Fountain pens on eBay

I think I bought my first fountain pen when I was in second grade. Ever since I've usually had at least one laying about somewhere, usually in disrepair. About ten years ago I got interested in using them again, and in the course of five years or so, ended up with about eight contemporary pens from European makers.

Just recently I started buying vintage pens off eBay, those from before 1950. I also started applying my razor restoring experience to what is mainly another piece of plastic and some speciality metal.

-- First, there are a lot more pen-people than there are razor-people.
-- Second, almost all the bidding on a desirable pen is done in the closing ten seconds of the auction.
-- Third, pens that need the least bit of repair or restoration are pretty much shunned.
-- Fourth, you get the same tea-cup-dealers making dumb claims about the worth of a pen they are selling, just like they do with razors.

While away early this evening, I won a 1925 Shaeffer Titan fountain pen in great shape for a surprising $113. They usually are in the $200-$250 range.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...25Sheaffer.jpg

Then, later in the evening, I ran across a poorly worded ad by a generalist antique dealer showing a picture of, would you believe, the same model and color as the first pen. The only difference was it was dirty and unpolished, plus it needed to have its ink sac replaced, about a ten minute job. My winning bid on razor #2 -- $18.48 ....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...er-Titan-2.jpg

I think this pen thing is going to turn out OK, LOL

There is just something cool about signing your name with real ink......lol. Nice Pen!! Lynn

I have never really learned the proper way to use a fountain pen so ...

Is there a benefit to using a "blotter" when using a fountain pen? Optional or required?

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Originally Posted by randydance062449

I have never really learned the proper way to use a fountain pen so ...

Is there a benefit to using a "blotter" when using a fountain pen? Optional or required?

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Some pens (or inks) leave a wetter line than others. Rather than wait for the check to dry before stuffing it in the payment envelope to the Harley dealer, use a blotter to absorb the excess ink without smearing the writing.

Blotters are historically flat, such as on the writing pad of an old desk set, or strips inserted in a rocking horse thingy you grab and roll over the check, or signature, or whatever. Blotters used to be given away printed with advertising on them, and are a collectible today.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...ter_holder.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...blotter_ad.jpg

Thanks David. :)

I think I just scored a major coupe ..... eBay 7165410859 A RICHARD HENNESSY PESENTATION PEN SET

This was listed in category: Collectables > Advertising > Distillery/ Spirits

It was NOT listed in category: Collectibles > Pens & Writing Instruments > Pens > Fountain

Because of that, for $28.45 (delivered) in converted £GBP, I think I just bought a premium, MINT Italian-made pen worth $100-$400 (maybe more!):

Completed eBay Omas pen auctions

That's sort of like snarfing-up a NOS-MINT Wonderedge for $30 at a yard-sale, LOL

Go to any of the pen shows? I have gone to the LA pen Show the last 2 years. It is on Valentines day weekend in Feb. Cool time good stuff and much fun. Iama lae 20's to early 30's Parker Duofold fan. I have 2 Senoirs, 3 Junoirs, a Ladies and a vest pocket Duofold. My big red senior is a daily writer. I have a mix of about 2 vintage pens to one new pen.

One of the amaizing things to me is how good the Lamy Safari's write. These are new pens that range about $20-25 at the store and they write great. Plus the Lamy ink cartridge dark blue is a great blue, just classic.

I have the FOuntain Pen Shop of Monrovia (formerly LA) is a 15 minute ride. The owner is the son and nephew of the original owners from the 1920's. He has done all of the work I have needed for the vintage restorations.

Right now he has New Old Stock Golden Rule fountain Pens from the 1920's with a variety of nibs for $75. They look like slender Parker big reds but with a lever filler.

Best wishes,

John in Covina

A few pics of the Limited Edition "Richard Hennessy" 2001 OMAS Ogiva I stumbled across on eBay a couple of weeks ago. The outer metal is rhodium over brass. The medium nib is 18K gold with a rhodium wash and tip. There is additional engraving on the cap band to match the presentation box plate. Length, 5.75 inches. Diameter .580 inches at the cap. Oh yea, it's never been inked!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...asRH-Plate.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...H-Interior.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...sRH-PenCap.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...er-CapBack.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...b-WarAxArm.jpg

:P

Man that is a sharp looking pen. I have always wanted a fountain pen just not sure where to start.

Where to start? Good question, first I'd go to some of the fountain pen stores and check on line. Get a copy of Pen World international and also Stylus and visit any web sites listed. Next see if there is any pens that float your boat. If you are looking for a great inexpensive new pen , I say try a LAMY Safari Allstar. You'll need to try thenm to see if you want F/M/B fine medium or bold nib. You can get them for between $25-35 and a few bucks more maybe get a converter. It uses the long International ink cartridges but a converter will let you use bottled ink. In blue the dark blue Lamy in the cartridge is nice and in the bottle i suggest Namiki. Of all the bottled ink surprisingly Montblanc is consider to be crappy and likely to clog. Colors are all up to you, with private reserve inks you can mix your own colors.

If you can check some of the various books on Vintage, I love Parker Duofold Seniors from the late 20' to early 30's also the Juniors.

Then it's all up for grabs.

John in Covina

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Originally Posted by eggman

Man that is a sharp looking pen. I have always wanted a fountain pen just not sure where to start.

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Fortunately, I had a number of years experience fixing up and reselling old razors. That allowed me a methodology to keep the run-away, pen-buying down. I've still made a few pricing mistakes, but not big ones, and *that* learning curve is getting *real* short. There is a huge range of pricing with modern pens. Prices are very negotiable except for the just-emerging, collectible pens from artsy makers ...... but after a number of years, most will again become available at reasonable prices.

I can't emphasize enough the importance, both in razors and pens, to buy what you like and avoid any buffalo stampede, mass buying frenzies. Do some homework. Run searches on eBay of completed sales and see if there is any pricing pattern. If a really, really good-looking item is priced way under recent sales, ask yourself, "Why?" If an ordinary looking item is priced way high, ask yourself, "Why?" Avoid bidding wars.

Isn't that logo-like arm wielding a battle ax really wicked on the OMAS nib ? *That's* what I mean about buying something you like ....

That's excellent advice David!
I thought buy razors could be tough on eBay but Pen's Wow !!!
I haven't bought a fountain pen in years but have always loved the way they write, got a couple somewhere...must find them.
Takes me back to when I was at primary school in NSW, the government till issued nib pens and there were ink wells in our school desks. The ink came as powder little paper envelopes that were then poured into a stone ink bottle and mixed with water. I bet those ink bottle would be worth something today.
:!:

Hey David, Nice looking gear! You remind me of my first fountain pen experience. I was five or six years old at the time, visiting my Grandparents in Colorado. My Grandfather had a Rexall drugstore ( in downtown Brush ), and I was told I could pick something out for myself. I just couldn’t resist that fountain pen. I don’t recall the brand, but I remember it came with plastic barrels full of the ink. Within a day or so I managed to destroy the nib, and get ink all over the place, including myself. To this day I haven’t bothered with them. But I must say, the pens in your pictures are lovely. Thanks for sharing. Tim

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Originally Posted by bones59

Hey David, Nice looking gear! You remind me of my first fountain pen experience. I was five or six years old at the time, visiting my Grandparents in Colorado. My Grandfather had a Rexall drugstore ( in downtown Brush ), and I was told I could pick something out for myself. I just couldn’t resist that fountain pen. I don’t recall the brand, but I remember it came with plastic barrels full of the ink. Within a day or so I managed to destroy the nib, and get ink all over the place, including myself. To this day I haven’t bothered with them. But I must say, the pens in your pictures are lovely. Thanks for sharing. Tim

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Is that sort of hand-eye coordination still a problem? If not, why not indulge and start off with something on a small scale? Even the high-end designer pens today offer cartridge models ....

Have you ever heard of these guys?

http://www.yichengtrading.com/

I don't know anything about pens. I like them, but I don't know one from another other than some look better than others.

I saw some slick looking pens on this site. The enamel ones were very interesting. You have to do a lot of navigation just to see what he has. On one of his pages he has a high price for a particular pen, and on another, the same pen is cheap. Could be that the site is just not organized well and updates become overwhelming. Anyway, he has a large variety to choose from.

Any of his pens worth buying :?:

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If not, why not indulge and start off with something on a small scale?

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Hummm perhaps :?: :idea:

Thanks johntopdog and uthed. I have been looking around alittle bit and really like the look of the Lamy allstar safari. But I think I might have a problem. I am lefthanded. I found a few lefthanded pens. Does this really make a diference? Should I buy a LH fountain pen or a reg pen just to see if I like them?

The problem with being lefty is:

If you drag your hand across the fresh ink and smear it. If you do drag your hand on the paper, you have problems as few inks dry quick enough to prevent smearing.

HOWEVER If you write with a lifted hand, off the paper it should be no problem and the regular F/M/B nib will work since it is a ball in shape, so identical or mirror image on each side.

OR Learn to write, right, that is right handed?

Specific left hand Italic or stub nibs tend to be pricy.

John in Covina

Thanks John. There are some LH lamy pens on ebay that are the same price as the standard ones. But I think I will look at the standard pens.

I have always been partial to the Old Schaefer's and Pelikan's. They seem to write really nice and aren't too expensive. Wish I could repair the old bladders though. Love seeing a signature in real ink. Lynn

The old bladders are being made and can be easily replaced, I believe they use a type of shellac as the glue. I have had many replaced by my local shop. The Fountain Pen Shop of Monrovia.

John in Covina

Fountain pen question...

Let's say the pen has fresh ink and is writing just fine. Then it is stored with the cap on and tip up. It is not used for several days, weeks, yada.

When you go to use it again, it doesn't want to write. How do you get it going again?

I'm assuming that tapping the tip of the pen on the paper with wood chopping force is not one of the better ways to address the problem :?:

Well what I used to do was turn the pen over and drag the nib backwards on a piece of paper with light pressure, that worked for me but then i'm no expert on fountain pens and i'm sure someone has a better idea.
John

Rinse the pen nib and feed sections under cold to cool water. A running tap is fine. This will rinse away any drybits and bring the new ink from the interior to the nib. Never use hot or warm water as it will re-form the feed section changing the adjustment.

John in Covina

Lynn, I bought 2 older Schaefers a couple weeks ago off ebay. to fill the pens you unscrew the plunger from the back of the pen and pull straight up. Like a antinea on a portable radio. One has a 14K nib and looked like it was in great shape so I got some schaefers black ink and put some in it. Man what a great writing pen. I really like the older fountain pens and will buy more to use. Thanks to everyone who posted in this thread and got me to try one of these pens. I think I am hooked on these two.

If anyone is still interested, I am listing fountain pens I've fixed up on eBay under my ID there, "daviduthe". In the beginning, my advice is to stick to the big four: Sheaffer, Parker, Waterman, and Wahl-Eversharp. Just make sure they're in working condition, unless you fancy getting into pen restoration, too.

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Originally Posted by urleebird

Fountain pen question...

Let's say the pen has fresh ink and is writing just fine. Then it is stored with the cap on and tip up. It is not used for several days, weeks, yada.

When you go to use it again, it doesn't want to write. How do you get it going again?

I'm assuming that tapping the tip of the pen on the paper with wood chopping force is not one of the better ways to address the problem :?:

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Dip the tip of the nib very briefly in a glass of plain water and it ought to start flowing easily .....

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Originally Posted by eggman

Lynn, I bought 2 older Schaefers a couple weeks ago off ebay. to fill the pens you unscrew the plunger from the back of the pen and pull straight up. Like a antinea on a portable radio. One has a 14K nib and looked like it was in great shape so I got some schaefers black ink and put some in it. Man what a great writing pen. I really like the older fountain pens and will buy more to use. Thanks to everyone who posted in this thread and got me to try one of these pens. I think I am hooked on these two.

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With the Sheaffers, there are two sorts of plungers and they both work the same way. The older sort has a dark, coat-hanger-like wire connecting the end-cap to the barrel assembly. The newer sort has a shiny metal tube. To fill, unscrew the end-cap and pull out the plunger BEFORE you put the nib in the ink. When the plunger is out, put the nib under the surface of the ink and push the plunger back in smartly, once. Wait about 8-10 seconds, then screw the end-cap in place. Wipe the nib with a paper towel and you're good to go.

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Originally Posted by eggman

Thanks John. There are some LH lamy pens on ebay that are the same price as the standard ones. But I think I will look at the standard pens.

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I'm left-handed also. There is a nice Web page about fountain pen technique options at http://www.nibs.com/Left-hand%20writers.htm

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Originally Posted by urleebird

Have you ever heard of these guys?

http://www.yichengtrading.com/

I don't know anything about pens. I like them, but I don't know one from another other than some look better than others.

I saw some slick looking pens on this site. The enamel ones were very interesting. You have to do a lot of navigation just to see what he has. On one of his pages he has a high price for a particular pen, and on another, the same pen is cheap. Could be that the site is just not organized well and updates become overwhelming. Anyway, he has a large variety to choose from.

Any of his pens worth buying :?:

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Japanese pens are of high quality and the vintage ones are highly sought after, such as Sailor or Pilot-Namiki. The Chinese pens on the site you posted are not of that level of quality, but they are new and are cheap to buy because of Chinese labor costs. Most of their designs are knock-offs of earlier Western and Japanese designs. But, give 'em five years ....

On a separate note, I scored a $200 street-value Japanese fountain pen on eBay yesterday for about $80 mainly because the lady that listed it misspelled the maker's name, so all the automatic buyer-searches on that name never got triggered and the main bidders weren't around .... WooHoo ....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...miki52_1_b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...miki9f_1_b.jpg

Yes! .... Got it yesterday in the mail ..... it's even got a bit of flex to the nib!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...d/Namiki-5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...d/Namiki-3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...d/Namiki-9.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...d/Namiki-7.jpg

That sure is one nice pen. Sounds like you got it for a steal. If it writes as good as it looks it should be a excelant pen.

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Originally Posted by eggman

That sure is one nice pen. Sounds like you got it for a steal. If it writes as good as it looks it should be a excelant pen.

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I *almost* felt sorry for the girl who sold it. It was a gift from her fiance' .... well, NOT that sorry ;) It's a great writer!