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Four and a half years after my last visit to Madras (Chennai), came a chance to visit the city again, in the middle of January this year for one week. I was desirous to meet up with my pen purveyor, the soft spoken, genial and humble L. Subramaniam of ASApens. He enthusiastically agreed to show me some of the pen shops that he himself frequents. We spent some good and fruitful time discussing pens, meeting a pen and watch collector and seeing the pen shops. Of course, we visited Gem and Co at Parry's. The Gem and Co. trio: http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/P1010458.jpg along with Subramaniam standing on the far right: http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/P1010460.jpg The display cases: http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/P1010453.jpg Subramaniam checking out a displayed newspaper clipping about Gem and Co. http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/P1010452.jpg The Madras High Court as seen from Gem and Co: http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/P1010451.jpg Of Course, Pratap showed off some of his beauties, this set of perfectly machined acrylic desk pens: http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/P1010456.jpg http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/P1010457.jpg Also some rare to see sights for the casual pen collector: Vials of genuine nib tipping balls from WC Heraeus, Germany, wish I could show you folks their nib retipping setup... http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/20140111_161501.jpg http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/20140111_161449.jpg Some apparently original Parker USA repair equipment: Nib knockout block: http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/P1010445.jpg Vac wrench with a serial number: http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/P1010450.jpg Over the years, the shop had accumulated a pile of junker Parker pens. Pratap apparently decided to use up at least some part of this pile to make a batch of bodies matching the Parker Vacumatic caps in his possession. http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/P1010461.jpg http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/P1010462.jpg http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii197/hari317/Madras%20pen%20shops/Jan2014/P1010467.jpg There is more, but maybe in a later post. Cheers! Hari

Namaste people. This coming Wednesday is pretty special because after a gap, I'm going to India again. Yaaay!!! This time we planned to give Delhi a small visit. Now, being the person I am, whenever a destination is chosen for a trip, I search for possible pen shops. I did the same here but I really couldn't get much in detail. So to all people who've been to or are in Delhi, are there any pen shops that sell for amazing prices? I'm mostly looking to purchase an everyday writing pen (Mostly Indian made) and also some spare nibs and ink if possible, for the best prices. an anyone help me? Thanks and regards, Adit Kamath

Hi everyone! I'm visiting Tbilisi Georgia (with a brief journey to Batumi) for three weeks. Is there anyplace to get FP ink, preferably something with a little resistance to water? I've brought four small vials, but my calligraphy nibs (and my thoughts) are drinking the stuff. Will pass through Munich on my return. Is there a lovely shop that I MUST visit that would make it worthwhile to extend my layover by a few hours? (My layover coming over was 13 hours, which sent me into the city to forage for food. See? Priorities! Bread. Then pens.) Thanks!

Does anyone know of any pen shops in Memphis, TN?

Hello all, I'll be in New York City, Boston , and New Haven CT later this summer and I was wondering if any of you know of any pen shops in and about those regions. Any experiences with items purchased there would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, CJ

I know about a MB Store in The Forum Shops. I know Paradise Pens closed. Are there any pen shops still open in LV? Are there any stores that sell FP ink, stationary or other paraphernalia that are interesting enough to warrant a visit? Thanks in advance for any information. David

Do you prefer to buy your pens from pen shops/online professional sellers, thus paying a higher set price but getting a beautiful ready-to-write pen, or from other sources such as ebay or antique shops etc. where you might find an unrestored bargain? I realize that how one answers this would also depend on whether or not one regularly does one's own pen repairs. Or combinations of all of the above?

Have just spent an exciting weekend in Exeter Christmas shopping with my wife and eldest daughter. To stop myself falling asleep I thought I would try and find a retailer of writing instruments. Started in John Lewis, sorry sir we have a small display (6 ballpoint pens) in the corner of, wait for it, the perfume department. W H Smiths only had a few cheap card mounted cartridge pens. I am absolutely disgusted that a university town does not have a shop that sells quality fountain pen. Please if any local resident that point me to an oasis of calm next time I am subjected to more shopping, please point me in the right direction.

Have just spent an exciting weekend in Exeter Christmas shopping with my wife and eldest daughter. To stop myself falling asleep I thought I would try and find a retailer of writing instruments. Started in John Lewis, sorry sir we have a small display (6 ballpoint pens) in the corner of, wait for it, the perfume department. W H Smiths only had a few cheap card mounted cartridge pens. I am absolutely disgusted that a university town does not have a shop that sells quality fountain pen. Please if any local resident that point me to an oasis of calm next time I am subjected to more shopping, please point me in the right direction.