Search the Community

I have a Conway Stewart in excellent outside condition. I sent it to a pen repair person for a complete restoration, new sac, nib tuned and polished. I got it back and all it got was "grease" and does not fill or write. Charge was $17. (restoration quote was $40) Rather than pursue with this fellow and waste my time, are there any reputable pen restorers, repair persons in the USA, with an online website, that I can send my pen to for restoration and nib tuning and polish? Thanks for your help. jim

Where or who are the best professional and reputable sources (vendors/dealers/etc) for vintage pens? Places where the prices are fair, the pens are restored professionally, and the nibs are tuned? Places where the pens do not smell of cologne, cigarette smoke, and mold. I've tried Ebay and it's "touch and go". Sometimes I get a great pen, most times I have to return it for refund. Any suggestions? Where have you bought from with great result and great return policy? Right now, I've been looking for a vintage Pelikan 400NN (old one) fine point , smooth writer, and a vintage Parker Senior Duofold (fine point) smooth writer. Both in excellent to mint condition. Thanks everyone for your help. jim

Hey guys. Just found your forum today as my wife has found a sudden interest in fountain pens and would like one for Christmas. As such, I was looking for something in the middle of the road price range, not too cheap, but not exorbitant. From what I've read, Lamy seems to both provide a pleasant writing experience and priced right for beginners. I see the Safari is very popular but I thought the aluminum build quality of the Al-star would make for a better present. I've found them listed on Amazon for less than what I can find them for in local retailers, and was wondering if anyone here has experience dealing with Amazon or their third party retailers for Lamy pens? I've read there are lots of concerns with fakes, and the occasional review on Amazon.ca says they received a fake. So while I want to get the best bang for my buck, I'm hoping any experiences people can share can help me avoid the folly of purchasing a fake Lamy pen. Here is link to the amazon.ca product/seller I'm interested in. It says sold by Stylish Kitchenware and fulfilled by Amazon.ca. Obviously the name of the vendor raises flags as it seems it would be quite eclectic for a store named that to sell writing implements. The reviews seem mostly positive for them with no mention of fakes, but instead of receiving black ink, they received blue. http://www.amazon.ca/Lamy-AL-Star-Fountain-Graphite-Cartridges/dp/B00V56CHKE/ There's also there's the shipped and sold by Amazon.ca option which is more expensive and doesn't come with additional ink refills. While this particular link doesn't have any reviews that suggests they received fake products, others sold by Amazon do. http://www.amazon.ca/Lamy-Al-Star-Fountain-Purple-L29F/dp/B002YQF69I/ This Lamy Safari ships from and sold by Amazon.ca is one example that had reviews that the product sent was a fake. In the reviews one user even posted pictures comparing to a genuine pen. http://www.amazon.ca/Lamy-Safari-Fountain-Pen-Charcoal/dp/B0002T401Y Lastly if you have any suggestions for other online retailers (Canadian preferably) that you've had good experience with (genuine products) with similar price points or at least better than brick and mortar stores, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance. C