What''s The Oldest Fountain Pen In Your Collection?

[Sky Fountain Pens]

Hello Everyone,

 

What's the oldest pen you've ever bought? When did you get it?

 

Thanks

Edited December 8, 2014 by Sky Fountain Pens

[lallin]

In reply to the stated topic, rather than the question in the text:

 

1890-ish Eagle glass cartridge pen.

[Sky Fountain Pens]

In reply to the stated topic, rather than the question in the text:

 

1890-ish Eagle glass cartridge pen.

Oops, mistake.

[kestrel]

Also to the original question:

Two MacKinnon Stylographs from the mid 1870's, one of which is in perfect working order or at least as functional as a MacKinnon Stylograph ever was (Mark Twain is said to have thrown at least one out his study window in frustration).

 

An 1890's Eagle Cartridge pen, also in working order.

 

Several 1890's Wirts and a few more Wirts and Conklins from 1900 to 1905.

[Sky Fountain Pens]

Wow, the

 

Also to the original question:

Two MacKinnon Stylographs from the mid 1870's, one of which is in perfect working order or at least as functional as a MacKinnon Stylograph ever was (Mark Twain is said to have thrown at least one out his study window in frustration).

 

An 1890's Eagle Cartridge pen, also in working order.

 

Several 1890's Wirts and a few more Wirts and Conklins from 1900 to 1905.

Wow, then it's a century old!

[jar]

A few from pre-WWI from Conklin, likely from around 1910 or so.

[fullfederhalter]

The Eagle glass cartridge fountain pen is my oldest, too. I guess they are not too uncommon.

[Sky Fountain Pens]

The Eagle glass cartridge fountain pen is my oldest, too. I guess they are not too uncommon.Eaglebox.jpg

Wow, that's a rare pen.

[kirchh]

Wow, that's a rare pen.

As stated by the person to whom you were responding, they are not too uncommon.

 

--Daniel

[Sky Fountain Pens]

As stated by the person to whom you were responding, they are not too uncommon.

 

--Daniel

Well I guess the book about fountain pens I read was incorrect. It said it was rare.

[kirchh]

Well I guess the book about fountain pens I read was incorrect. It said it was rare.

What book is that?

 

--Daniel

[fullfederhalter]

Well I guess the book about fountain pens I read was incorrect. It said it was rare.

The pens may not be rare, but I think the original pasteboard box (which held one dozen) is!

[Sky Fountain Pens]

What book is that?

 

--Daniel

Oops, that one was gold. Any way the book is called Fountain Pens The Collector's Guide To Selecting, Buying, And Enjoying New And Vintage Fountain pens By Jonathan Steinberg.

[Wahl]

Parker Duofold Senior in red hard rubber, 1923.

[Not Bob]

Hi all. I'm new to the forums but I thought this might be of interest to others.

 

The first vintage pen I bought was as a teenager (for my father, an avid pen collector) at a flea market on a whim. It simply looked old to me so I thought he would like it. It's now back in my possession and, being a MacKinnon, it is easily the oldest pen I have. However, I can only find a bit of info on these so anything anyone can add would be great.

 

 

[peterg]

The same as fullfederhalter without the box but it does have the remains of a glass cartridge. After that probably early 1910's syringe fillers. I have a few eye dropper pens but don't know when they date from.

[kestrel]

Hi all. I'm new to the forums but I thought this might be of interest to others.

 

The first vintage pen I bought was as a teenager (for my father, an avid pen collector) at a flea market on a whim. It simply looked old to me so I thought he would like it. It's now back in my possession and, being a MacKinnon, it is easily the oldest pen I have. However, I can only find a bit of info on these so anything anyone can add would be great.

 

 

image.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpg

That's a MacKinnon Stylograph. Rather than a typical "nib" the writing point is a hollow tube with a wire in it. A spring on the back holds the wire in position and putting point to paper pushes the wire up to allow ink to flow. Mine is very similar to the one in the photos and, like a couple of centenarians I have known, it can be cranky, unpredictable and cantankerous. The MacKinnon stylograph was endorsed by Mark Twain and he did occasionally use one but they apparently did not get along. Twain frequently directed some FPN inappropriate colorful metaphors towards his MacKinnon and on at least one occasion threw it out the window in frustration. My guess is this one is at least 125 to 130 years old and appears to be in very good external condition. Very nice pen.

[Not Bob]

That's a MacKinnon Stylograph... The MacKinnon stylograph was endorsed by Mark Twain....

Thanks so much for info. The term 'MacKinnon stylograph' led me to a lot more results than my previous 'MacKinnon pen' searches. Interesting connection to Mark Twain as well. According to an article I recently read, I may have a similar model of Conklin 'crescent filler' to one he used at one point. Thanks again.

[inkstainedruth]

My "oldest" is not nearly as old as what some people have.

It's a Morrison ringtop with a gold filled filigree overlay. I've been told that it's probably from the 1920s or 1930s.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[discopig]

Not technically a fountain pen, but I have a H. M. smith dip pen (14k gold nib, tipped with iridium and MOP handle, so it isn't a throwaway nib) from 1880s-1890s.

 

My oldest true fountain pen would have to be my Waterman 12, it seems to have been made around 1915 or 1916.

Edited December 9, 2014 by discopig