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Recently visited Pens Point, a pen store in New Delhi, India, more known perhaps for the handmade fountain pens it markets under the brand Delmoon. Got a Sheaffer Fashion II, as in the 2nd edition of the Fashion line offered by Sheaffer, manufactured in the United States of America through the 1990s. In fact, this is the first and only Sheaffer pen that I have from that period till now. This probably also ranks among the last Sheaffer pens to be manufactured in the US before the production units in Hong Kong took over. It’s splitting hairs but it might be the smoothest medium steel nib Sheaffer I have come to own till date. This one probably takes the cake not only because of the sweet spot but more because of the lack of almost any feedback whatsoever. Performance wise, there are absolutely no issues so far, save for it being too smooth a medium nib for the writing to be controlled sometimes! This unit has a slightly loose clip on the cap, but these issues can be expected from used pens. So, I am definitely not looking forward to wearing it clipped to my shirt. It’s a 1990s production as I stated earlier, so probably attracts the debate as to whether it would qualify as a true vintage – I mean, I have lived longer than this pen has been in existence. Playing around with it for a visual review here.

Recently visited Pens Point, a pen store in New Delhi, India, more known perhaps for the handmade fountain pens it markets under the brand Delmoon. Got a Sheaffer Fashion II, as in the 2nd edition of the Fashion line offered by Sheaffer, manufactured in the United States of America through the 1990s. In fact, this is the first and only Sheaffer pen that I have from that period till now. This probably also ranks among the last Sheaffer pens to be manufactured in the US before the production units in Hong Kong took over. It’s splitting hairs but it might be the smoothest medium steel nib Sheaffer I have come to own till date. This one probably takes the cake not only because of the sweet spot but more because of the lack of almost any feedback whatsoever. Performance wise, there are absolutely no issues so far, save for it being too smooth a medium nib for the writing to be controlled sometimes! This unit has a slightly loose clip on the cap, but these issues can be expected from used pens. So, I am definitely not looking forward to wearing it clipped to my shirt. It’s a 1990s production as I stated earlier, so probably attracts the debate as to whether it would qualify as a true vintage – I mean, I have lived longer than this pen has been in existence. Playing around with it for a visual review here.

Hello, Few days ago I was tidying my attic and I found, among my late uncles things, a box with following fountain pens. They have been sitting there for at least 20 years. I will appreciate any help with identifying, or confirming what I found on web, and also any advice on cleaning them. If you have any links to advice how to clean them, and/or restore them, please link it. Also if there is service they can be sent to (in EU). Since they all seem to be piston filling pens I intend to fill them with water, hoping it will unclog/wash residue ink and see where they leak. 1. I think this one is Montblanc 146, F (?) tip. On the piston cap is engraved 146 and F and L(?). This L looks weird, and I could not get good photo of it. Engraved on cap ring is Montblanc Masterpiece. On cap is engraved Stahlunion, which, I think, is German company which he used to work with. There also is small hole on cap. As far as I can tell, piston is not working, as I could not see any movement through ink window. Is there any way to repair it? 2. Parker 51 (?), Dove Gray, Vac filling (?), no idea of nib size. How to check for nib size? Damage on grip section, looks like it was mended with super glue. 3. I think this one is Faber Castell Osmia. Under piston cap is engraving 884, EF. Piston is working. 4. No idea for this pen. On cap is engraved Germany Rolled Gold. 5. This one is a bit strange. Looks like Montblanc. And I think it is Montblanc 254, OBB engraved on piston cap (Broad nib?). Cap is friction fit. But the nib is Pelikan, F. I guess at some point nib was changed. Or is there possibility of some cooperation between Montblanc and Pelikan? 6. This one is a bonus one. It was not in box with others. At first I thought it is fake Montblanc, but at closer inspection I found that there is engraving at the cap – Montblanc No. 12 and according to photos I saw on web it might be legit. What do you think? Cap is friction fit. Nib looks verry clogged. I don't know nib size.

Hi, This is not my first time using a flex fountain pen. I have a pilot 912 FA and a bluedew flex pen but this is my first experience a vintage flex fountain pen. I just received my a vintage waterman fountain pen (a 'new look' that is made between 1940-1950 by JIF-Waterman). According to the seller, this nib can go from EF to 2.0mm. I was experimenting the flex of the pen. And I was too stupid to actually flex it that hard and half of the tip came off from the nib. I still have the tip that is broken off. Is the pen can still be saved or is it only a piece of accessory now? 😭 Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestion.

Hey all, I thought you would all be the best at knowing how/if this can be put back together - I tried doing a similar post on reddit but did not get much of a response. It feel apart as I was uncapping it (the plastic section is very fragile and seems to have been damaged); is there any possibility or means by which this can be made whole again or is it a lost cause? I have managed to put it back together; I super glued the section (I am assuming some of you are cringing) which worked, but, when the pen is put together and screwed together, the pressure was too much and the plastic section ruptured again. The fault is purely this small little plastic section (as I understand it), is there anywhere/way this can be repaired or be bought/replaced? I reached to Montblanc, repair costs begin from $125 according to them so I am assuming there must be a more efficient/economical way of replacing/repairing this part? thanks in advance for all your help!

I have read recommendations on several websites to avoid specific inks in vintage pens. Examples given are those that have pigments, most of the Noodler catalogue, and, curiously enough, Iroshizuku inks. This last surprised me, as they are not at all water-fast; but the writer claimed that they are highly alkaline. Recommended inks are usually Waterman, Parker, etc, whose range of colours is not very exciting. How about Lamy and Diamine? But more to the point, has anyone in our community actually done tests to determine the pH value of currently available inks? (Doing so is obviously not as simple as dipping litmus paper in the ink!) Further, what constituents in what inks make them bad for vintage pens? A scientific study would be very useful, so that I can with a good conscience use colours other than black and blue in my Parker pens, for instance. David

Hello All: I am new to the fountain pen world, and have quickly ramped up my collection over the last year. I began with new pens, then discovered the joys (and sorrows) of vintage pen collecting. I've gotten some amazing deals and have been quite happy with my progress. I particularly love my numerous Esterbrooks with various nibs, a lovely little Arnold, Parkette, and several Sheaffer Lifetime Balance pens (all lever filled). As you can see, I don't have super high end pens, nor am I likely to, as I am on a budget. And then...I purchased some amazing pens, for great prices, but I think they will need restoring. All of these pens come from a collection that hasn't been cleaned since the 1990's. I assume they'll need work. But I am guessing the first step is to fill them with water to see if they leak? I've been afraid to touch them. They all LOOK amazing, no scratches that I can see. Someone loved them, collected them, and cared for them, before passing away in 2000 I don't know the first thing about restoration! I could use some help here. What do I need to buy, what's the best way to go about it all? Here are the pens I have purchased that likely need restoring (as well as the price I paid, which, as an aside, I'd like to know how well I may have done). All of the pens apparently "thread okay" Parker 51 ($50) Esterbrook Dollar pen with a 2048 nib ($41) Sheaffer Lifetime 51/2" black barrel with silver cap, gold trim, I think it's a piston filler system? ($79) Vintage Orienta German Matching nib ($14.50) I can include photos if it's helpful. But I wanted to get started with the conversation. Thanks to everyone in advance for the help.

Might anyone be able to identify the manufacturer and/or brand of this vintage nib? It is a “donor” nib that was fitted on one of my pens by Guillaume Chappuis of watchandwrite.com. Guillaume believes it’s of Italian origin but does not know more. It is one of my favourite writers, with quite a bit of flex and a medium fine tip that gives just the right amount of feedback. Thank you.

Might anyone be able to identify the manufacturer and/or brand of this vintage nib? It is a “donor” nib that was fitted on one of my pens by Guillaume Chappuis of watchandwrite.com. Guillaume believes it’s of Italian origin but does not know more. It is one of my favourite writers, with quite a bit of flex and a medium fine tip that gives just the right amount of feedback. Thank you.