From Philadelphia To Italy In One Glance...

[GutSchrift]

Having just moved to Philadelphia late last year for a new job with a wonderful nonprofit in Center City, I was giddy and excited when I found out about the Philadelphia Pen Show. I've never been to a pen show either. I made my way up on a morning that was a brisk change from the unseasonably warm weather we've been having lately.

 

I budgeted about three hours or so to check out every table and maybe even have a second go after narrowing down a few potential takers. Near the end of two hours I stumbled across the small but well-stocked tables of Mr. John Colton! Several of the more swarmy dealers had already put me off. I don't care how nice your Duofold Lapis and 80s Pelikan m800s are, I don't like greasy sales! Mr. Colton was a pleasant, kind and gentle man. He clearly cares about what he sells and stands by his pens. His prices were also very, very fair. I ended up with a great deal on my first Omas! I never thought an Italian could take me away from my Pelikan and Teutonic collecting passions -- but I've flirted with the Italians before.

 

Mr. Colton had a 'black pen special,' and after holding it my hands and being pleasantly surprised by the very, very smoooooth BB nib (!) on this Milord old-style I knew I had to have it. I'm glad I did and I can't wait for my Italians, especially Omas to join! A nice old-style 360?

 

 

[Chopper88]

Congratulations, it's great to hear/read when people get out of their 'comfort zone' and realise there's more out there

And the 360 certainly is a great addition! Also comes in so many variations, that there must be one you like, if you already like the overal design that is.

[Jackson]

Having just moved to Philadelphia late last year for a new job with a wonderful nonprofit in Center City, I was giddy and excited when I found out about the Philadelphia Pen Show. I've never been to a pen show either. I made my way up on a morning that was a brisk change from the unseasonably warm weather we've been having lately.

 

I budgeted about three hours or so to check out every table and maybe even have a second go after narrowing down a few potential takers. Near the end of two hours I stumbled across the small but well-stocked tables of Mr. John Colton! Several of the more swarmy dealers had already put me off. I don't care how nice your Duofold Lapis and 80s Pelikan m800s are, I don't like greasy sales! Mr. Colton was a pleasant, kind and gentle man. He clearly cares about what he sells and stands by his pens. His prices were also very, very fair. I ended up with a great deal on my first Omas! I never thought an Italian could take me away from my Pelikan and Teutonic collecting passions -- but I've flirted with the Italians before.

 

Mr. Colton had a 'black pen special,' and after holding it my hands and being pleasantly surprised by the very, very smoooooth BB nib (!) on this Milord old-style I knew I had to have it. I'm glad I did and I can't wait for my Italians, especially Omas to join! A nice old-style 360?

 

I too appreciated Mr. Colton's understated but professional style, reminiscent of the old, knowledgeable, but unflashy used booksellers of yore, consigned now to antiquity. A charming fellow.

[zenshrink]

Let's add some more praise for Mr. Colton.

 

I was talking to Bert Oser and Mr. Colton's table was next to his.

 

I love Omas pens and asked Mr. Colton if he had any pens with BB nibs. He was looking for one and came across a Milord with an OBB nib! He didn't have ink. He told me to leave him $100 and take the pen home and if I didn't like it that I should return it. Instead, I went to Brian Gray's table and dip tested the pen which I liked a lot.

 

In order to limit my purchases I brought one check and limited cash to the show. I had used the check. Mr Colton said that it would be alright to leave a deposit and send him a check for the remainder. So, I gave him $100 cash and he told me to send him a check when I got home.

 

He is a real gentleman, indeed.

[gentlyom]

100% agreed. I too had the same good experience with Mr. Colton. He had a full table of remarkable Omas pens. I bought an Omas society pen with an F nib from him. He is a very nice seller and a gentleman.

[oregano]

Does he have a website, or will I just have to wait until the next pen show? You've all made me want to try his services.

[Ursus]

How I wish that we had something like that in Denmark! A pen show!!!

 

I would rather be in Philadelphia! (I think that's what W. C. Fields wanted written on his grave stone, by the way.)