Ancora Information?

[paisleye]

I've just discovered Ancora pens, after I saw one posted in the Classifieds, and I'd like to learn more about them in order to eventually purchase one. The nib sounds very intriguing!

 

I've searched the forums, but haven't found much current information on them. Sounds like Bryant @ Pentime did carry them, but has discontinued them. My apologies if I have accidentally overlooked it, but there is a world of information here. It does seem like the following people seem to be quite knowledgeable regarding these pens, so perhaps one of them will post a response.

 

Ambros

Fabbale

and

Deirdre

 

I enjoy vintage pens and it sounds like Ancora made a few different models, so I'd like some information on their vintage pens. However, I also love the new pens I've seen, although I'm not ready for a $500 and up pen yet. ;-) I'm assuming those aren't their entry level price point though.

 

What would be a good pen of theirs to start with, new or old? And do any of you who may read this have one you wouldn't mind parting with? What price should I expect to have to pay?

 

Thank you for your help!

 

Mark

[sanpei]

I've just discovered Ancora pens, after I saw one posted in the Classifieds, and I'd like to learn more about them in order to eventually purchase one. The nib sounds very intriguing!

 

I've searched the forums, but haven't found much current information on them. Sounds like Bryant @ Pentime did carry them, but has discontinued them. My apologies if I have accidentally overlooked it, but there is a world of information here. It does seem like the following people seem to be quite knowledgeable regarding these pens, so perhaps one of them will post a response.

 

Ambros

Fabbale

and

Deirdre

 

I enjoy vintage pens and it sounds like Ancora made a few different models, so I'd like some information on their vintage pens. However, I also love the new pens I've seen, although I'm not ready for a $500 and up pen yet. ;-) I'm assuming those aren't their entry level price point though.

 

What would be a good pen of theirs to start with, new or old? And do any of you who may read this have one you wouldn't mind parting with? What price should I expect to have to pay?

 

Thank you for your help!

 

Mark

 

Welcome to italian vintage pen Hell Sir

open the door and come inside!

 

Cheaper vintage Ancora are the Calamus (hooded nib) and Lusso models from early fifties of bit before,

price range is about from 100.00 to 250.00 Euro, but if you're looking for an oversize Duplex or Da-Ma

be ready to pay about of a Patrician Turquoise or a Duofold Mandarin,

that are a lot more common pens than vintage Ancora's, for this reason prices are so high.

 

Happy new year!

 

S

Edited December 31, 2011 by sanpei

[eric47]

but if you're looking for an oversize Duplex or Da-Ma

be ready to pay about of a Patrician Turquoise or a Duofold Mandarin,

that are a lot more common pens than vintage Ancora's, for this reason prices are so high.

 

And Ambros tries to buy them all. :roflmho:

[Ghost Plane]

Perlas are quite nice & used to pop up under $200 USD. I love the stub & B nibs. Those long tines give a unique feel. But be aware the designs with threads at the tip of the section hold ink, so use one like Herbin that's not prone to staining.

[Lothianjavert]

Perlas are quite nice & used to pop up under $200 USD. I love the stub & B nibs. Those long tines give a unique feel. But be aware the designs with threads at the tip of the section hold ink, so use one like Herbin that's not prone to staining.

 

A Perla was my first Italian foutain pen, purchased here on FPN second hand this past spring. It is marked 'M' for the nib, but is bolder than my 'B' Bexley. It is never out of rotation. I love the unique feel of the nib. It is responsive and springy, while being remarkably smooth. It has also become a favorite of my husband (along with my Visconti Divina). One popped up a few months ago here on FPN and I'm still kicking myself for not adding a second Perla! Keep an eye out, they do come up periodically and are great pens!

[Ambros]

Hi Marc,

happy new year!

 

Sanpei is right,

if you are interested in Ancora vintage pens, Calamus and Lusso

are fine and cheap pens:

 

this is a Calamus:

 

and this is a Lusso:

 

[fabbale]

PM sent.

 

[Ambros]

On the contrary, Duplex and DaMa are very expensive pens...

 

A Duplex - first series:

A Duplex - second series:

A Da-Ma:

[Ambros]

The only book you can buy for Ancora history is:

"The History of the Italian Fountain pen" by Letizia Jacopini

(she is a member of this forum, too).

[Ambros]

but if you're looking for an oversize Duplex or Da-Ma

be ready to pay about of a Patrician Turquoise or a Duofold Mandarin,

that are a lot more common pens than vintage Ancora's, for this reason prices are so high.

 

And Ambros tries to buy them all. :roflmho:

 

You are wrong: i have all of them! :roflmho:

[paisleye]

Thank you all for the information.

 

Lothianjavert & Ghostplane - The Perla looks like a great pen and that's the nib I had seen! Hopefully one will be offered soon and I'll be able to pick one up.

 

Sanpei - Thanks for the welcome to Italian pens! I'm excited to see if I can find a Lusso, in addition to a Perla.

 

Ambros - From reading other posts, I think you actually do own all the Ancoras. I also know that Sanpei owns all the other brands. I've seen his posts in classifieds with many pens to drool over.

 

Perhaps I'll post an add in the classifieds to see if anyone on FPN has a Perla or Lusso available. I did see a Perla on eBay, but I think it was around $250, which is a little more than I'd like to spend. If you have any other helpful information, please continue to pass it along.

 

Thanks again,

 

Mark

[MarcShiman]

Mark,

 

The vintage (1960 and before) and the modern are night and day different - almost altogether different pen products. I think the Ancora modern pens are quite attractive, and priced reasonably. I know that Ancora was one of the last brands to make their own nibs - have they switched over to Bock?

 

I'm not a big fan of the vintage Ancora pens, only because of what I feel is not a good price - value ratio. The Dama and Duplex are simply outrageously expensive and you can find comparably attractive and quality vintage Italian pens for a fraction of the price. The Calamus and Lusso are considerably more reasonably priced, but they are far too slender for my tastes (as opposed to the modern Ancoras which are quite fat).

 

Its strictly my own opinion, obviously there are those that would disagree!

 

Marc

[Deirdre]

I only have one vintage Ancora pen, but it's a stunner.

 

http://gallery.me.com/deirdre/100008/P1070335/web.jpg

[Ambros]

I only have one vintage Ancora pen, but it's a stunner.

 

http://gallery.me.com/deirdre/100008/P1070335/web.jpg

 

Wow, your Ancora is gorgeous....

 

Is a mix with this:

and this:

[paisleye]

WOW!

 

Beautiful pens Deirdre and Ambros. I've decided, for my first Ancora, I'm going to purchase a Perla. I must try that nib! Either of you have one you're willing to sell? Or know anyone interested in selling one?

Regards,

 

Mark

[raging.dragon]

I only have one vintage Ancora pen, but it's a stunner.

 

http://gallery.me.com/deirdre/100008/P1070335/web.jpg

 

Wow, your Ancora is gorgeous....

 

Is a mix with this:

and this:

 

All three of those are stunning (Deidre's and both of Ambros').