Jane Austen Fountain Pen

[Tessy Moon]

I have been adoring this JANE AUSTEN FOUNTAIN PEN for quite a while now.

 

http://www.victoriantradingco.com/images/vtc/products/20119_large_1.jpg

 

 

As far as I know, it is sold exclusively from Victorian Trading Co.

Here is the link:

http://www.victoriantradingco.com/item/79-pn-7920119/100100100/jane-austen-fountain-pen#

 

 

The problem is, they really do not give much information about the pen.

I have sent them an email with a bunch of questions; although I am doubtful if they will be knowledgeable enough to clearly answer my questions. (I don't mean to be judging, but I have found every time I ask anyone questions about fountain pens and they are not specialists, they have no clue how to answer. <sigh> I wish it was a requirement to at least understand the basics of a fountain pen if you are going to sell them. Who knows, maybe they will surprise me and answer all my questions clearly.)

 

I am mostly concerned with two things for this pen - the nib and will it take a converter.

 

The description on the website says:

 

Worthy of the beloved and outspoken writer, a pearlized pen revives the joy of scribbled thoughts. Her signature graces both pen and gift box. Black ink. Takes standard ink cartridges and arrives with one. VTC Exclusive!

 

It doesn't even say if they ink cartridges are long or short.

 

A question I have, that I hope someone here could answer is this - If this pen takes standard international cartridges (long or short?) will the pen also take a standard international converter?

 

I think the nib looks similar to a JoWo, which would be awesome, as I know they are usually good.

 

And I guess I could just refill empty carts with bottled ink with a syringe, it's just a little more hassle.

 

But this is a beautiful Jane Austen pen and may be worth it anyway.

 

Any thoughts out there?

 

 

 

http://www.victoriantradingco.com/images/vtc/products/20119_large_2.jpg

 

 

 

http://www.victoriantradingco.com/images/vtc/products/20119_large_3.jpg

 

All photos belong to Victorian Trading Co.

[cleosmama]

It's an attractive pen. Thanks for drawing attention to it. I will be curious to see what you find out. It looks like it might be a Chinese nib, though, rather than a German one.

Edited August 14, 2014 by cleosmama

[Tessy Moon]

It's an attractive pen. Thanks for drawing attention to it. I will be curious to see what you find out. It looks like it might be a Chinese nib, though, rather than a German one.

 

I agree, it is a lovely looking pen!

On the nib it does say "Germany" - but that doesn't guarantee anything. I can smooth the nib a bit if it is a little scratchy, I have had a bit of success with that using Goulet's set.

I guess I am trying to figure why I shouldn't buy the pen when I want to...I have to justify to myself if the unknown and potential hassle is worth the uniqueness of the pen. (Oh I am a bit crazy when it comes to pens I think are pretty! lol)

And honestly I love that is has Jane Austen's signature on it. I already have both Orgaincs Studio Jane Austen ink and De Atramentis Jane Austen ink. It just makes sense that I would have a Jane Austen pen too.

[I.M.]

I think you can safely assume that if the pen takes standard international cartridges then it will take a standard converter. It would be a little peculiar if it didn't. The cartridges are highly likely to be short. And I agree with Cleosmama that the nib looks like a Chinese "Iridium Point Germany" nib. If you don't mind working on the nib (if it needs it), and spending $20 on it isn't going to break the bank....

[inkstainedruth]

It does look like an attractive pen.

What questions did you ask the company? I presume stuff like length, type of cartridges, nib width, etc.

I also have experienced the frustration of dealing with sellers who don't know how to answer basic questions -- and not just with pens. A number of years ago I was looking at the Bibliofind website for a book that has been long out of print -- I've seen copies run for over $400 (or as I said to one book dealer: "Sorry, but that's a car payment...").

So I saw a German edition of the book at a book search place in Ohio for $175 US (still pricy but much more reasonable), or thought it was. So I contacted the seller, and the response I got was -- I quote: "It's a needlework book. It's in German."

Sigh. Had to tell them to pull out an English-language edition and compare the photos for me, to make sure it really was what I thought it was.

Ended up going out to look at the book with a friend who used to run a used bookstore, and ended up *not* buying the book because my friend said that it wasn't in the condition the seller claimed (told the store owner $100-120, then after she wouldn't come down any on the price and we left told *me* that I should have been paying $80-$100, tops). Don't know if she did, but she said that she was considering contacting Bibliofind and reporting the seller for misrepresentation of condition (it was listed as VG-VG condition, but my friend said that the pages were too yellowed for that). I'm considering getting a copy of the book out from the library and scanning it in to my computer (photocopying will not give me sufficient detail due to the photographs of the pieces). Normally I would not do that in full (my mother was a writer and I got the Bern Convention drilled into my head), but the book is out of print.

I keep hoping that someday Dover Publications will get their hands on it and reprint it for cheap, and undercut both the seller in Ohio and the one that wanted $425 for it -- my friend had talked that seller down to $300, because the woman didn't know that a dealer in Western PA was working on behalf of a potential buyer three towns over from where the seller lived....

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[inkspot]

A friend purchased a fountain pen from the Victorian Trading Co. for me as a gift a couple years ago. The pen needed a good flushing, but writes nicely and is a good weight and size. The nib is a nail, to be sure, but it is quite smooth and has very good flow. It takes the short cartridges, and I fit a spare Waterman converter in it with no problems. It seems comparable to the Jane Austen pen in size and style, and the nib looks similar based on the photos. I hope this helps!

[Kosmic-kowgirl]

it's very pretty! it'd be worth having just for the Austen aspect

[OakIris]

I have always enjoyed reading Jane Austen's novels, so understand the attraction to "all things Jane." lol What she wrote may seem like all romantic silliness to some, but she was an astute observer of her society and culture, and had a lot to say about the role of women, even if much of it was tongue-in-cheek. And her novels are just plain fun, full of good humor and humorous observations!

 

Of course, Ms Austen wrote with a quill pen and iron gall ink, but it is still cool that there was a fountain pen (and rollerball, too, apparently) made in tribute to her. Someday I need to get some of that eponymous ink, too!

 

The pen is only $20 - though admittedly, that is sometimes more $$ than I can spare - so, as I.M. said, not really much of a risk if you end up not liking it. And it is inexpensive enough that you can try your hand at some nib smoothing, etc., if the nib doesn't suit, without worrying about ruining an expensive nib. And, from what inkspot said, you may find that you quite like the way it writes and feels.

 

Hope Victorian Trading Company answers at least some of your questions, and if you do get the pen, hope you let us know what your impressions of it are.

 

Holly

[ScienceChick]

You might also find a coupon code at some site like RetailMeNot.com to save a bit.

[Tessy Moon]

I think you can safely assume that if the pen takes standard international cartridges then it will take a standard converter. It would be a little peculiar if it didn't. The cartridges are highly likely to be short. And I agree with Cleosmama that the nib looks like a Chinese "Iridium Point Germany" nib. If you don't mind working on the nib (if it needs it), and spending $20 on it isn't going to break the bank....

 

Thank you for the advice! I am hoping a standard converter will work. And I don't mind doing a little nib smoothing - but I know sometimes it won't work if a nib just isn't good. But if it is a #6 nib I could just pop in one of my Goulet nibs. Although I think it looks smaller than #6 in the pictures.

[Tessy Moon]

It does look like an attractive pen.

What questions did you ask the company? I presume stuff like length, type of cartridges, nib width, etc.

 

Yes, typical basic questions. I asked who made the nib, the nib's writing size (I assume it is a F/M), size of cartridges, if it would take a converter, etc.

I tried to use plain language and explain any fp jargon to make it easier to understand. Hopefully they will respond! As of this moment I have not received any response.

[Tessy Moon]

A friend purchased a fountain pen from the Victorian Trading Co. for me as a gift a couple years ago. The pen needed a good flushing, but writes nicely and is a good weight and size. The nib is a nail, to be sure, but it is quite smooth and has very good flow. It takes the short cartridges, and I fit a spare Waterman converter in it with no problems. It seems comparable to the Jane Austen pen in size and style, and the nib looks similar based on the photos. I hope this helps!

 

This is extremely helpful!!! Thank you so much!!!

 

Do you have the pink one? That one is pretty too! If I like the Jane Austen I might get the pink one too.

 

I always flush my pens before I use them for the first time, just for my peace of mind. I think it really does help the ink flow better after the pen has been thoroughly cleaned.

 

How does the nib write for you? You said it was hard as a nail (I don't mind that) and it was smooth. What was it's performance like on cheap paper vs Rhodia?

 

If it isn't a lot of trouble would you mind posting a little writing sample for me? If you can't no worries. I am just excited to hear someone had a positive experience with VTC fountain pens!

 

Thank you again so much for sharing your experience! I really appreciate it!

[Tessy Moon]

it's very pretty! it'd be worth having just for the Austen aspect

 

I wholeheartedly agree!

[Tessy Moon]

I have always enjoyed reading Jane Austen's novels, so understand the attraction to "all things Jane." lol What she wrote may seem like all romantic silliness to some, but she was an astute observer of her society and culture, and had a lot to say about the role of women, even if much of it was tongue-in-cheek. And her novels are just plain fun, full of good humor and humorous observations!

 

Of course, Ms Austen wrote with a quill pen and iron gall ink, but it is still cool that there was a fountain pen (and rollerball, too, apparently) made in tribute to her. Someday I need to get some of that eponymous ink, too!

 

The pen is only $20 - though admittedly, that is sometimes more $$ than I can spare - so, as I.M. said, not really much of a risk if you end up not liking it. And it is inexpensive enough that you can try your hand at some nib smoothing, etc., if the nib doesn't suit, without worrying about ruining an expensive nib. And, from what inkspot said, you may find that you quite like the way it writes and feels.

 

Hope Victorian Trading Company answers at least some of your questions, and if you do get the pen, hope you let us know what your impressions of it are.

 

Holly

 

 

I am in complete agreement about all you said about Jane Austen - I love her, she is my literary best friend!

 

I highly recommend both Jane inks, bust especially Organics Studio. It is a lovely purple, I adore the ink!

 

If I get the pen (which I'm really leaning towards) I will definitely post a review about it. I will probably even try out the cartridge it comes with; something I never do, lol.

[Tessy Moon]

You might also find a coupon code at some site like RetailMeNot.com to save a bit.

 

Thank you for the suggestion!

They have a coupon for $2 shipping - not bad at all!

[Tessy Moon]

UPDATE:

 

I found Victorian Trading Co had a number listed on their site, and since I am impatient, I called it. I talked with "Florence Nightingale" (they have character names - I think that is so awesome!)

Florence doesn't like using fountain pens since as a child in school she had ink spilled all over her from using them, and unfortunately that bad experience has set her against them (poor Florence!)

 

However, Ms. Nightingale was everything kind as she talked with me, and did her very best to help me.

I asked all my questions, many of which she wasn't sure how to answer at first. She hunted down the pen and read to me the information on the box it came in. She was so very helpful!

 

So here is the information I gleaned:

 

The pen length is around 5-6 inches (ok I admit, I forgot the exact length. Sorry, but I'll make it up to you...)

The cartridge is shorter than 2 inches (I assume that would be short intl cart)

According to the box, the nib writes a Fine (assume Western Fine so most likely a F/M)

The pen was made in China (Confirmation of this was helpful)

 

That is the info I was able to get. Florence was very kind and even though I had to explain a couple things to her, she worked with me very well.

 

I ended up ordering the pen over the phone, and she included the $2 shipping. All together the pen cost me $22!

Now just to wait for it. Shipping takes about two weeks.

 

Once I get the pen and play around with it a bit I will let you guys know all about it with a proper pen review.

 

Thank you everyone for your feedback!!!

[Charles Rice]

 

Do you have the pink one? That one is pretty too! If I like the Jane Austen I might get the pink one too.

 

 

Oh my, a pink Jane Austen?!?!?

 

"Jane Austen? Why I go so far as to say that any library is a good library that does not contain a volume by Jane Austen. Even if it contains no other book". - Mark Twain

[Tessy Moon]

I am hoping this Monteverde Mini Ink Cartridge Converter will work.

 

http://www.gouletpens.com/Monteverde_Mini_Ink_Cartridge_Converter_p/mv31072.htm?CartID=3

 

What do you guys think?

[Tessy Moon]

Oh my, a pink Jane Austen?!?!?

 

"Jane Austen? Why I go so far as to say that any library is a good library that does not contain a volume by Jane Austen. Even if it contains no other book". - Mark Twain

 

 

LOL! I wish!!!!

 

No this is the pink one....

 

http://www.victoriantradingco.com/images/vtc/products/23780.jpg

 

It says "Written on my heart"

[AllenG]

Oh my, a pink Jane Austen?!?!?

 

"Jane Austen? Why I go so far as to say that any library is a good library that does not contain a volume by Jane Austen. Even if it contains no other book". - Mark Twain

My English lit class consisted of all 6 of her novels. After that class I declared a major in chemistry.