Delta Dolcevita "federico" On Ebay

[ChrisPaul]

Hi Everyone,

 

I know this has been discussed before (inexpensive Deltas on Ebay, offered by Martemodena), but I was wondering if anyone has tried a Dolcevita designated as a "Federico"? The only visible difference between this pen and the standard Dolcevita that I see is that the cap band is not raised but is flush with the cap. The pen comes with either the fusion nib or 14K nib, cartridge filler or piston. The cartridge filler is neat: the barrel end cap can be removed and the pen filled like a piston filler, or the barrel can be removed and the pen filled via cartridge.

 

I'm very tempted to get one of these, but I'm curious to see if anyone has any experience with this pen. My guess is that it is something that Delta offers exclusively through Martemodena, because it doesn't seem to be available anywhere else. Here's a link to the pen I'm talking about:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fountain-pen-DELTA-Dolcevita-Federico-GT-OR-BL-Fusion-NIB-M-Piston-Filler/161687855731?_trksid=p2050601.c100085.m2372&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140211132617%26meid%3De4eaff78a9694515bcac73f4fa7540d5%26pid%3D100085%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D231479798255%26clkid%3D461935242467056543&_qi=RTM2067270

 

Your comments/insights/experiences are greatly appreciated!

 

Best Wishes,

Chris

[jar]

Note the cap band is steel instead of Sterling silver or vermeil and simply laser engraved. But certainly a lot less expensive.

[dms525]

I have a Dolcevita Federico from Martemodena. Mine is the traditional orange barrel with black cap. Medium size. And mine has a Fusion stub nib. The only unique features of the Federico sub-species are 1) the option of the filling system about which you know and 2) the trim material, as jar described.

 

I think the quality of manufacture is no different, nor is the writing experience. If not having sterling or vermeil hardware doesn't bother you, you can save some money and have the same quality writing instrument as the regular DV line.

 

Well, there is one issue for me but probably not for you: Martemodena does not sell the 14Kt or the 18Kt stub on this line.

 

David

[vipkat82]

I almost prefer the less flashy look of this pen

[2brothers]

Well, there is one issue for me but probably not for you: Martemodena does not sell the 14Kt or the 18Kt stub on this line.

 

David

Sure they do. Here's one they're selling on eBay:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fountain-pen-DELTA-Dolcevita-Federico-OR-BL-Gold-14K-NIB-Stub-Piston-Filler-/151663938788?hash=item234fe00ce4:g:NEMAAOSwPgxVP5eS

 

Also, on their site they had the 14k stub option as well. If it doesn't work on the site just emails them. They do offer it.

[dms525]

Sure they do. Here's one they're selling on eBay:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fountain-pen-DELTA-Dolcevita-Federico-OR-BL-Gold-14K-NIB-Stub-Piston-Filler-/151663938788?hash=item234fe00ce4:g:NEMAAOSwPgxVP5eS

 

Also, on their site they had the 14k stub option as well. If it doesn't work on the site just emails them. They do offer it.

Thanks! I may see what I can arrange via email.

 

David

[Precise]

I bought a Dolcevita Federico with Fusion nib F from martemodena on ebay.

It arrived with the tines out of alignment. This is often the case with pens I buy both new and used. After the nib fix, this pen has become a favorite.

 

Dolcevita's are confusing. There are many very different pens with this name. I think mine is not the fattest DV, but the size seems perfect to me.

[freeboy]

Dolce Vita is almost a sub brand with a lot of variety in sizes colors and features....I own two both from MM and both 14k... on the GIANT 14k nib on the oversized, but my Over sized one is not a eyedropper but a screw in CC.

 

Both write well, the Broad is wetter than heck but does not like non wet inks.. if its a dryer ink it coughs and sputter horid... but the correct ink a wet one and its right at the top with my best Visconti or Omas...

 

The Medium nib, an unusual odd special edition DV in the size belew the oversized which is just large came with a problem nib which while not mis-aligned did need some TLC to get better flow.. simple and easy fix and a huge difference in writing experience, almost a m/f nib.... very controlled and precise line...

The other two Deltas have also been good writers.. one Fusion nib.. odd hybrid but a great writer and very wet, and a med Stainles nib that is a m and much like the 14k medium is a good precise writer... not the best, too stiff, but also was like 60 shipped and a very good writer....

If you go the the MM site, not ebay store but the actual site of our Italian brothers, you will find a search feature and can look at every Delta they carry or every
DV etc. In each pen they have specs listed.. enjoy!!!

Edited January 31, 2016 by freeboy

[Precise]

I've come to think Delta delivers great value for the money, but perhaps only if you choose the model wisely. There are Dolcevitas ranging from under $100 to over $500. I now have a DV F and an M from Martemodena. They cost about $125 each. The quality is first rate and they perform flawlessly, which is something I wish I could say for my all my Omas pens.

 

Years ago I bought a Delta Horsepower M from amazon for about $110. It's still the smoothest pen I own. But I started a thread here when it wrote pale for months. It was as if the feed filtered the dye out of the ink. Then one day it started writing properly and has remained perfect.

 

Alan

[freeboy]

Well, IT is a lesson for some in the difference between retail and wholesale pricing.

My Oversize was retailing for between 6-7 hundred, but on a special was under 300 from the Italian mm, not ebay. Same for the Special DV. Then on ebay with a piston fill the Stainless nib Delta non DV, a much smaller pen was shipped for super cheap again through ebay and not the Italian site.

One friend got a 30.00 pen that now would cost me 475$ There is seemingly no rhyme or reason.... many of these pens are still being produced. The site states Delta 2 year warranty

BUT the warranty cards all read lifetime of the original owner, and due to an issue that I was able to address and my confusion I called the US based repair folks handling Delta and they assured my all my Deltas came with a lifetime warranty against defects.

I like my delta.... and at some great pricing its a bonus, I would put the two with the 14 k nibs up against any Factory nib in solid gold from any manufacturer, ie not a Mike tuned nib or another nibmister, those have their own level of perfection !!!

 

 

Its funny how much difference

INK and PAPER make, for instance My DDV Oro Oversize hates dry ink.... spits and coughs and has a fit.... but loves wetter ink and the PR Noodler's and IrushiZuku types that are wet border on too wet .... finding the happy place for each pen is part of the JOY for myself....

 

Nothing but good things for MM as far as I know....

 

Good luck

[Precise]

I would put the two with the 14 k nibs up against any Factory nib in solid gold from any manufacturer

 

 

 

My Dolecevitas have a "Fusion" nib, steel with a patch of gold decoration. I've learned from the super smoothness of these, and my other steel nibbed pens, that a steel nib is as good or better than gold.

 

Gold is a bit easier to tune in the first place. But steel appears to hold its tune better. Well tuned, there is no difference in performance.

 

Alan

[FriendAmos]

 

My Dolecevitas have a "Fusion" nib, steel with a patch of gold decoration. I've learned from the super smoothness of these, and my other steel nibbed pens, that a steel nib is as good or better than gold.

 

Gold is a bit easier to tune in the first place. But steel appears to hold its tune better. Well tuned, there is no difference in performance.

 

Alan

 

Nothing basically wrong with steel. But Delta cleaning up with some bogus chemistry, a tiny piece of gold and some glue?

[colormyalphabet]

I've heard that the federicos have more flimsy and generally cheaper feeling clips. Let me know because I'm on the verge of getting one myself

[Precise]

"I've heard that the federicos have more flimsy and generally cheaper feeling clips. Let me know because I'm on the verge of getting one myself"

 

I have two. They are first rate. Among my best pens.

 

Alan

[Aysedasi]

I've just bought one from Martemodena on Ebay. I was the only bidder at $70. OK, the shipping to the UK was pricey, but I thought I'd risk it. It arrived by DHL in two days. Apart from being staggered at the beauty of the packaging, the pen really is something to behold. Orange and black with a broad 'Fusion' nib. To an English fountain pen user, the nib is more medium/broad, but it writes very smoothly, straight out of the box. I also love the way I can fill the converter via the screw under the blind cap rather than taking off the barrel. I was worried it would turn out to be a smaller pen when it arrived, but no such fears, it's only a tad shorter than my MB149 and therefore a perfect size for me. I love it it and would heartily recommend the seller - top notch!

[FriendAmos]

I've heard that the federicos have more flimsy and generally cheaper feeling clips. Let me know because I'm on the verge of getting one myself

 

Your friends are telling wild stories.

[Aysedasi]

Agreed!

[StrawberryJam]

I got one with a 14k stub from Martemodena. The stub is a little finnicky (might have a case of baby's bottom, but I haven't looked under the loupe yet). The laser engraved pattern on the cap band gives the cap a very precise look. If you are more accustomed to the vermeil overlay of the regular DV line, you might not like it, but it's okay by me.

[bfg]

I've just got my Dolcevita Federico from Martemodena with a red cap. I got the fusion nib because I have one on a Fusion 82 and it is a very smooth writer. So is the one on the Federico. I don't know if the gold piece makes any difference; it's hard to see why it would, but the nib is very smooth, decently wet and came well tuned. I understand that they have made a few adjustments to keep the price down but the pen looks great and is unmistakably a Dolcevita. I got mine on Ebay for well under $100 including shipping. I'm very satisfied.

[Aysedasi]

I've had mine for a little while now and for what I paid, it's a stunning pen. Brilliant nib. I love it.