A. G. Spalding & Bros. Maple Wood Fountain Pen

[flight878]

It's time for a detailed review of a minimalist writing instrument. I present to you the A.G. Spalding & Bros. BRFT220D Fountain Pen. Stylish, sturdy, gaud-free, and so worth a closer look. Thanks to Lily from JetPens for providing the sample.

 

Background

 

The famous baseball pitcher, Albert Goodwill Spalding Jr. (1850-1915), was the co-founder of the A.G. Spalding & Bros. sporting goods company (later known simply as 'Spalding'), which became a division of Russell Brands in 2003, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

 

http://www.biography.com/imported/images/Biography/Images/Profiles/S/A-G-Spalding-39075-1-402.jpg

The Italian leather goods producer, Sergiolin SpA, became the European licensee to create luxury goods under the A.G. Spalding & Bros. brand. A Japanese office products conglomerate, Raymay Fujii, is another licensee that manufactures pens for the Japanese market under this brand, with some models also sold through Sergiolin. The pen being reviewed here is manufactured in Japan by Raymay Fujii.

Appearance and Design (7/10)

 

This fountain pen has a body made of maple wood with the section, body tip, and cap made of brass with a silver, matte-chrome finish. The good-quality pen imparts a minimalist, retro-design of an earlier time in America, especially with the wooden body, the design of the clip, the rounded ends, and overall size. Nonetheless, it can still be considered a modern and elegant writing tool.

 

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The wooden component has a nice textured sheen to it, feels 'warmer' than the metal parts, and it is the main constituent of the body; it does not wrap around another material. The sheen won't cause a slippery writing experience due to the texture, especially if the tips of the fingers holding the pen make contact with the metal section. The wood of this particular pen for review has an orange-leaning finish, but black and natural/beige finishes are available as well (there was also a dark brown that got discontinued).

 

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The metal section is short and, like the body end tip, has a tapered design. A black, shiny, plastic ring at the end introduces the nib and feed. Its design allows for comfortable placement of the index and/or middle finger tips, depending on the way the writer holds the pen. It screws into a threaded metal ring attached to the wooden body.

 

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The tapered design of the section might cause problems with certain writers. The optimal, more comfortable way of holding a pen with a section like this is by placing the index finger tip and perhaps the thumb on the section that rests on the middle finger. However, writing positions will vary, and perhaps some users might find more comfort not touching the metal section at all. If you're likely to hold the pen by touching the section, it might be discomforting if you have really large hands or fat fingers.

 

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The licensed logo is stamped on the cap. The nostalgic '520 Fifth Avenue NEW YORK' refers to Spalding's first shop that opened at that address in 1885. Directly opposite the clip, Raymay's logo is discreetly stamped. The clip is 6 millimeters wide and is clasped onto a depressed part of the cap. The clip's clasp has 'A.G. SPALDING & BROTHER'S.' [sic] engraved in sans-serif typeface. The rounded ends and the clip seem to have a slightly darker finish. Inside the cap is another plastic inner cap that appears to be glued at the edges to the metal.

 

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No creativity was spared in the packaging design. Complementary to the pen's design, its packaging is also minimalist. The windowed carton sleeve has a texture that reminds me of burlap, in which a clear plastic box is fitted. The pen comes in the box secured on a carton piece resembling the sleeve, where flaps allow the pen to be clipped and supported so it's always in view through the sleeve window when packed. Underneath the carton, resting on box bottom, is a folded manual with instructions in Japanese and English. It is folded so that the logo can be a seen at the bottom of the box rather than 'random' text.

 

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The pen has a simple, sporty, masculine and modern styling that also imparts some nostalgia for retro design. I could envision this pen being carried by a baseball or football coach in the field or at a formal team meeting. I'd say this pen is also appropriate for a baby boomer senior accountant, manager, or small business owner. The style of the box makes the whole package appropriate for sale at an old-fashioned tobacco shop that a baseball player would frequent, displayed among the group of pens next to the shaving razors and brushes.

Construction and Quality (7/10)

 

The construction and quality of the pen I would rate as good. The metal components are ready for serious wear and tear. However, due to the maple wood body, additional care will be needed for this pen to last.

 

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The wooden body's sheen appears to protect it from moisture and the consequences that could occur should it get wet. Just don't unscrew the section and pour water in the body; the inner side has no treatment. Since the maple wood is bare and not acting as a wrapping material of a uniform body, there is the risk of breakage with reckless use. If you want to keep the pen, do not run it over with your car, smash it with a hammer, or hand it over to a beaver or a colony of termites. Dropping the pen onto hard surfaces can also form a dent on the wood at the site of impact.

 

The pen's metal components, of course, will suffer scratches over time, especially with a matte finish under rugged use. However, the slightly darker clip and rounded ends seem to be more sensitive, with the ends showing signs that the paint is starting to peel off. This is really unimportant in the grand scheme of things for the calibre of this pen but worth noting nonetheless.

 

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Capping or posting the pen needs a little more force than usual, confirmed with an authoritative snap, which I think is rather excessive. The snap occurs when the cap makes a tight, forceful contact with the non-tapered part of the end tip or section; there is no clutch ring. The section itself unscrews from the body rather easily—at times it has happened upon uncapping the pen. In fact, the section can easily be unscrewed when the pen is capped.

 

The last quibble concerning construction is the plastic inner cap. It acts like an inner lining for the main metal cap, but constrains free space for the nib somewhat. That is, when the pen is being capped, it is easy for the nib tines to make contact with the inner cap, resulting in ink leakage. If this happens often enough, a small pool of ink can collect at the bottom of the inner cap and droplets on the side. Eventually, transferred ink spots can accumulate all over the nib.

 

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Despite all these demerits, the pen still qualifies to be a quality, everyday-carry pen. Most of them are aesthetic in nature and will not prevent the pen from performing its duty—we'll get to that part. The wooden body needs a little more care from the user unlike a fully metallic or even plastic pen.

 

Weight and Dimensions (7/10)

 

The pen is 138 millimeters (5-7/16 inches) long capped and weighs 23 grams with a full international-sized cartridge inside. Its diameter is 11 mm. Not too heavy nor too large.

 

The maple body of the pen will affect writing comfort with respect to the weight being much lighter than the metal. It is recommended to write with the pen unposted. Despite the lighter wooden body, the weight distribution of the unposted pen feels even because of the longer size, with the small heft of the metal tip and nib section to balance things out. The attached cartridge plays a positive role in the weight as well, because if you unscrew the body from the section, the center of mass of the body will shift towards the metal tip. Posting the pen, therefore, will negatively affect the weight distribution and make writing somewhat uncomfortable since the center of mass will shift towards the cap—it alone weighs 10 grams compared to 13 grams for the body with a short cartridge inside.

 

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By comparison using pens of similar sizes, the Lamy 2000 fountain pen is also 138 mm long and weighs 26 grams, capped and filled with ink. A capped Lamy Studio is 139 mm long but weighs 33 grams with a converter full of ink. The design and weight distribution of these pens, however, allows one to post them without compromising writing comfort.

 

Overall, provided the pen is unposted, I found the pen to be a well-balanced, comfortable writer. The length was just right for my hand, and the grip did not feel uncomfortable nor slippery after writing for a long period of time.

Nib and Performance (8/10)

 

If there is a part of this pen that performs well, it would be the nib. A fountain pen might have flawless design, impeccable construction and quality, but if the nib contributes to a poor writing experience, the pen is no good.

 

 

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The nib is made of stainless steel. It has 'A.G. SPALDING & BROTHERS' engraved on it with a circled 'M' underneath to indicate the nib size. All Spalding fountain pens with the maple wood body from Raymay are available in medium (M) point only. The width size follows the Japanese sizing standard, so the medium point here approaches the width of a Lamy Fine (F) nib. It is tough as nails so you can forget about flex, and it cannot produce a line when inverted (i.e., with the feed facing the writer). Examining the nib and properly-centered feed, it appears as though the nib is friction fit, but I did not attempt its removal. The nib is a smooth writer, but not wet. It has never skipped, especially during a fast stroke from a signature, considering that I'm left-handed. Flow is decent and there are no starting issues. There is a hint of feedback, which I always appreciate rather than an über-smooth writer. If the nib performance can be aptly compared, it is similar to that of a fine-tipped Lamy nib. The pleasant writing experience, as a result of the nib, can make one quickly forget about the pen's other shortcomings.

 

 

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Filling System and Maintenance (9/10)

 

The pen accepts the short international-sized cartridges. The body shaft is long enough to hold two of them back-to-back. According to JetPens, it can accept a Pelikan C499 converter for those who prefer bottled ink.

 

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One would think that if the pen accepts international cartridges, it should accept converters from other pens that also use them, but I could not get a snug fit with a Rotring 251300 converter meant for my Rotring 600 FP. There can be conflicts between the size of the converter tip and the design around the section nipple.

 

A converter may be needed nonetheless to flush the pen from time to time, more frequently if the ink being used will require added maintenance to prevent clogging. If spots form on the nib and they become unsightly to the writer, they'll have to be periodically wiped off, and the cap rinsed with water and dried to remove the residual ink that has accumulated from when the nib tines made contact with the inner cap.

 

Cost and Value (10/10)

 

The pen is exclusive to the Japanese market, but quite possible to import. It can be had at JetPens for $37.00 USD, which is an excellent price for the material composition and writing performance. The construction and quality stands out compared to many pens in this price stratum, which may have simpler designs and lesser-quality materials. The price range in which this pen belongs was the reason why I felt it was appropriate to use Lamy pens for comparison, since their nibs are also used in their lower-end pens. The converter is available for as low as $6.00 USD, and the user has many options for international cartridges. If well taken care of, the pen will last a long time, so there are no reservations about its cost.

 

Conclusion (Final Score: 7.5/10)

 

This aptly-sized pen was designed with a modern, humble, yet retro flair honoring the man whose name is on the cap, Albert Spalding. The minimalist design shown by the metal components coupled with the elegance of the maple wood body make this pen suitable to users of varying tastes. It performs its main job properly, writing smoothly, and good enough to be an economical everyday-carry fountain pen. Users might still be turned off by a dirty nib or a section that easily unscrews. The weight balance is excellent, on the condition that you don't post the pen. Lastly, the wooden body will need a little more gentle care, particularly if you are rough with your writing tools. If the style of this pen appeals to you and you're on the fence about purchasing it, I'd recommend it, especially at its excellent price for the quality. It is meant to be used, not stored. To each his own, of course.

[Pen Is Mightier]

Nice thorough review! Keep up the good work.

[darkgreen]

Thanks for a thoughtful and detailed review of this pen and brand that deserves more notice. I have 2 of the fountain pens and the maple wooden body of each is a unique, warm and attractive feature. Over several years I have had a number of pen types from this brand (fountain, roller ball and ballpoint pens) as well as the mechanical pencil - and they have retained a special place in my collection, based on their consistent high standards of engineering/construction, distinctive style, writing quality and endurance, all at a reasonable price.

 

Despite its name, I believe that the AG Spalding brand is Japanese. Alas, many of their wonderful pen models and matching refills are disappearing off the market and there are now only 3 of the original 4 wooden bodies available in the fountain pen range. The matching wooden roller ball pens are no longer sold and their excellent AG Spalding refills are hard to find. There was an attractive range of ballpoint pens with colored semi-opaque bodies that are no longer available - the best ballpoints that I have ever used.

 

I use a converter in my fountain pens and it works well. Unfortunately the medium nib is just a bit too wet for me to use it regularly (I prefer Japanese Fine, European EF nibs) and the grip edges are a bit hard if you grip too close to the nib. But it is a light, robust, well-balanced pen even when capped. I recommend that if the Maple wood body interests you then get in early in case the maple wood range narrows down further. This is also my opportunity to give an independent strong recommendation for JetPens: a great website for browsing, vast range of pens, pencils and writing journals - mostly at very good prices, with reliable prompt delivery. I have no ties to the company apart from frequent purchases. JapaneseModernDesign.com also has a range of AG Spalding pens and recently provided great service when i tried to hunt down some original rollerball refills.

[Chi Town]

Nice Review! It looks like a good pen.

[kandi215]

Nice review, but I would disagree with you on the wetness of the nib. I have the same exact pen and the pen is very wet. My thought on the wetness would truly depend on the ink that you use. I usually use Parker's ink or Levenger's ink.

[TomF]

Great review and of something I own..!

 

Mine is the (discontinued) dark bodied model. I also own the translucent bodied model, which is the same same for the barrel being opaque plastic, rather than wood.

 

I've had them for a few years (also getting them from JetPens) and, while I've gained more expensive pens with alluring gold nibs, there's a real fondness in my heart for items so cleanly designed and ideal for their job. For me, I have used them extensively to mark up legal documents. The size of the line (not wet IMO, but not dry either), is neat and consistent, making it easy to deliver something (semi..!) legible to my PA to type up.

 

No individual pics, but a collection photo from a while back:

 

 

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[Mkim]

mmmm what is that delicious orange ink in the writing sample?

[rcksil]

Nice review. I was thinking about getting this for my son to add to his collection. Now maybe one for mine.

 

Rick

[Scribble Monboddo]

I like mine, for quick notes, but I found the nib less than excellent for longer writing. Here's a written review: http://scribbledemonboddo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/agspalding-fountain-pen.html

[THRobinson]

Older review I know, but just wondered... can the nib be replaced? like with a #6 nib?

[kandi215]

Older review I know, but just wondered... can the nib be replaced? like with a #6 nib?

I don't believe you can change the nib, but anyone please correct if I'm wrong.

[penmanila]

I have one. It's a pretty decent pen for the price. Good-looking, too.

[THRobinson]

Shame... was a nice price, but wanted to get a decent 'cheap' pen and swap the nib out for a flex nib. I never tried a flex and my current pens don't allow for me to swap.

[rwilsonedn]

Shame... was a nice price, but wanted to get a decent 'cheap' pen and swap the nib out for a flex nib. I never tried a flex and my current pens don't allow for me to swap.

 

I think you can get Noodlers' idea of a flex nib for your Konrad. It's not really flex in the traditional sense, but it might be fun to play with. Better yet, try a dip pen holder and a dip pen nib or two. Much cheaper, real flex, and more fun.

ron

[THRobinson]

Don't have one yet... still 'pending' because no one seems to have any stock, especially in the Coral Sea.

 

Been looking at alternatives... Jinhao for example. Maybe grab one and get the Noodler's nib, that or saw one by HERO with a flex... both cheap, like $5 cheap... but, wanted to try and see how it was.

 

Ideally, get that Konrad Coral Sea with a flex, and if I dislike it, can switch to a Goulet #6 Broad and have a (hopefully) nice pen. But, from what I've read, the pens aren't made much because only a couple guys making them.

[penmanila]

if you're looking for an inexpensive modern pen into which you can easily install a vintage flex nib, try a TWSBI. i've done that on a 540--should be possible on a 580, i would think, as long as your nib's the right size.

 

Shame... was a nice price, but wanted to get a decent 'cheap' pen and swap the nib out for a flex nib. I never tried a flex and my current pens don't allow for me to swap.

[THRobinson]

I have no vintage flex... was looking at the $5 Noodler's...

 

Thanks anyways... trying to see which Jinhao's may have a #6, failing that... not sure. Hoping $20CAD range.

Edited May 8, 2015 by THRobinson

[zandersig]

I love this pen!

 

What I really want for it is a Fine nib! :-)

 

I read your review on the nib and see that you didn't try to take it out, has anyone else tried?

If I could find out who made the nib that comes on it wouldn't one of their fine nibs fit? Mine is almost a bold nib (it goes through ink like crazy, it writes in almost a bold nib)....

 

They used to make this pen which has a Fine nib ( https://www.google.com/search?hl=en-GB&ie=UTF-8&source=android-browser&q=www.google&gws_rd=ssl#hl=en-GB&q=A.G.+Spalding+%26+Bros+BRFT208+Mini+Fountain+Pen+-+Fine+Nib+-+Silver+Body ) and I wonder if it will fit this pen? If only I could find one to buy. :'(

 

If anyone can help me change this nib to a fine nib please let me know.

 

Thanks In Advance,

zandersig

 

P.S. does most fountain ink have a lubricant in it? If so which has the most lubricant, which has a medium and which has the least? Will a lot of lube make the ink flow out too much?

[zandersig]

Hi all, no one has any suggestions on my question up above? :'(