January 2003

ENGI: It has written on the nib "14K 585 F"; does it mean that the nib is solid 14 k and the size of the nib is Fine?

Yup, that's it. 585/1000 = 14K/24K.

ENGI: Is a 14k nibe better of a 18k for a normal "user"?

Nope, gold content has absolutely nothing to do with "better" or "worse" with respect to general use.

ENGI: I noted that when I write, often the ink (I use Quink Parker) doesn't flow properly from the ink, I mean that when I'm writing, suddendly some letters are OK, while others (for example in the same word) reamin "blank", no ink. Which could be the problem?

This is typical of about half the Viscontis I've written with. Viscontis have problems, and that's fairly common knowledge. I recommend sending the pen to the manufacturer to be repaired. I consider Quink to be the best ink available, so we can rule that out as being a contributing factor. If you want to try a quick fix that may or may not work, try flushing the pen with a 50/50 mix of 409 cleaner and water, do NOT rinse the pen afterwards, then fill with Quink. This may help. 409 is a household cleaner common in the United States and contains wetting agents that help ink to flow more easily inside pens.

Hope this helps,
WJD

http://www.wima.org/industry/i-08nhd.html

Put those pens to good use and write a letter today!

Good Collecting, Sam
http://www.pendemonium.com

We are delighted that Pen World International nominated the Lambrou-Sunami Ichimatsu hand crafted pen, along with three other very notable fountain pens for the BEST ART PEN -- THE MOST NOTABLE ART-INSPRIED PENS OF 2002.

The December/January Pen World magazine has more details on the above and the nominations in the other groups of pens.

The pearl inlay is a special art of Maki-E, first introduced by Platinum in the 1930s. In fact, it is more difficult and requires a higher level of skill than many other forms of hand painted Maki-E work. The particular design of Ichimatsu, created through the fruitful cooperation of the artist, Tatsuya Todo and Classic Pens requires 528 different pieces of blue pearl and white pearl as well as pieces of coral and gold, all accurately cut by hand to the required length, width and thickness. They are hand crafted on a Duofold Centennial to form the specific design and many layers of lacquer are applied during the process of creating Ichimatsu. Every pen in the series of 15 caries the Red Seal signature of the craftsman, Tatsuya Todo.

Please e-mail us if you would like to view images of this beautiful fountain pen. We will be happy to send you a hyperlink.

ClasPenInc@comcast.net

We'll have pens, pencils, lots of inks and the usual assortment of odd and unusual writing things for you to look over. Look forward to seeing you there.

Philly Pen Show: Jan 18-19, Wyndham Franklin Hotel. Check out the show website for details: www.phillypenshow.com

Good Collecting! Sam
www.pendemonium.com

Another aspect to what ink you are going to put in the pen is the timing of when you were informed of the (supposed) ink requirement. If it was after you completed the transaction, even five seconds after, you are relieved from having to adhere to the policy. A contract can not be changed by one party after its completion, and being able to use any widely-available ink in any fountain pen easily passes the legal test of "reasonableness." Attempting to restrict ink selection AFTER the transaction is like being told on your way off the lot with a just-purchaed new automobile that you must use Sunoco gas exclusively. Hope this helps. WJD.

We wish you a Happy and Prosperous 2003.

For your information, Classic Pens has added two additional telephone numbers, one of which is a free phone, details below.

Tel: 1-323-658-7367
Tel: 1-323-839-8628
Tel: 1-877-LAMBROU (free phone)We look forward to being of further service to you.

Classic Pens Incorporated

Sam & Frank
Pendemonium
www.pendemonium.com