Recommendation: Vintage Pen For Beginner

[Moses John]

 

Hi. While I am not really yet qualified to offer advice on a specific pen model (since I'm quite new to the hobby and other's have a wealth of knowledge to offer, anyway), I would suggest that rather than consider a specific brand, you consider, then decide upon, the specific characteristics you would like to have in a vintage pen, then go from there to decide upon a specific brand/model.

 

FPN is a wonderful, wonderful resource for all sorts of facts and opinions, and there is much to be learned. And, it's fun, too. At least, it's been fun for me these past couple weeks!

 

Presuming the pen is to be for regular use, here are things I would consider:

 

Affordability: Simply put, do I have the money to purchase it? If not, nothing else matters except for dreaming (or, planning, as I like to think of it! )

 

Filling system: Is it easy to use, reliable, repairable and leak-proof? Given my level of inexperience, I think the piston system seems like the solid choice.

 

Size: If I'm going to have a "user", it has to be comfortable in my hand. For me, that is something a little larger. Again, I don't have a lot of experience, but what I do know is the Mont Blanc 144 is just plain too small for my hand. It's more a matter of length than girth, since I have a Mont Blanc Noblesse that is a bit longer and that small amount makes a difference, totally. Also, keep in mind, whether you decide to post a pen cap, or not, affects the usable length.

 

Nib: Wanting smoothness is naturally understood, but what else do you want? It seems one of the most important things to consider is whether you will want flex or not (or the ability to have a nib modified to flex). And, of course, tip width and cut. I believe a certain oblique cut/grind works particularly well for some left handers.

 

Those are probably the four most important characteristics, in order of importance (to me). Other things like color, brand, year of manufacture, etc., would come after, and are important, but a little bit less-so.

 

I hope this is a little helpful, but you can/should really spend some time going through the forum(s) and reading/learning all you can.

 

One additional thing to mention: A very worthwhile source to see is Mr. Binder's site (Richardspens.com, I think). Poke around till you come across all the stuff on nibs. You will learn a huge amount.

 

Finally, one thing concerning left handers - I came across a vid on youtube a few days ago. One guy demonstrates his technique for using his (daily writer) fountain pen. The specific title of his video is "How a lefty can use a fountain pen". Here is the specific web address to that one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jxrEXdkl2k

 

...I'm not yet sure how to post links like I see others, but surely you could copy/paste into the address bar.

 

Best to you.

 

P.S. For my first "daily writer" I chose a modern fountain, but I surely am interested in the vintage stuff, too!

 

P.P.S. I did the preview-post thing and see the vid seems to appear in my response, so there! I hope it works. : )

[bernardo]

I'm looking for advice or suggestions on books about pens, and about vintage pens that even a beginner can appreciate.

 

 

Sheaffer Imperial. Can't go wrong.

[Bo Bo Olson]

L was for Lady...back when we had Pens for Men and such old fashioned call it as was, sexist and clear.

[Ernst Bitterman]

It's a little tricky suggesting a vintage pen because they tend to show as much of their individual history as their manufacturer's intent-- the good thing is that most of the ones still around are quite good. I'm a little cool on Esterbrooks, just because my first two or three had pretty rough points. The Vacumatic is pretty darn good, and a lever-filling Sheaffer Admiral is generally a delight to write with and not out of reach of most wallets-- a Sheaffer Craftsman with lever or Touchdown filler is also pretty good.

 

I suggest away from the semi-exotics like the "51" and the various Triumph-point Sheaffers not because they aren't good, but because they tend to be a little more expensive and because they don't look as typically fountain pennish. If you look at pictures of them and are moved, then bay all means pursue.

 

I also suggest against things made much after 1960, because the Great Age Of The Pen was past and while there are some good pens from that time, they tend to not be AS good as those from the '40s and '50s.

[Pjake]

Another strong endorsement for the Parker 51. A genuine classic, strong performer, and upkeep will be inexpensive.

 

Venture into a Parker Vac, and I believe that you would also be very happy. Green and Blue are stunning!!

 

Let us know which direction you go.

 

Peter

[ToasterPastry]

It's a little tricky suggesting a vintage pen because they tend to show as much of their individual history as their manufacturer's intent-- the good thing is that most of the ones still around are quite good. I'm a little cool on Esterbrooks, just because my first two or three had pretty rough points. The Vacumatic is pretty darn good, and a lever-filling Sheaffer Admiral is generally a delight to write with and not out of reach of most wallets-- a Sheaffer Craftsman with lever or Touchdown filler is also pretty good.

 

I suggest away from the semi-exotics like the "51" and the various Triumph-point Sheaffers not because they aren't good, but because they tend to be a little more expensive and because they don't look as typically fountain pennish. If you look at pictures of them and are moved, then bay all means pursue.

 

I also suggest against things made much after 1960, because the Great Age Of The Pen was past and while there are some good pens from that time, they tend to not be AS good as those from the '40s and '50s.

 

 

Instead of doing the +1 to EB's post, I'll give it my full endorsement.

 

Stay away from any brand recommendation posted on this board. I agree with date recommendations as given by Ernst. When I first started into this collecting-hobby a couple of years ago, I was told I had--I HAD!--to buy an Esterbrook. Well, I don't own any more Esterbrooks. I was told that I MUST BUY a Parker 51. I don't own any more Parker 51's.

 

I'm still recommending vintage pens, because new pens are too expensive. New pens work very well. The idiosyncrasies have been designed out. They are very reliable. But they give me little satisfaction, and you can tell they're cheap. A new pen made to the same standards and materials as a vintage pen would be $800. Probably the last greatest pen design was the Parker 61. However, there are lots of pens from about 1928 to 1958 that are fun to use on a daily basis. I'm currently carrying a Parker 21 (a great beginner pen) and an Eversharp Symphony. Both pens made in the late 1940s. No one on this board endorsed these pens. In fact, they are rarely discussed. A Moore 94-A is a great pen. It looks cool and costs little money. It was Moore's last great pen before their monumental failure with the Fingertip. Eversharp makes great pens---the Skylines are fantastic. In the last couple of years, there has been a big upsurge in popularity with Esterbrooks. Ten years ago, they practically gave them away. Parker 51's have had similar upsurge. They write well, but are not for everyone.

[Glenn-SC]

Instead of doing the +1 to EB's post, I'll give it my full endorsement.

 

Stay away from any brand recommendation posted on this board. ...snip...

 

... snip ... a Parker 21 (a great beginner pen) and an Eversharp Symphony. ... snip ... A Moore 94-A is a great pen. ... snip... Eversharp makes great pens---the Skylines are fantastic.

That's too funny!

First you advise staying away from any brand recommendations and then you give three.

[ToasterPastry]

Instead of doing the +1 to EB's post, I'll give it my full endorsement.

 

Stay away from any brand recommendation posted on this board. ...snip...

 

... snip ... a Parker 21 (a great beginner pen) and an Eversharp Symphony. ... snip ... A Moore 94-A is a great pen. ... snip... Eversharp makes great pens---the Skylines are fantastic.

That's too funny!

First you advise staying away from any brand recommendations and then you give three.

 

 

You're too clever Glenn. I need to buy you a cup of coffee. I recommended three or four pens not recommended by anyone else, because I have grown tired of the Parker 51 and Esterbrook bandwagons. I've been active on this board for 2 years, and its the same crowd recommending the same pens. I picked 4 pens that are under the radar of this BBS. Ernst picked four pens, but gave the same caution. I could have recommended a Sheaffer Balance, a Parker 51, John Holland Jewel, Waterman 100 year, Sonnecken 111 or 222, or Wahl Equipoised. My point was rather than buying a Parker 51 because someone tells you to, enjoy the self-discovery of finding a great pen for a great price (and here are some examples), something that's well made, and feels good in your hand. I bought a Parker 21 by mistake, thinking it was a Parker 51. Now I'm the proud owner of the best pens I have ever written with. Similarly I found a Pioneer pen in a parts box. Fantastic discovery. Not one mention of it on FPN.

[79spitfire]

Ha! I like Parker 21s so much I have 2 a fine and a broad, great daily users! Some of the later celluloid Waterman's are good choices also, dare I say it? The much underrated Taperite can be a great writer!

 

But I'm not recommending anything....

 

Go to a junk shop (OK, their called "antique" stores now!) and see what you turn up for a few bucks, take it apart and fix it, then write!

You'll be hooked hard after that (insert evil snicker here...)

[Marsilius]

Every time I go to buy a new pen, I end up loving the vintage pens and getting one instead. One day I will get a Vanishing Point or a Namiki 742, but for now, I love my flexy vintage nibs. Bo Bo Olson on chasing nibs not pens is right on target. But also, Swans can be some beautiful pens. YOu can spend little and get lucky or not so lucky, or pay for a nice one. I have done all three: cheap and not in such good shape, expensive and lovely, and cheap and wonderful.

You came to the right place for info and opinions!

Esties are nice, but so are Eversharps, but you need to find a nib you like.

I also find that SMOOTH is sometimes as good as flexy.

Good luck,

Mars

[michael_s]

To find a vintage (or not so vintage) pen model that you might like, I suggest reviewing these two excellent online resources:

 

• Jim Mamoulides' Pen Gallery.
  
• Richard Binder's Pen Model Profiles.
  

 

-Mike

[piembi]

There had been good advice and as ever it is a question of personal preferences and experience.

 

I would like to second the time range: up to the 1960s. There are nice pens made in the 1970s and 1980s (some MBs, Parker 75) that I like but I wouldn't consider a c/c pen a vintage pen.

 

If you are a leftie, a stiffer nib (many American pens, I have Parker 51s and various Sheaffers) might be easier to handle than a semiflexible nib (everything German of this period like a Pelikan 140/400, MB, Geha). There are exceptions, too: I have a very springy Eversharp Skyline (writes like a 1980s Pelikan) and stiff Lamy 27s. All those pens are good vintage pens but some might work better for you than others.

[penandbeyond]

All,

I'm a recent recipient of a Mont Blanc pen as a gift. I'm not as familiar with the pen culture, but would like to learn more. I recently started using the pen and really think it's neat. I'm looking for advice or suggestions on books about pens, and about vintage pens that even a beginner can appreciate. I've bought a couple of fountain pens to use on a regular basis, but would like to buy something interesting.

 

To add, I'm a lefty, will using a fountain pen that a right handed person has used previously make a huge difference?

 

I'll appreciate any advice or stories about this, or experiences with vintage pens that might help me make informed purchases.

 

Thanks!

- Just J

 

I would start with Esterbrook or Parker. There are a lot of pens out there for a good price and even new old stock and you have a huge community who helps you to find the right one.