Do you use a fountain pen?
Discussion
Robbo 27 said:
Pen arrived yesterday
1946 Parker Vacumatic with an extra fine nib.
Parker Vacumatics were made in a number of different sizes from the early 30s to around 1953, this one is the Standard Streamline at 5.25 inches. They have an unusual filling system, there is a blind cap at the end of the pen with a plunger which presses down on a diaphragm, as it is released a vacuum is created which draws ink into the chamber.
This pen is now over 70 years old and works just as well as the day it was bought, it really does not look its age.
The Parker Duofold also has this filling system.1946 Parker Vacumatic with an extra fine nib.
Parker Vacumatics were made in a number of different sizes from the early 30s to around 1953, this one is the Standard Streamline at 5.25 inches. They have an unusual filling system, there is a blind cap at the end of the pen with a plunger which presses down on a diaphragm, as it is released a vacuum is created which draws ink into the chamber.
This pen is now over 70 years old and works just as well as the day it was bought, it really does not look its age.
Edited by Robbo 27 on Sunday 26th March 07:24
Not fountain pens but I came across these Conway Stewart items recently.
This will be a bit of a long post, so apologies.
I visited my parents over the weekend, and had a bit of a penfest.
First off, my dad gave me his old Sheaffer pen. Just look at the wear and patination on it! Isn't it gorgeous? There is a matching rollerball, which he also gave to me.
He thinks he first started using it in the late 1950's, but I think he is mistaken. Looking online, I think it has to be a Targa which was introduced in 1976. And after some research on http://www.sheaffertarga.com I have narrowed it down to the Matte Black GT 1st Edition Classic (model number 1003) which was produced from 1980-1988. But either way, it is a lovely pen. I haven't inked it up yet, so I can't say how it writes, but the nib looks sound when I look at it with a loupe. It appears to be a cartridge pen with removable converter.
He also gave me another Sheaffer, but doesn't know where it came from or whose it was. Having done my research online, I have narrowed it down to being a Sheaffer Connaisseur Black 2nd Edition (model number 810), being the 2nd Edition because it has Sheaffer stamped on the cap band rather than the clip, and was produced from 1989 to 1996, and has an 18k gold oblique nib. It writes well, although runs a little wet.
Next is an unremarkable green Parker 45 which was my grandmother's, and whose only notable feature is the fact that the system has been worn into an odd shape presumably from years of writing. My mum said I could have it.
What I couldn't have was my grandmother's other pen which is a Parker 51 in deep blue, missing it's clip and cap end, and whose nib is bent right over to the left like a banana through years of use. It writes really beautifully, and my mum writes with it regularly which is why I can't have it.
Another pen they gave me was an old Osmiroid which I had as a kid. It's pretty unremarkable.
There was also a very cheap Parker which had corporate branding on it which was obviously a freebie, and a couple of nondescript unnamed fountain pens that were similarly freebies, and I left those.
Finally, my dad also let me have a look at (and take a picture of) his Mont Blanc pen set. What immediately struck me about it is how heavily its design has influenced the Jinhao X450, and to some extent the X750 (especially the section).
Naturally I can't have his Mont Blanc just yet as he still uses it. But I am sure that one day it will be added to my collection (although obviously I hope that day is a long way off).
So there we go - a nice little collection.
I think I might have to buy a pen case at this rate.
I visited my parents over the weekend, and had a bit of a penfest.
First off, my dad gave me his old Sheaffer pen. Just look at the wear and patination on it! Isn't it gorgeous? There is a matching rollerball, which he also gave to me.
He thinks he first started using it in the late 1950's, but I think he is mistaken. Looking online, I think it has to be a Targa which was introduced in 1976. And after some research on http://www.sheaffertarga.com I have narrowed it down to the Matte Black GT 1st Edition Classic (model number 1003) which was produced from 1980-1988. But either way, it is a lovely pen. I haven't inked it up yet, so I can't say how it writes, but the nib looks sound when I look at it with a loupe. It appears to be a cartridge pen with removable converter.
He also gave me another Sheaffer, but doesn't know where it came from or whose it was. Having done my research online, I have narrowed it down to being a Sheaffer Connaisseur Black 2nd Edition (model number 810), being the 2nd Edition because it has Sheaffer stamped on the cap band rather than the clip, and was produced from 1989 to 1996, and has an 18k gold oblique nib. It writes well, although runs a little wet.
Next is an unremarkable green Parker 45 which was my grandmother's, and whose only notable feature is the fact that the system has been worn into an odd shape presumably from years of writing. My mum said I could have it.
What I couldn't have was my grandmother's other pen which is a Parker 51 in deep blue, missing it's clip and cap end, and whose nib is bent right over to the left like a banana through years of use. It writes really beautifully, and my mum writes with it regularly which is why I can't have it.
Another pen they gave me was an old Osmiroid which I had as a kid. It's pretty unremarkable.
There was also a very cheap Parker which had corporate branding on it which was obviously a freebie, and a couple of nondescript unnamed fountain pens that were similarly freebies, and I left those.
Finally, my dad also let me have a look at (and take a picture of) his Mont Blanc pen set. What immediately struck me about it is how heavily its design has influenced the Jinhao X450, and to some extent the X750 (especially the section).
Naturally I can't have his Mont Blanc just yet as he still uses it. But I am sure that one day it will be added to my collection (although obviously I hope that day is a long way off).
So there we go - a nice little collection.
I think I might have to buy a pen case at this rate.
Edited by ClockworkCupcake on Monday 27th March 22:47
I've just read back through the whole thread, and the Jinhao 126 that AlexC1981 bought caught my eye, so I have just accidentally ordered one on eBay for £1.91 - oops. I went for the black & silver rather than the all silver as I liked it better.
I'm also struck by how much my knowledge has increased from my earliest posts to my latest. This thread has been a fascinating insight into a new world, and I feel like I have found something that I am interested in collecting. I can think of worse things to collect.
Many thanks especially to our resident pen expert Robbo 27
I've also been looking at pen cases. I'm not sure whether to dip my toe in the water with a 12-pen case for £4.28 or go straight a 48-pen case for £10.55
I'm also struck by how much my knowledge has increased from my earliest posts to my latest. This thread has been a fascinating insight into a new world, and I feel like I have found something that I am interested in collecting. I can think of worse things to collect.
Many thanks especially to our resident pen expert Robbo 27
I've also been looking at pen cases. I'm not sure whether to dip my toe in the water with a 12-pen case for £4.28 or go straight a 48-pen case for £10.55
Edited by ClockworkCupcake on Tuesday 28th March 00:42
Sway said:
Don't think there's many Lamy users on here, but I've a half used box of blue Lamy cartridges free to a good home.
Think I've narrowed down my pen choice:
Pelikan M205 Aquamarine with M400 gold nib
Sailor 1911 realo (breaking the budget but shush...)
Pilot Heritage 92 in translucent blue
Or, if I forgo my desire for a piston filler:
Platinum 3776 in Chartres Blue.
Any thoughts on my shortlist? Or indeed any suggestions for where I might be able to see them in the flesh (I'm in the depths of Sussex near Goodwood/Chichester).
Really enjoying this thread!
If you do want a Japanese pen, Try Rakuten. _much cheaper. Japanese pens for the home market tend to be sold without a converter, however the same pen for the Western market will have a converter and be twice the price.Think I've narrowed down my pen choice:
Pelikan M205 Aquamarine with M400 gold nib
Sailor 1911 realo (breaking the budget but shush...)
Pilot Heritage 92 in translucent blue
Or, if I forgo my desire for a piston filler:
Platinum 3776 in Chartres Blue.
Any thoughts on my shortlist? Or indeed any suggestions for where I might be able to see them in the flesh (I'm in the depths of Sussex near Goodwood/Chichester).
Really enjoying this thread!
I just bought a 3776, Chartres Blue for ~ 50 pounds (need to add sales tax 8% and postage) with a soft fine nib. I bought it mainly for the nib. Its a really fine nib, but will flex a little with pressure. The translucent plastic is really cool, however, molding lines are still visible on the section.
The Japanese sales tax will be increased to 10 % on 01/04/17. Not sure why they charge a sales tax when it is exported but its listed as a handling fee.
wong said:
If you do want a Japanese pen, Try Rakuten. _much cheaper. Japanese pens for the home market tend to be sold without a converter, however the same pen for the Western market will have a converter and be twice the price.
I just bought a 3776, Chartres Blue for ~ 50 pounds (need to add sales tax 8% and postage) with a soft fine nib. I bought it mainly for the nib. Its a really fine nib, but will flex a little with pressure. The translucent plastic is really cool, however, molding lines are still visible on the section.
The Japanese sales tax will be increased to 10 % on 01/04/17. Not sure why they charge a sales tax when it is exported but its listed as a handling fee.
There is a potential charge from HMRC to pay VAT on imported goods from outside the EU and also Royal Mail may charge their handling fee of £10. You may be lucky and avoid being charged however. I havent done the maths on whether it is still worthwhile.I just bought a 3776, Chartres Blue for ~ 50 pounds (need to add sales tax 8% and postage) with a soft fine nib. I bought it mainly for the nib. Its a really fine nib, but will flex a little with pressure. The translucent plastic is really cool, however, molding lines are still visible on the section.
The Japanese sales tax will be increased to 10 % on 01/04/17. Not sure why they charge a sales tax when it is exported but its listed as a handling fee.
wong said:
If you do want a Japanese pen, Try Rakuten. _much cheaper.
Rakuten is great. I bought my Cocoon and ink off a seller called "Voice" on there and can recommend him. I'm also trying a trial order (a bottle of sailor jentle ink) from j-subculture.com, who appear to have a good reputation.
ClockworkCupcake said:
This will be a bit of a long post, so apologies.
I visited my parents over the weekend, and had a bit of a penfest.
First off, my dad gave me his old Sheaffer pen. Just look at the wear and patination on it! Isn't it gorgeous? There is a matching rollerball, which he also gave to me.
He thinks he first started using it in the late 1950's, but I think he is mistaken. Looking online, I think it has to be a Targa which was introduced in 1976. And after some research on http://www.sheaffertarga.com I have narrowed it down to the Matte Black GT 1st Edition Classic (model number 1003) which was produced from 1980-1988. But either way, it is a lovely pen. I haven't inked it up yet, so I can't say how it writes, but the nib looks sound when I look at it with a loupe. It appears to be a cartridge pen with removable converter.
He also gave me another Sheaffer, but doesn't know where it came from or whose it was. Having done my research online, I have narrowed it down to being a Sheaffer Connaisseur Black 2nd Edition (model number 810), being the 2nd Edition because it has Sheaffer stamped on the cap band rather than the clip, and was produced from 1989 to 1996, and has an 18k gold oblique nib. It writes well, although runs a little wet.
Next is an unremarkable green Parker 45 which was my grandmother's, and whose only notable feature is the fact that the system has been worn into an odd shape presumably from years of writing. My mum said I could have it.
[
What I couldn't have was my grandmother's other pen which is a Parker 51 in deep blue, missing it's clip and cap end, and whose nib is bent right over to the left like a banana through years of use. It writes really beautifully, and my mum writes with it regularly which is why I can't have it.
Another pen they gave me was an old Osmiroid which I had as a kid. It's pretty unremarkable.
There was also a very cheap Parker which had corporate branding on it which was obviously a freebie, and a couple of nondescript unnamed fountain pens that were similarly freebies, and I left those.
Finally, my dad also let me have a look at (and take a picture of) his Mont Blanc pen set. What immediately struck me about it is how heavily its design has influenced the Jinhao X450, and to some extent the X750 (especially the section).
Naturally I can't have his Mont Blanc just yet as he still uses it. But I am sure that one day it will be added to my collection (although obviously I hope that day is a long way off).
So there we go - a nice little collection.
I think I might have to buy a pen case at this rate.
Great post - thank you.I visited my parents over the weekend, and had a bit of a penfest.
First off, my dad gave me his old Sheaffer pen. Just look at the wear and patination on it! Isn't it gorgeous? There is a matching rollerball, which he also gave to me.
He thinks he first started using it in the late 1950's, but I think he is mistaken. Looking online, I think it has to be a Targa which was introduced in 1976. And after some research on http://www.sheaffertarga.com I have narrowed it down to the Matte Black GT 1st Edition Classic (model number 1003) which was produced from 1980-1988. But either way, it is a lovely pen. I haven't inked it up yet, so I can't say how it writes, but the nib looks sound when I look at it with a loupe. It appears to be a cartridge pen with removable converter.
He also gave me another Sheaffer, but doesn't know where it came from or whose it was. Having done my research online, I have narrowed it down to being a Sheaffer Connaisseur Black 2nd Edition (model number 810), being the 2nd Edition because it has Sheaffer stamped on the cap band rather than the clip, and was produced from 1989 to 1996, and has an 18k gold oblique nib. It writes well, although runs a little wet.
Next is an unremarkable green Parker 45 which was my grandmother's, and whose only notable feature is the fact that the system has been worn into an odd shape presumably from years of writing. My mum said I could have it.
[
What I couldn't have was my grandmother's other pen which is a Parker 51 in deep blue, missing it's clip and cap end, and whose nib is bent right over to the left like a banana through years of use. It writes really beautifully, and my mum writes with it regularly which is why I can't have it.
Another pen they gave me was an old Osmiroid which I had as a kid. It's pretty unremarkable.
There was also a very cheap Parker which had corporate branding on it which was obviously a freebie, and a couple of nondescript unnamed fountain pens that were similarly freebies, and I left those.
Finally, my dad also let me have a look at (and take a picture of) his Mont Blanc pen set. What immediately struck me about it is how heavily its design has influenced the Jinhao X450, and to some extent the X750 (especially the section).
Naturally I can't have his Mont Blanc just yet as he still uses it. But I am sure that one day it will be added to my collection (although obviously I hope that day is a long way off).
So there we go - a nice little collection.
I think I might have to buy a pen case at this rate.
That Sheaffer is amazing. So much wear which means that it is something very special, keep it well away from pen restorers!
The Parker 45 is an unusual colour, the section has shrunk and because of the colour I dont think it can be fixed but if it still works then I would leave it just as it is. The nib unscrews from the section so that you can flush it out. If you need a new nib there are plenty around on eBay.
Your fathers MB looks perfect, I cannot tell from the scale, I think its a 146 which is a perfect size for an MB, the 149 can be too big for some people.
In terms of leather cases, I would buy the large case for use at home and a 2 pen case to take out, as you have a few Sheaffers now I would be happy to send to you this Sheaffer case, please email your address.
Did Mont Blanc make any other "Masterpiece" piston fillers?
The only fountain pen I had before this thread was a medium sized MB piston filler bought ~ 20 years ago. I think its a 146. Its not the 149 size (Its thinner than my Jinhao 159). It has a medium nib which I used for 1 month, then I decided I preferred a finer nib and left it inked up in a cupboard until this thread. I have got round to cleaning out the 20 year old ink in it, but have not inked it up yet.
fpnibs had a Lamy sale, so I have ordered a Safari with all the nibs (EF, F, M, B, 1.1, and 1.9 nibs- they had no 1.5s). They were so cheap, I even had the M and B ground to cursive italics. Should be arriving any day now. When I finally decide what nib I want, I may get the MB nib reground.
The only fountain pen I had before this thread was a medium sized MB piston filler bought ~ 20 years ago. I think its a 146. Its not the 149 size (Its thinner than my Jinhao 159). It has a medium nib which I used for 1 month, then I decided I preferred a finer nib and left it inked up in a cupboard until this thread. I have got round to cleaning out the 20 year old ink in it, but have not inked it up yet.
fpnibs had a Lamy sale, so I have ordered a Safari with all the nibs (EF, F, M, B, 1.1, and 1.9 nibs- they had no 1.5s). They were so cheap, I even had the M and B ground to cursive italics. Should be arriving any day now. When I finally decide what nib I want, I may get the MB nib reground.
wong said:
Did Mont Blanc make any other "Masterpiece" piston fillers?
The only fountain pen I had before this thread was a medium sized MB piston filler bought ~ 20 years ago. I think its a 146. Its not the 149 size (Its thinner than my Jinhao 159). It has a medium nib which I used for 1 month, then I decided I preferred a finer nib and left it inked up in a cupboard until this thread. I have got round to cleaning out the 20 year old ink in it, but have not inked it up yet.
fpnibs had a Lamy sale, so I have ordered a Safari with all the nibs (EF, F, M, B, 1.1, and 1.9 nibs- they had no 1.5s). They were so cheap, I even had the M and B ground to cursive italics. Should be arriving any day now. When I finally decide what nib I want, I may get the MB nib reground.
Montblanc have been making piston filled pens for over 70 years. The most likely MB from 20 years ago will be the 146, it should be 14cm long.The only fountain pen I had before this thread was a medium sized MB piston filler bought ~ 20 years ago. I think its a 146. Its not the 149 size (Its thinner than my Jinhao 159). It has a medium nib which I used for 1 month, then I decided I preferred a finer nib and left it inked up in a cupboard until this thread. I have got round to cleaning out the 20 year old ink in it, but have not inked it up yet.
fpnibs had a Lamy sale, so I have ordered a Safari with all the nibs (EF, F, M, B, 1.1, and 1.9 nibs- they had no 1.5s). They were so cheap, I even had the M and B ground to cursive italics. Should be arriving any day now. When I finally decide what nib I want, I may get the MB nib reground.
The Lamy nibs are very easy to change, I suspect that others may really appreciate seeing the difference in all the nibs in a writing sample - it would be really good if that was possible.
Let me know if you want the name of an expert to regrind the Montblanc nib.
Robbo 27 said:
JiggyJaggy said:
Done anyone know if a Parker Vector rollerball can be used as a fountain pen by just changing the nib? It looks like it is the same screw thread size. Thanks
I havent tried this myself but if the thread pitch is the same then it should be ok, the cap length looks about the same so there shouldnt be an issue in the nib hitting the end of the cap.wong said:
If you do want a Japanese pen, Try Rakuten. _much cheaper. Japanese pens for the home market tend to be sold without a converter, however the same pen for the Western market will have a converter and be twice the price.
I just bought a 3776, Chartres Blue for ~ 50 pounds (need to add sales tax 8% and postage) with a soft fine nib. I bought it mainly for the nib. Its a really fine nib, but will flex a little with pressure. The translucent plastic is really cool, however, molding lines are still visible on the section.
The Japanese sales tax will be increased to 10 % on 01/04/17. Not sure why they charge a sales tax when it is exported but its listed as a handling fee.
Cheers chap.I just bought a 3776, Chartres Blue for ~ 50 pounds (need to add sales tax 8% and postage) with a soft fine nib. I bought it mainly for the nib. Its a really fine nib, but will flex a little with pressure. The translucent plastic is really cool, however, molding lines are still visible on the section.
The Japanese sales tax will be increased to 10 % on 01/04/17. Not sure why they charge a sales tax when it is exported but its listed as a handling fee.
Just had a look, only two listing for the Sailor I really like the look of (1911L Realo piston filler), however I have a mate at work heading to Tokyo in April, so will have a chat with him to see if he'll pick me one up, post me the docs and chuck the pen in his case...
If I could get that for a decent chunk less than a montblanc 146 I'd be a very, very happy chappie!
Robbo 27 said:
That Sheaffer is amazing. So much wear which means that it is something very special, keep it well away from pen restorers!
Absolutely! You can never replace or replicate patina like that, so I will definitely be leaving that well alone! I flushed it out with water last night and let it dry overnight, and have just inked it up with Quink this morning. It flows well and writes very smoothly. I'm absolutely over the moon with it. Robbo 27 said:
The Parker 45 is an unusual colour, the section has shrunk and because of the colour I dont think it can be fixed but if it still works then I would leave it just as it is. The nib unscrews from the section so that you can flush it out. If you need a new nib there are plenty around on eBay.
Since I own two Parker 45 pens already, I don't intend to do anything with this one. I might ink it up just to have a test write with it, but beyond that it will just be one for the collection. Robbo 27 said:
Your fathers MB looks perfect, I cannot tell from the scale, I think its a 146 which is a perfect size for an MB, the 149 can be too big for some people.
Yes, it is absolutely flawless and looks brand new. Scale-wise it is pretty much the same size as a Jinhao X450 or X750 if that helps?Robbo 27 said:
In terms of leather cases, I would buy the large case for use at home and a 2 pen case to take out, as you have a few Sheaffers now I would be happy to send to you this Sheaffer case, please email your address.
That's immensely kind of you - thank you so much! I have sent you an email with my address. JiggyJaggy said:
Robbo 27 said:
JiggyJaggy said:
Done anyone know if a Parker Vector rollerball can be used as a fountain pen by just changing the nib? It looks like it is the same screw thread size. Thanks
I havent tried this myself but if the thread pitch is the same then it should be ok, the cap length looks about the same so there shouldnt be an issue in the nib hitting the end of the cap.http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/2752...
williredale said:
The cap insert is different. See here for instructions on how to remove it:
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/2752...
Great advice and in a small way that has made my day as I have a BA pen where my father worked for 40+ years and wanted to use it as a fountain pen. Thats made my day! http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/2752...
JiggyJaggy said:
williredale said:
The cap insert is different. See here for instructions on how to remove it:
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/2752...
Great advice and in a small way that has made my day as I have a BA pen where my father worked for 40+ years and wanted to use it as a fountain pen. Thats made my day! http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/2752...
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