Thread: 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.


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 ....


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?

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?

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.

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!











: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