Collecting Vintage Fountain Pens: 5 Things To Look For

What's so special about collecting old fountain pens?whirling lines in no particular forms, were based on
The craftsmanship of vintage fountain pens createsfloral motifs. After circa 1903 designs became
the essence of impeccable beauty and exquisitestandardized with patterns resembling sheaves of
artistic value. Owning and using this type of penbamboo, paisley or leaf designs.
revealed that the writer had discriminating taste.5. Presence of precious stones in the design - Pens
Today, the fountain pen is still a status symbol forthat were made in the late 1930's of solid gold and
the ultimate writing experience. It's timeless!studded with diamonds around the crown were made
Would a house designed and built by the famousand presented to heads of state. You will not likely
architect Frank Lloyd Wright stand out if it wasfind these pens on the marketplace.
plucked up and placed in the middle of a mobile homeIf you would like to read up on and research some
park? That answer would be a resounding yes! Why?of the collectibles that you might run across in
Because Mr. Wright's fastidious attention to detail inantique shops, pen shows or the occasional finds
creating structurally unique and classic designs arefrom swap meets, here are a few books that will be
masterpieces in the architectural arena, then and now.helpful:o Fountain Pens: Their History and Art, by
The same theory goes for acknowledging orJonathan Steinbergo Fountain Pens: History and
collecting things you are attracted to and passionateDesign, by Giorgio Dragoni and Gluseppe Ficherao
about.Fountain Pens: Past and Present, Identification and
Like with any collectible, you want to make sure thatValue Guide, by Paul Eranoo Collectible Fountain Pens
all parts are present (cap rings, end pieces, etc.) toby Juan Manuel Manuel Clarko Illustrated Guide to
your fountain pens. Damage to the cap and barrel willAntique Writing Instruments by Stuart Schneider and
affect the value, but can be restored by aGeorge Fischler
professional, albeit costly. Pay attention when lookingOne of the largest and oldest collector organizations
for any non-original parts, particularly the nib. Thein the United States is PCA (Pen Collectors of
inscription on the barrel should usually match theAmerica). This organization maintains the integrity of
inscription on the nib.pen collecting, promotes the use of fountain pens,
The qualities that make fountain pens valuable andencourages and promotes effective education and
sought after are:defines pen collecting as an international hobby.
1. Rarity - Perhaps the rarest finds are the pens thatWriting Equipment Society in the UK is devoted to
you may hear about, but will probably never see.the conservation, study and collection of all types of
Sheaffer made rare pens decorated with beautiful,writing equipment. Fountain pens are only a part of
highly stylized art nouveau swirls.this group's interests. A number of other national,
2. Size - The most desirable pens, in collectingregional and local clubs exist having regularly
terminology are large intricately designed pens. Therescheduled meetings for the pen aficionado.
are some pens based on their beauty. although notThere is a wealth of information on different levels,
as large, are also desirable.teaching you about the principles of collecting a
3. Workmanship - Pens that were decorated withvariety of writing apparatuses and inkwells. The
intricate hand carvings, cupids, tree trunk designs orinformation mentioned above is just a tidbit of
Japanese hand painting known as Maki'e work areresources available to begin your journey into the
typically the centerpiece of any pen collection.fascinating world of collecting fountain pens. Have fun
4. Complexity of artwork - Filigree pens made byand enjoy the historical significance as well as
most companies, where the original designs depictedlucrative benefits such a collection can bring.