Fabulous Fountain Pens - Golden Era classics you can use today!

[RudyN]

I went through my desk drawer and found four older fountain pens. A Stratford and three Wearevers. The Stratford and two of the Wearevers have a metal lever that activates the filler and one Wearever has a pump on the end of the reservoir. Don't have pictures though. These are in addition to my Mont Blanc I bought about 25 years ago.

 

[John in Covina]

We have a number of fountain pen and related items threads in the General Attire and Accoutermants section.

 

[freebird]

Just picked this one up (buy it now) on ebay. Now to wait for its arrival.
Listed as a Parker 51 w/plunger Think I stole this one, roughly 40 dollars with shipping. Did I get a deal or am I a sucker? I did a extremely fast search on the net and found that it is a vacumatic.

 

[Two Gun Bob]

Looks like a Parker "51" Vacumatic-filler in Cedar Blue. It's not a 'Special' as that was aerometric only.

If it's in good working order and not knocked about then you got a very good buy. But being a Vacumatic filler it probably needs the diaphragm replacing by now. This can be done but best sent away as it's a fiddly job and needs tools.

Need to measure the size when you get it, but if it's slightly shorter than the usual 51 it will be a Demi, and in vacumatic filler they were only in production 1947-48. If this is the original cap, the arrow clip would tie in with this as it was reintroduced in 1947.

Just picked this one up (buy it now) on ebay. Now to wait for its arrival.
Listed as a Parker 51 w/plunger Think I stole this one, roughly 40 dollars with shipping. Did I get a deal or am I a sucker? I did a extremely fast search on the net and found that it is a vacumatic.

 

[Edward]

If you really must use cartridges (I only use them for travelling) then the Waterman Phileas is a great starter, it also has a real Art Deco look to it - very good for an inexpensive pen.
Phileas:

Bob, I've been eyeing those myself for a while. I'm a long-time cartridge user... many yars ago I used a "real" fountain pen, but I always seem to run out of ink at the most inconvenient moments without a bottle near me. I'm looking at using converters more, though, as I feel the weight of environmental responsibility weighing down on me for generating so much plastic waste from cartridges!

I have about six pens at present. One is a Harley D branded item, lovely to write with. I think it is one of the Waterman-produced pens, but it only bears the Harley logo. I also have a Waterman in a stainless steel finish - given to me by the boss who doesn't use fountains: he got it paired with a ballpoint as a freebie at a conference. I also have four pens I bought in China on different trips - they're actually fake Mont Blanc, but were purchased solely because I liked them as pens, nothing to do with the branding they illegitimately carry. Actually, I wasn't even aware of the MB name when I first bought them. I've had a few others over the years, but that's what I have at present.

I'm interested in the Phileas model as I'd like to expand my pen collection affordably (I'm interested in them as tools rather than being a pen collector, per se). What's it like to hold? My fake MBs were all bought because they're chunky, hefty, solid (a couple of them actually have brass bodies).... what's the Phileas like on that score? I like a pen I can feel in my jacket pocket...

 

[freebird]

Looks like a Parker "51" Vacumatic-filler in Cedar Blue. It's not a 'Special' as that was aerometric only.

If it's in good working order and not knocked about then you got a very good buy. But being a Vacumatic filler it probably needs the diaphragm replacing by now. This can be done but best sent away as it's a fiddly job and needs tools.

Need to measure the size when you get it, but if it's slightly shorter than the usual 51 it will be a Demi, and in vacumatic filler they were only in production 1947-48. If this is the original cap, the arrow clip would tie in with this as it was reintroduced in 1947.

Actually, someone else asked the seller the size:

"Q: Sir, with the cap on the barrel and securely in place, what is the total length of the pen with cap? 5 inches or less? If more than 5, how much more? Thank you & good luck. Jun-02-08
A: Hi, sorry I didn't have that in the listing. The total length is just about exactly 4-3/4 inches from cap top to bottom of the pen with the cap securely fastened. Hope this helps, and thanks for the inquiry. "

I believe, from what I can find on the net that this is the Demi version.
Now to do some research and find someone who can go over it and repair/replace what's needed.
Thanks,
Tony

 

[John in Covina]

What's it like to hold? My fake MBs were all bought because they're chunky, hefty, solid (a couple of them actually have brass bodies).... what's the Phileas like on that score? I like a pen I can feel in my jacket pocket...

************
It is a plastic body, kind of injection molded so very light weight.

Two other starter type pens I really like are the Lamy Safari or Safari Allstar and the Pilot Knight. A very modern pen that is a fun one is the Rotring Core which you can find as a special or on Ebay. All are good writers as student pens and fairly inexpensive for fountain pens in general.

 

[John in Covina]

Now to do some research and find someone who can go over it and repair/replace what's needed. Thanks, Tony

************
If you can find a copy of Stylus or Pen World magazine. they have all of the usual suspects. A second thing to do is see if there are any local pen shops, ask about repairs on-site (all the old school shops do them) OR ask if there is a local pen club. Often a local club will have several members that are proficient in repairs. If not the members can then make reccomendations.

I am lucky enough to have The Fountain Pen Shop over in Monrovia (California) and the owner is the repair guru, Fred Krinke. Fred is the 3rd generation owner and repair guy, originally they were the FPS of Los Angeles started in the 1920's. I take all of my vintage pens there for repair refurbishing.

 

[freebird]

************
If you can find a copy of Stylus or Pen World magazine. they have all of the usual suspects. A second thing to do is see if there are any local pen shops, ask about repairs on-site (all the old school shops do them) OR ask if there is a local pen club. Often a local club will have several members that are proficient in repairs. If not the members can then make reccomendations.

I am lucky enough to have The Fountain Pen Shop over in Monrovia (California) and the owner is the repair guru, Fred Krinke. Fred is the 3rd generation owner and repair guy, originally they were the FPS of Los Angeles started in the 1920's. I take all of my vintage pens there for repair refurbishing.

Thanks for the heads up! I doubt there are any "local" to me (such is life in rural America-the town where I live is population 1,500 at last count, most of them Amish). But Tulsa or Muskogee might accidentally have a pen shop.

 

[Two Gun Bob]

Looks like it is a Demi then. No significant difference, just slightly shorter than the standard pen.

If you need any repairs, I recommend you put a call out for Lex Villines, a highly talented amateur repairman, via the Pentrace message board. I expect he will be able to see to any necessary work rather more cheaply than a shop or professional repairer. See: http://www.pentrace.net

Chances are it will need a good clean and the diaphragm replacing if it has not been used for years. Nothing else should be necessary if the nib is in good order.

Actually, someone else asked the seller the size:

"Q: Sir, with the cap on the barrel and securely in place, what is the total length of the pen with cap? 5 inches or less? If more than 5, how much more? Thank you & good luck. Jun-02-08
A: Hi, sorry I didn't have that in the listing. The total length is just about exactly 4-3/4 inches from cap top to bottom of the pen with the cap securely fastened. Hope this helps, and thanks for the inquiry. "

I believe, from what I can find on the net that this is the Demi version.
Now to do some research and find someone who can go over it and repair/replace what's needed.
Thanks,
Tony

 

[freebird]

Looks like it is a Demi then. No significant difference, just slightly shorter than the standard pen.

If you need any repairs, I recommend you put a call out for Lex Villines, a highly talented amateur repairman, via the Pentrace message board. I expect he will be able to see to any necessary work rather more cheaply than a shop or professional repairer. See: http://www.pentrace.net

Chances are it will need a good clean and the diaphragm replacing if it has not been used for years. Nothing else should be necessary if the nib is in good order.

Thank you, I will see if I can track him down. I'm continually amazed at how helpful the members of FL are. If I can ever be of assistance, I will be glad to help.
Tony

 

[John in Covina]

What is the greatest joy?

During the course of everyday life, the greatest joy outside of special events like marrige and births, is the joy of sharing. When a person finds another person with similar interests it is sharing information and experiences that make for the joys of life. That is why so often at the lounge you can get such great info and insights from your fellow members. Sometimes life doesn't have to be a competition.

 

[freebird]

During the course of everyday life, the greatest joy outside of special events like marrige and births, is the joy of sharing. When a person finds another person with similar interests it is sharing information and experiences that make for the joys of life. That is why so often at the lounge you can get such great info and insights from your fellow members. Sometimes life doesn't have to be a competition.

This is true, it reminds me of a movie quote: Think it was something like "Slow down, it makes for a more harmonious outcome"....it was in the Tom Selleck western "Crossfire Trail". Basically, slow down, take it easy, life's too short. I am glad there are others out there who believe this, seems likethe other group of folks, who believe that life is a competition, "the one with the most toys wins" or "keeping up with the Jones'" philosopy are noticed more than those who believe as we do.

 

[JohnnyGringo]

Originally posted by John in Covina
During the course of everyday life, the greatest joy outside of special events like marrige and births, is the joy of sharing. When a person finds another person with similar interests it is sharing information and experiences that make for the joys of life. That is why so often at the lounge you can get such great info and insights from your fellow members. Sometimes life doesn't have to be a competition.

This is beautifully written and I couldn't agree anymore, BRAVO, JOHN!

 

[John in Covina]

Pelikan over Montblanc.

Modern Montblancs aren't anywhere near worth the asking price. Most users complain of skipping, poor feed and poor construction - Montblanc responds by blaming the users. If you must own a Montblanc, stick with their vintage lines, up to 1960 or so.

***************
The saying in Europe is: "Instead of buying a Montblanc, buy a Pelikan instead and with the money you saved you can take your friends to dinner."

 

[Two Gun Bob]

Well said, John.

I have not been a member of this forum for very long, but clearly The Fedora Lounge is a great place to meet in good fellowship and friendship with those who hold a common interest in the Golden Era and all things vintage.

I am sure the benevolent spirit of Humphrey Bogart is looking down upon us with considerable pleasure at the thought that the best of his world lives on in our hearts.

During the course of everyday life, the greatest joy outside of special events like marrige and births, is the joy of sharing. When a person finds another person with similar interests it is sharing information and experiences that make for the joys of life. That is why so often at the lounge you can get such great info and insights from your fellow members. Sometimes life doesn't have to be a competition.

 

[Two Gun Bob]

I love Pelikans, but I always say "Instead of buying a Montblanc, buy a vintage Parker "51", some new hats, a trench coat, and with the money saved STILL take your friends out to dinner." lol

***************
The saying in Europe is: "Instead of buying a Montblanc, buy a Pelikan instead and with the money you saved you can take your friends to dinner."

 

[DerMann]

Pens and inks currently in my possession:

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/4426/pens3ds9.jpg

The pen on the far right is freebird's Parkston and I am restoring it for him.

 

[John in Covina]

That's a table top of treasure!

 

[Mike K.]

Any of you fountain pen lovers planning on attending this years Queen Mary event?

We're looking to have a number of show & tell, demonstration, etc. sorts of activities. Perhaps a showcase of your collection, demos for filling & cleaning, maybe even a tutorial on writing in classic Spencerian script. Anyone interested?