/rhodium trim), 2) the pen must have a gold nib/gold nib option available (rhodium plated), and 3) the pen needs to be relatively affordable (i.e., no limited editions, YoLs are probably out, too). Here are those that I've found so far: - Lamy 2000M - Lamy Studio Stainless Steel - Lamy Studio Palladium (I own this pen) - Lamy Studio Platinum - Lamy CP1 Stainless Steel - Lamy Logo Stainless Steel - Lamy Dialog 3 Palladium - Sheaffer Legacy Heritage Deep Cut Palladium (I own this pen) - Waterman Carene Essential Silver - Parker Premier Titanium - Cross Townsend Platinum Plated - Pilot Silverns Any others to add to the list would be greatly appreciated as well as thoughts on the above list and/or suggested pens that you own or have had experience with. Thanks! Paul

http://www.iguanasell-pics.com/photos/logos/fpn_logo_45_45.png See all our items @ FPN Montegrappa Fortuna Fountain Pen - Palladium - ISFOR-PCBrand New in Box - Warranty by authorised Dealer - Free Shipping CHARACTERISTICS: Brand Montegrappa Description Montegrappa fountain pen Nib Polished stainless steel nib. Finish Resin and palladium trims Closure System Screw-on Filling System Converter/cartridge filling system Dimensions (capped/uncapped) 13,4cm (5.3") / 12,6cm (5") Warranty (years) 2 Line Fortuna Reference ISFOR-PC Special features: Fortuna pens are inspired in the roman goddess of success and fortune.These pens are finished in a simple yet beautiful design.The thick body and cap, difference them from other Montegrappa pens as well as the new design for the clip.The famous rolling ball on the clip is still present but it is wider and shaped differently than other Montegrappa pens.The pen comes in three different models, being the palladium version the most classic of all.Includes original box and papers as well as international warranty on manufacturing flaws for 2 years. CONDITIONS:The item is brand new in original box and comes with all papers and warranty stamped at the moment of the purchase by authorised dealerList price: $240 - Contact us for a personalized offer Payment Methods: PayPalCredit cardGoogle CheckoutMoney Order (We have Bank accounts in the US as well as in Europe)Cash on Delivery (Euro Countries) Free Expedited Shipping (UPS or Fedex) to the US, Canada and European Union. Other countries, $18 (shared shipping costs) ABOUT US: We are an international company with more than three (3) years of experience in e-commerce, duly registered in the US and Europe. We are present on the most important Marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon, ecommerce sites: shopping.com, yahoo shopping... and our own website You can take a look at our eBay feedback here or read the opinions of other forum members: 1 , 2, or 3 CONTACT:To contact us, just write us a pm, orsend us an email to info@iguanasell.com http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E224/Montegrappa-Fortuna-Fountain-Pen-Palladium-ISFOR-PC-ISFOR-PC-1.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E224/Montegrappa-Fortuna-Fountain-Pen-Palladium-ISFOR-PC-ISFOR-PC-2.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E224/Montegrappa-Fortuna-Fountain-Pen-Palladium-ISFOR-PC-ISFOR-PC-3.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E224/Montegrappa-Fortuna-Fountain-Pen-Palladium-ISFOR-PC-ISFOR-PC-4.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E224/Montegrappa-Fortuna-Fountain-Pen-Palladium-ISFOR-PC-ISFOR-PC-5.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E224/Montegrappa-Fortuna-Fountain-Pen-Palladium-ISFOR-PC-ISFOR-PC-6.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E224/Montegrappa-Fortuna-Fountain-Pen-Palladium-ISFOR-PC-ISFOR-PC-7.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E224/Montegrappa-Fortuna-Fountain-Pen-Palladium-ISFOR-PC-ISFOR-PC-8.jpg Don't miss the video!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M82nBwy29Fg CONDITIONS:The item is brand new in original box and comes with all papers and warranty stamped at the moment of the purchase by authorised dealerList price: $240 - Contact us for a personalized offer Payment Methods: PayPalCredit cardGoogle CheckoutMoney Order (We have Bank accounts in the US as well as in Europe)Cash on Delivery (Euro Countries) Free Expedited Shipping (UPS or Fedex) to the US, Canada and European Union. Other countries, $18 (shared shipping costs) ABOUT US: We are an international company with more than three (3) years of experience in e-commerce, duly registered in the US and Europe. We are present on the most important Marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon, ecommerce sites: shopping.com, yahoo shopping... and our own website You can take a look at our eBay feedback here or read the opinions of other forum members: 1 , 2, or 3 CONTACT:To contact us, just write us a pm, orsend us an email to info@iguanasell.com More Montegrappa pens on our website Thanks for looking!----------------------------- Website: www.iguanasell.comJoin our newsletter for special promotions and news http://static.anuncios.ebay.es/images/dailydeals/dm/icon_facebook_24.png Follow us on Facebookhttp://static.anuncios.ebay.es/images/dailydeals/dm/icon_twitter_24.png Follow us on Twitter: @Iguana_sell

http://www.iguanasell-pics.com/photos/logos/fpn_logo_45_45.png See all our items @ FPN Visconti Fountain Pen Homo Sapiens Steel & Lava Resin -Oversize- 59199Brand New in Box - Warranty by authorised Dealer - Free Shipping CHARACTERISTICS: Brand Visconti Description Visconti fountain Pen Nib 23K Palladium Finish Basaltic lava resin and steel trims. Closure System Safe Hook Lock Filling System Piston Filler Dimensions (capped/uncapped) 14,5cm (5.7") / 13cm (5.1") Line Homo Sapiens Reference 59199 Special features: These pens are dedicated to the development of writing and the huge leap it meant for mankind.Without a doubt this is a one of a kind fountain pen. The body is made of a unique resin composed of basaltic lava (more than 50%) straight from Mount Etna volcano.This new resin is highly resistant to bumps and heat, and its appearence and texture give this pen a primitive yet noble character.The polished steel clip and trims combine magnificently with the black body. This is the first fountain pen to include a 23K palladium nib, which is supposed to provide a more flexible stroke than the 18K gold nib.Another innovative feature can be found in the closure system. The cap is secured by a spring that requires pushing and turning to open or close. CONDITIONS:The item is brand new in original box and comes with all papers and warranty stamped at the moment of the purchase by authorised dealerList price: $515 - Contact us for a personalized offer Payment Methods: PayPalCredit cardGoogle CheckoutMoney Order (We have Bank accounts in the US as well as in Europe)Cash on Delivery (Euro Countries) Free Expedited Shipping (UPS or Fedex) to the US, Canada and European Union. Other countries, $18 (shared shipping costs) ABOUT US: We are an international company with more than three (3) years of experience in e-commerce, duly registered in the US and Europe. We are present on the most important Marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon, ecommerce sites: shopping.com, yahoo shopping... and our own website You can take a look at our eBay feedback here or read the opinions of other forum members: 1 , 2, or 3 CONTACT:To contact us, just write us a pm, orsend us an email to info@iguanasell.com http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E009/Visconti-Fountain-Pen-Homo-Sapiens-Steel-&-Lava-Resin-Oversize-59199-59199-1.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E009/Visconti-Fountain-Pen-Homo-Sapiens-Steel-&-Lava-Resin-Oversize-59199-59199-2.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E009/Visconti-Fountain-Pen-Homo-Sapiens-Steel-&-Lava-Resin-Oversize-59199-59199-3.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E009/Visconti-Fountain-Pen-Homo-Sapiens-Steel-&-Lava-Resin-Oversize-59199-59199-4.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E009/Visconti-Fountain-Pen-Homo-Sapiens-Steel-&-Lava-Resin-Oversize-59199-59199-5.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E009/Visconti-Fountain-Pen-Homo-Sapiens-Steel-&-Lava-Resin-Oversize-59199-59199-6.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E009/Visconti-Fountain-Pen-Homo-Sapiens-Steel-&-Lava-Resin-Oversize-59199-59199-7.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E009/Visconti-Fountain-Pen-Homo-Sapiens-Steel-&-Lava-Resin-Oversize-59199-59199-8.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/E009/Visconti-Fountain-Pen-Homo-Sapiens-Steel-&-Lava-Resin-Oversize-59199-59199-9.jpg CONDITIONS:The item is brand new in original box and comes with all papers and warranty stamped at the moment of the purchase by authorised dealerList price: $515 - Contact us for a personalized offer. Payment Methods: PayPalCredit cardGoogle CheckoutMoney Order (We have Bank accounts in the US as well as in Europe)Cash on Delivery (Euro Countries)Free Expedited Shipping (UPS or Fedex) to the US, Canada and European Union. Other countries, $18 (shared shipping costs) ABOUT US: We are an international company with more than three (3) years of experience in e-commerce, duly registered in the US and Europe. We are present on the most important Marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon, ecommerce sites: shopping.com, yahoo shopping... and our own website You can take a look at our eBay feedback here or read the opinions of other forum members: 1 , 2, or 3 CONTACT:To contact us, just write us a pm, orsend us an email to info@iguanasell.com More Visconti pens on our website Thanks for looking!----------------------------- Website: www.iguanasell.comJoin our newsletter for special promotions and news http://static.anuncios.ebay.es/images/dailydeals/dm/icon_facebook_24.png Follow us on Facebookhttp://static.anuncios.ebay.es/images/dailydeals/dm/icon_twitter_24.png Follow us on Twitter: @Iguana_sell

I'm going to get a bronze Homo Sapiens for Christmas and I'm having a hard time deciding which nib. I'm leaning strongly toward XF, as I do with most soft nibs just because the line variation is all that much more dramatic when you start with a tiny line, but I'm also considering the F, and in the other direction, the BB. I'd love to see some Dreamtouch writing samples (of all the different sizes), with and without line variation. And I'm not expecting much variation out of this nib—that's what vintage Watermans are for. Thanks!

http://www.iguanasell-pics.com/photos/logos/fpn_logo_45_45.png See all our items @ FPN Waterman Fountain Pen Carene Contemporary Gunmetal - PVD and PalladiumBrand New in Box - Warranty by authorised Dealer - Free Shipping CHARACTERISTICS: Brand Waterman Description Waterman Fountain Pen Nib 18K solid gold, rhodium plated Finish Graphic engraved gunmetal in a PVD coating and Palladium trims Filling System Converter/cartridge filling system Closure System Snap-on Length (capped/uncapped) 14,5 cm (5.70") / 12,8cm (5") Line Carène Reference S0910010 Retail Price 313€ / $405 / £265 Special features: Palladium clip and trimsPresented in a Waterman gift box.Includes coverter, Waterman cartridges and international warranty. CONDITIONS:The item is brand new in original box and comes with all papers and warranty stamped at the moment of the purchase by authorised dealerPrice: 220€ / $285 Payment Methods: PaypalCredit cardGoogle CheckoutMoney Order (We have Bank accounts in the US as well as in Europe)Cash on Delivery (Euro Countries) Free Expedited Shipping (UPS or Fedex) to the US, Canada and European Union. Other countries, $18 (shared shipping costs) ABOUT US: We are an international company with more than three (3) years of experience in e-commerce, duly registered in the US and Europe. We are present on the most important Marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon, ecommerce sites: shopping.com, yahoo shopping... and our own website You can take a look at our eBay feedback here or read the opinions of other forum members: 1 , 2, or 3 CONTACT: To contact us, just write us a pm, orsend us an email to info@iguanasell.com http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C216/Waterman-Carene-Contemporary-Metal-Fountain-Pen-M-S0910010-1.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C216/Waterman-Carene-Contemporary-Metal-Fountain-Pen-M-S0910010-2.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C216/Waterman-Carene-Contemporary-Metal-Fountain-Pen-M-S0910010-3.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C216/Waterman-Carene-Contemporary-Metal-Fountain-Pen-M-S0910010-4.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C216/Waterman-Carene-Contemporary-Metal-Fountain-Pen-M-S0910010-5.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C216/Waterman-Carene-Contemporary-Metal-Fountain-Pen-M-S0910010-6.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C216/Waterman-Carene-Contemporary-Metal-Fountain-Pen-M-S0910010-7.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C216/Waterman-Carene-Contemporary-Metal-Fountain-Pen-M-S0910010-8.jpg http://iguanasell-pics.com/photos/C216/Waterman-Carene-Contemporary-Metal-Fountain-Pen-M-S0910010-9.jpg Don't miss the video!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N66mgvklDlk CONDITIONS: The item is brand new in original box and comes with all papers and warranty stamped at the moment of the purchase by authorised dealerPrice: 220€ / $285 Payment Methods: PaypalCredit cardGoogle CheckoutMoney Order (We have Bank accounts in the US as well as in Europe)Cash on Delivery (Euro Countries) Free Expedited Shipping (UPS or Fedex) to the US, Canada and European Union. Other countries, $18 (shared shipping costs) ABOUT US: We are an international company with more than three (3) years of experience in e-commerce, duly registered in the US and Europe. We are present on the most important Marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon, ecommerce sites: shopping.com, yahoo shopping... and our own website You can take a look at our eBay feedback here or read the opinions of other forum members: 1 , 2, or 3 CONTACT:To contact us, just write us a pm, orsend us an email to info@iguanasell.com More Waterman pens on our website Thanks for looking!----------------------------- Website: www.iguanasell.comJoin our newsletter for special promotions and news http://static.anuncios.ebay.es/images/dailydeals/dm/icon_facebook_24.png Follow us on Facebookhttp://static.anuncios.ebay.es/images/dailydeals/dm/icon_twitter_24.png Follow us on Twitter: @Iguana_sell