Search the Community

The Visconti Rembrandt fountain pen is appropriately named. It is truly a work of art. The variegated resin is a deep black with ominous swirls of silver. Every time I hold it in my hand, it reminds me of a dark and stormy night. The end caps, clip and center ring are all chrome plated metal. It came well presented in a rigid, two piece box with a carton board sleeve. Aside from the pen, the box also contained the warranty fold-out sheet and a single ink cartridge. The standard international converter needed to be purchased separately. The pen has some weight to it, over an ounce. The single-piece, spring loaded clip is a great design and holds firm. The cap is magnetic and fits well without any play. There is a metal insert in in the body to accept the nib assembly. Although I don't plan on dropping it, I'm sure it would be fine if I did, as long as it was capped. The pen is well made without a single visible flaw. The pen measures 5.50", 6.25" posted and is 0.625" in diameter. It fits well in my hand and it does not require posting. I choose pens that fit well enough in my hand that do not require posting. This pen lands somewhere in the medium size range. It isn't huge, but it isn't a toothpick either. The nib is a medium, stainless steel. It is decorated with intricate scroll work with the words "Visconti", "Firenze" and the "M" referencing the size. The nib writes as smooth as silk with no noticeable feedback on Rhodia paper. The feed looks like a standard plastic feed, nothing too special there. It isn't an overly wet nib, but it does lay a nice line of ink. It uses a standard international converter. Like other pens, it takes a few times to fill it completely. This pen was purchased at The Pen Place in Kansas City, MO. The online stores sell this pen for around $148. I didn't mind paying slightly more to support a brick & mortar pen store. When compared to my other pens in this price range, I would rate the Visconti Rembrandt as being less of a value for two different reasons: #1 At the nearly $150 price range, a gold nib would be appropriate. #2 No converter was included. However, I did not buy this pen for its value. I bought it because I've wanted a Visconti pen in my collection for quite a long time. And it was worth the wait! Although it will never be my everyday carry, it is a beautifully crafted addition to my addiction.

Visconti just produced the GIARDINO DELL'EDEN, a new Limited Edition (only 100 pieces each color worldwide), based on the Rembrandt model, but fully decorated with the Scrimshaw technique. Two colors: Cloudy Black: Petrol Blue: The decoration represents the Tree of Life of the Eden Garden, with branches, leaves, apples to be picked, and a small snake to be found, well hidden among curls and leaves. Converter/cartridge filled, steel nib in EF, F, M, B, ST.

Hi all. How do you adjust a very springy steel nib that resists adjustment? I'm trying to make my Visconti Rembrandt nib wetter but any effect I get is temporary as the nib eventually goes back to its original condition. Best regards

Hello all! Short version If anyone knows a steel #5 nib and feed that I can buy to replace my Visconti Rembrandt's I would be grateful. I am particularly interested in JoWo, but can be talked into something else. My TWSBI 580 nib fits, but not the feed. (feed is 44 mm long, nib/feed holder is ~22 mm). Long version I have a lovely Visconti Rembrandt, but it has some problems. I have played around with it, and I am pretty sure it's a feed or converter/feed starvation issue plus a dodgy nib. The nib looks like this under a 10x loupe (I know narrowing towards the tip is not a bad thing): http://i67.tinypic.com/erdjs6.jpg But even with a TWSBI (JoWo?) nib, the ink flow is not great, and gets drier as I write. I have soaked the feed in warm soapy water, cleaned with a toothbrush, cut the channel a bit with a razor blade...with some improvement. (inks: Pelikan Sapphire, MB Irish Green, Diamine Bilberry). I can't tell if it is an issue with the feed, or the converter, or both---or their interface: I tried it with standard short ink cartridges and and I seem to get the same problem, but it's hard for me to tell as my only cartridges are pretty saturated ink (D. Majestic Blue). Anyway, I don't really want to use cartridges and and I'm not certain there is anything wrong with the Visconti converter itself, though I note it doesn't have a plastic ball inside. Is that a major issue?Interestingly, if I simply take off the converter and put it back on (no shaking!), that is enough to briefly increase the flow: maybe this is a sign that the converter or the interface is a bit dodgy? Perhaps I should try another converter, but I've seen a few posts with similar issues here on FPN.The end of the feed looks like the sketch below. Would cutting this channel a bit wider make a difference? http://i66.tinypic.com/rcihw5.jpg I thought about sending off for repairs, but I'm not impressed with the tales I've seen here on FPN of similar issues with Visconti replacements. And anyway I'm an engineer and like hacking things together. I confirmed that a standard #5 should fit the pen (using a TWSBI 580), but I would like to try a new feed as well to see what a difference it makes. Any suggestions on one that will fit? (44 mm long feed, ~22 mm long nib/feed holder). I'm not impressed with a Bock replacement nib I bought recently (metal left in the slit, ends touching), so am looking for JoWo or something different. Edit: Sorry the images are so huge!

Hey ladies & gents, Recently I am pining for a European based manufactured fountain pens and am really digging the modes that Visconti has to offer. However I have limited budget and can only look at the Rembrandt lines, I really like the Dark Forest color scheme but would like to ask, is the Rembrandt a decent competitor towards its Eastern counterparts? I have the Platinum and Sailor with the same price range and would like to know the main difference between those pens. I am going to get the EF if I order the Rembrandt since I am comfortable with a Japanese F. Thanks!

While supplies last we have discounted the Visconti Rembrandt. Choose from either the Special Ops ballpoint or Silver Shadow fountain pen: Visconti Rembrandt Ballpoint PensRetail: $165.00Sale: $99.00 Visconti Rembrandt Fountain PensRetail: $175.00Sale: $122.50

I've been using Visconti's Turquoise in my Rembrandt and the pen is struggling with it - it is as if the ink is too dry for the pen. I've tried different papers - and the feed just isn't very generous. I switched to Waterman's South Seas and the flow is excellent, and the pen is working fine. Has anyone else had a problem with this ink in this pen?

I bought a Visconti Rembrandt and I'm loving it, but sadly it has come without a converter. I will definitely get one, but I'm wondering whether the original Visconti converter (A05) is worth the extra money because it seems that Rembrandt takes standard international converter. What would you choose, original or a generic one? Thanks!

Background: Thinking about adding my first Visconti to a small (medium?) sized collection of five or six dozen higher-end Parkers, Pilots, Montblancs, Lamys, and Pelikans. Mostly post-WWII, but a few older classics. I write with virtually all of my pens. Imagine that! WRITING with good fountain pens. I'm just odd that way. I also make telephone calls with my iPhone. This isn't a good time for me to purchase an Opera, or any gold nabbed Visconti, unless I run into a "can't walk away" bargain, so I'm thinking about beginning with a van Gough. I like the looks of the red and blue resins in the Rembrandt lineup, but I'm a big fan of the look and feel of the van Goghs' facets. Question:So, finally, my question, which is about prices. I know the MRSPs, but not what one really ought to pay for a new (NOS or minty) van Gough. How good a price is, say, $175 for a new van Gogh? Is it: 1. Meh. 3. Solid. 4. Very solid. It's somewhat unusual to find new ones at that price, but you can if you wait. Look around a month or so and you can do this well or better. 5. A bona fide bargain. Grab it. Being a Visconti neophyte, and I'd really appreciate any input on this, or other, related, issues, such as comparisons to Rembrandts with regard to writing, look and feel, etc. If you find this a stupid question, I'd be curious why. Would also like to know if there might be a better place than this forum to post this. Thanks in advance for your assistance and tutelage.Professor B

Hi FPN! So my parents just got back from vacation in Italy and while they were there they had a chance to stop by the Visconti store in Florence and get me a Rembrandt as a belated birthday present. The pen looks very nice, but I as I took a closer look at the nib under a loupe I noticed that the right tine has just a little bit more tipping material than the left. The results are a mildly scratchy writing experience and depending on how I rotate the pen, different ink flow. The nib is broad, but doesn't always write like a broad should. Is this normal with Visconti steel nibs? And what would be the best way I could a adjust it without having to ship my new pen off to a nibmeister right away? Thanks so much!

We have the Visconti Rembrandt Calligraphy Set Fountain Pens discounted at 50% in the black color. The set comes complete with the Visconti Rembrandt Fountain Pen, booklet, ink, and 2 nibs. https://www.penchalet.com/fine_pens/fountain_pens/visconti_rembrant_calligraphy_fountain_pen.html

Visconti Rembrandt: Special Ops We never thought we would use these two words in one sentence “Visconti” and “tactical”. Well there’s a first time for everything— Visconti is now mixing the classic body of the Rembrandt with a tactical, some might say militaristic, aesthetic. These pens are wonderful for the veteran or active duty officer in your life. They are also great for the outdoorsy pen-enthusiast (Birders, cartographers, beach-side journalers). The marbled green, resin barrel subtly evokes memories of lush green forests, sweaty hikes, and early morning bird calls. The black PVD steel trim and nib contrast with the green body so that finger prints are not as obvious. Wear this in your breast pocket and it may not catch too many eyes at first, but take it out for use and you’ll have a solid and understated pen to jot notes down with. Again, these will be available at Pen Boutique in early April. Please let us know if you are interested in ordering from us so we can set one (or some) aside for you. Call us at 800-263-2736 or shoot us a quick email at support@penboutique.com. Details from Visconti: The Rembrandt 'Special Ops', combines camouflage greens with a black heavy duty trim offering robust military appeal. A pen that is both "special" and "unconventional", terms used to describe the military operations carried out by dedicated special force units. The resin is colored with dark green tones and the rounded, resin barrels are accented with black PVD plated trims. The Rembrandt Special Ops is offered in fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint. The fountain accepts cartridge and converter fills and is outfitted with a black PVD plated steel nib that comes in fine, medium or broad. The Visconti arc clip has been restyled with a new spring mechanism that is virtually indestructible. The cap and barrel snap together with a unique magnetic lock that is easy and efficient.

Hello, I just bought a Visconti Rembrandt I saw at a shop. Didnt feel like dishing out more for a van gogh i've been eyeing. Anyways, Immediately after inking it started to skip, and after awhile it would work again for a few strokes then stops again. I did notice when unscrewing the bottom cap, it was also closing the converter so a blotch of ink would fall out of the feed. I flushed the pen and its still doing the same thing. $3 f.pens are more reliable Im not sure what to do now. This pen is so beautiful, and I want to use it

I have a Visconti Rembrandt with a medium nib that I stupidly let some write with without asking him if he'd ever written with fountain pens before. When he had trouble writing with it he pressed harder and ended up damaging the nib quite a bit. I managed to get the nib back to the point that it will write again, but it writes very scratchy now and the right tine seems to be a bit higher than the left one. Is there anything I can do on my own to try and fix this? I thought about trying to purchase a replacement nib but the only thing I can find online is a broad and I'd prefer a medium or a fine.

I graduated from Rutgers Sunday. My parents gave me these as a gift, and I thought I would share a photo. This is a very nice thing to see when opening a gift. And this is a very nice mix of something old and something new. It's very nice that my parents understand my fountain pen hobby, this was a very thoughtful gift. I've been carrying around the Visconti for the last two days with black ink (it is a fine nib), and its been great. I soaked the skyline for a day and a half, and I'm going to have to replace the sac in it before I can fill it, but it looks very nice now.

I am a new entrant in the fountain pen world and my knowledge is limited to what I have read online. I am thinking of buying a pen and the things that matter to me are: Writing quality (of course), solid build, and appearance. I have narrowed down to the following pens but am not able to decide because, besides the good comments, I have also heard some serious negative reviews about them - I am not sure how prevalent these issues are. Could someone please help me decide? 1. Visconti Rembrandt: I like the looks of it the most but I have read at some places (amazon) that there are issues with its ink flow and build quality. 2. Waterman Perspective: I almost equally like this one too but again have heard bad reviews on its build quality (lacquer coming out) and ink flow. 3. Faber Castell Ondoro: The looks are a little bland for my taste but if it turns out to be superior in quality than the above two then I may go for this one. If you think some other pen (in similar budget range) is far more superior to the above three then please feel free to comment. Please advise. Thanks.

Hello Visconti fans, I had a quick question: are all Visconti steel nibs the same? Basically, I'm trying to figure out if there's any difference between Rembrandt and Van Gogh in terms of writing performance, or if the only differences are aesthetic. (This is pretty important since Van Gogh is nearly twice as expensive as Rembrandt!) Just to be clear, I'm referring to the Van Gogh that's currently readily available in a number of online pen stores, and is (I think!) still in production. I believe Visconti has discontinued an older version of Van Gogh. I'm asking because, let's face it, I'll probably be buying a Visconti pen some time in the not too distant future, even though I arguably have more pens than I know what to do with. As evidence for my assertion that a Visconti pen purchace is imminent, I submit the fact that I spend way, way too much time looking at photos of various Visconti pens on the Internet. Ah, well. Can't deny those pens look gorgeous...

Hi all, I've been lurking around here for a long time but finally get to post a question. For Christmas, I'm convincing my wife to get me a FP nicer than what I have (Lamy Vista & Waterman Kultur). I'm debating whether the Visconti Rembrandt (~ $150) that I hear writes wonderfully smooth (even though it comes with a steel nib) however, I've read that it has some rusting issues where the cap magnet touches the pen. On the other side of the ring, I'm considering spending twice as much for a Pelikan M400 (~ $300) which has great reviews and history, has a 14k gold nib, but from what I've heard, even though it is a 14k gold nib, it is pretty stiff. I like extra fine nibs, very smooth (not scratchy), and somewhat soft. My ink of choice is Noodler's Baystate Blue (I know, a "love it" or "hate it" ink), I just love the intensity of the color blue, the somewhat fast drying and water resistance properties. Thanks for your input.