Enjoy your visit, and come back often!

June 2001


retractable dip pens
      6/30/2001:  Pen Gordon
  I am seeking persons with knowledge and information about antique retractable dip pens. In particular, I would like to find out more about Barker Bullion Pens, likely made in Birmingham in the 19th Century. I have a retractable dip pen/pencil in fine silver, bas relief design with Barker Bullion nib. I am led to believe this is a small collecting community and I would appreciate any further information I can solicit. Please reply to my E-mail address

For sale or trade Vanishing Point
      6/30/2001:  Mark
  Offered for sale or trade retired Namiki Vanishing Point, like new, medium nib, black/stainless, comes with all boxes/papers. TIA, Mark

Avalon Website
      6/30/2001:  Susan
  Greetings: in addition to our already great prices on new and vintage pens, check the fine jewelry section and the new objets d'art section -- all orders from these two sections of the website will automatically receive a 25% discount on listed price at time of purchase and shipment.

18k Sheaffer pen
      6/30/2001:  ben munsell
  Hello, all. I've been a lurker until now. But, now I need help in identifying this Sheaffer lady's pen. It is 3/8' OD and 3 3/4" long. Marked 18k on barrel and cap. It is not clad and appears to be solid white gold with a slight yellow cast. The only portion that is clad, is the section. The nib is marked 'Sheaffer's, selffilling -2-. The bottom of the cap is marked Sheaffer just above the lip. It appears to have been dipped in the past but not filled because the sack (appears to be original) is still flexible. Images: http://web.infoave.net/~munsellb/closeup18k.jpg http://web.infoave.net/~munsellb/full18k.jpg The question is: When was it made (ca. 1925?), nomenclature of engraving (appears to be by hand), Sheaffer's name for the pen and its market value. thank you, ben

JULY 4TH BLOWOUT
      6/30/2001:  ALLEN GROSS
  Omas 360 High Tech cranberry ballpoints, which are capped and look exactly like a rollerball or fountain pen. Brand new with original boxes and lifetime omas warranty. List price is 250.00, but our price is only 110.00 plus ups shipping. Offer good as long as supply lasts !! Visa, M/C , Discover & Amex accepted. Offer ends 6pm est on 7/4, thanks Allen Gross, Pens Plus

JULY 4TH BLOWOUT
      6/30/2001:  ALLEN GROSS
  Omas 360 High Tech cranberry ballpoints, which are capped and look exactly like a rollerball or fountain pen. Brand new with original boxes and lifetime omas warranty. List price is 250.00, but our price is only 110.00 plus ups shipping. Offer good as long as supply lasts !! Visa, M/C , Discover & Amex accepted. Offer ends 6pm est on 7/4, thanks Allen Gross, Pens Plus

FPs Vintage & Modern Book
      6/29/2001:  Sam - Pendemonium
  Fountain Pens: Vintage and Modern by Andy Lambrou is our June Book Special. This book is out of print. Regular $60, on sale for $40. Special price ends June 30th - full details on this book and many more on our website: http://www.pendemonium.com

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


BLOW OUT SALE - Omas Hi-Tech Paragon ACS
      6/29/2001:  PenstopOnline
  Hi Everyone:

BLOW OUT SALE Omas Hi Tech Paragon ACS fountain pens - new with original packaging consisting of pen, Omas black leather two pen case and refills.

The list price is $375 - Our Price is $149.99 plus shipping while supplies last.
You can see the pen at http:www.penstoponline.com/pub/blk_par_ACS.jpg
Available in x-tra fine, fine, medium and broad 18kt white gold nibs.
Have a great weekend.
Maryann at PenstopOnline

Vintage Sheaffer BP repair question
      6/29/2001:  Randy
  I recently obtained a vintage Sheaffer 14K ball point. I would guess it to be from the 50's. I need a repair person to contact me back channel regarding possible restoration. It has a very large refill that is empty. Also the mechanism that causes the refill to lock down, is not working correctly, and the refill does not stay in the writing position. Thanks, Randy

MB Limited editions
      6/29/2001:  Michelle
  I have a small selection of limited edition Montblanc fountain pens. Dostoevsky, Frederich II, Friederick Schiller, Leonard Bernstein, Marcel Proust . . . Contact me for pricing. Can e-mail pics of all!

Parker Pencil Info
      6/29/2001:  Sam - Pendemonium
  Valerie - Don't worry that you can't load the lead into your Duo pencil, older pencils can be sort of persnicketdy.

First, turn the crown at top, like you were propelling the lead until it stops, you should see a little metal piece poking out the end of the nosecone, old yecky lead may have come out, too.
Now, retract the mechanism all the way back in
Insert a piece of lead into the nosecone (Duos use 1.1mm) until you feel it stop and then give it a little push. You've just engaged the clutch on your pencil and if it's working properly, your lead should now propel and retract easily.

Good Luck! Sam


Retro 51 LE Titanium Pen
      6/28/2001:  Lewis Boggs
  Looking for the Retro 51 Titanium RB Pen, LE, Limited Edition It was Serial numbered 1 - 1951. Willing to buy several Lewis Boggs

His Nibs.com Sheaffer Sale!
      6/28/2001:  Norman Haase
  Greetings, one and all! Announcing the 'First week of Wimbledon, Start of Summer, Happy Vacation, I need the cash now, Sheaffer 20% Sale'!!!!! From now, through the end-of-day on Sunday, July 1st, take 20% off any of the already reduced Sheaffer NOS (new, old stock) pens on the website. This includes all fountain pens, sets, ballpoints, rollerballs -- even the Legacy (which many now refer to as the Legacy 1). Most of the pens are in *very* limited quantity, so first emails received win the prize. I'll try to keep the website updated frequently as to what has sold out. Although NOS, these are fully warranted by Sheaffer, so if you don't see the nib size you want, remember that you can take advantage of Sheaffer's free nib-exchange program by calling 1-800-FINE-PEN. All sales are final on this particular offering, and due to the deep discounts these pens are *not* eligible for the Monthly Special. Here's the main link for the Sheaffer's: http://www.hisnibs.com/sheaffer-top.htm For those of you who don't have Java active on your browsers, or would just prefer to go directly to a particular model, then just follow the appropriate link below: Balance II http://www.hisnibs.com/balance_ii.htm Crest http://www.hisnibs.com/crest.htm Connaisseur http://www.hisnibs.com/connaisseur.htm Fashion http://www.hisnibs.com/fashion.htm Fashion sets http://www.hisnibs.com/fashion_sets.htm Imperial http://www.hisnibs.com/imperials.htm Imperial sets http://www.hisnibs.com/imperial_sets.htm Legacy http://www.hisnibs.com/legacy.htm School http://www.hisnibs.com/school.htm Targa http://www.hisnibs.com/targas.htm Targa sets http://www.hisnibs.com/targa_sets.htm Regards, Norman Haase His Nibs.com www.hisnibs.com

older italic nibs
      6/27/2001:  Trevor Pinkham
  Whilst it is true that italic nibs were not widely popular until the early 1970s, there have always been calligraphers keen on fountain pens. In Britain there was a certain renascence of the letter arts between the Wars. Tho they received little official support, there were certain areas in Wales and Cornwall where local governments actively promoted artistic penmanship; these areas are still rather a Mecca for those of us in the UK seeking vintage fountain pens with italic nibs.

Omas Colorado vs. Parker Vac. Maxima
      6/27/2001:  George Dekin
  Well Claus, if this is the same Colorado you tried to sell on ebay in june '99 or on penbid in jan '01 & again in march '01 would you now consider just one Vac ?

Parker Pencil Info needed
      6/27/2001:  Valerie
  I recently picked up an old parker automatic duofold pencil at an estate sale. It didn't have any lead in it and I can't figure out how to load it. I feel like an idiot here, but if someone could please explain to me how to reload the pencil I would appreciate it. Thank you, Valerie

Hemingway
      6/27/2001:  Jan de Jonge
  Hi, what does the set entail: a FP (medium) plus MP ? Thanks, Jan

Omas Colorado vs. Parker Vac. Maxima
      6/27/2001:  clus holten
  Dear Penlovers, In my collection I have an immensly Rare Omas 'Colorado' double nib fountain pen in black celluloid that I would like to trade towards a Parker Vac. Maxima in red pearl stripe and a Parker Vac. Maxima in blue pearl stripe. Condition must be near mint. thanks, claus

Pilot G2 Refills
      6/26/2001:  Saul Kitchener
  The Pilot G2 Gel refills are the best you can buy. They are far superior to anything else out there. A month ago I bought a package of 15 complete G2 pens for $11.99 at Costco. Mostly Black, but with a few Red & Blue mixed in. That's essentially $.80 each--for the complete pen, not simply a refill. I don't know if they are available at all Costco stores, but I would think so.

watermam & Pilot g2 refills
      6/26/2001:  Arye P
  I love my pens so forgive me if this is sacrilegious but since I write a lot I have found that the Pilot G2 gell ink refills write better than the Watermam refills & fit my Watermam Expert, Hemisphere & Preface like they were made for them. And at about $2.00 for 2 refills vs. $4.00 for 1 Watermam rollerball refill SUCH A DEAL.

a correction
      6/26/2001:  einv
  'modern medium' in my message below ought to read 'modern italic'. sorry about that!

italic nib/ ED sections
      6/26/2001:  einv
  as mentioned by Bob, there are vintage pens with italic nibs. the statement of rarity had to do with the preference of the writing public for chiefly fine and medium nibs. that is why stub parker 51s are also rare to come by for example. literally dozens of nib choices were offered by most pen companies, as will become obvious to anyone who pursues old ads. of these, a substantial portion fall under the italic category. my waterman italic nib does not have a lot of iridium, in fact, in default of a different color below the tip, which betrays a iridium coating, it would be fair to say that these pens have no iridium. other than that they are every bit like a modern medium, and beat those on duofolds (generally acknowledged to be among the best modern italics, see Mottishaw's article) that i also have. coming to the ED question, NONE of the vintage EDs came with O-rings. i never do this, but it was recommended that wax be rubbed on the section threads ere closing. tightly closed, none of my vintage EDs leaks. a rubber gasket is present in the modern recife, but that is one pen i'd never get! when modifying a pen to become an ED (who hasn't done this at least once!) a gasket or O-ring may be added, but this does little good because for the ring to function, there needs to be a precut groove for about a third of the ring to sit in. else putting a ring is useless. some form of tape after filling, applied once around the section (as was once kindly suggested to me) would do a better job.

Jim Hicks' Duofold Centennial post
      6/26/2001:  Andy Rothman
  Hi Jim -- I have the pen you are looking for, new old stock. However, my e-mail to you was returned. Please e-mail me for details about the pen. Thanks. Andy.

Waterman Kultur
      6/26/2001:  Thomas J. Pagonis
  Waterman Kultur is an inexpensive (but not cheap) masterpiece. Unfortunately it is not imported in the States. If you want to see them and eventually buy them, visit http://stores.andale.com/penafosiosismarket or see my ebay auctions at: http://cgi6.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewListedItems&userid=th0mas@hol.gr&include=0&since=-1&sort=2&rows=25 or see my penbid auctions at: http://www.penbid.com/cgi-bin/auctioneer.exe?Action=SellerAuctions&EndDate=05/29/2001&USERID=THPAGONIS&LOT=70331 Thanks

Wanted: Blue Marble Centennial Duofold
      6/26/2001:  Jim Hicks
  I am looking for a marble blue Parker Duofold Centennial, ideally new old stock or in mint condition. Please e-mail me if you have one you are interested in selling or know where I might find one. Thanks.

Thanks! & Q on Eye Dropper
      6/26/2001:  MT
  THANKS to all of you who responded to my flexible italic nib query. Much appreciated. Now to a different question: With eyedropper fountain pens, do they use rubber O-rings (such as in diving flashlights) to prevent the ink from leaking? Or do they simply depend on the threads which are machined very tightly to prevent ink leakage? Given the danger of ink stains, it seems that one would have some kind of rubber O-rings. Curious as I'm thinking of turning a body to function as an eyedropper. Thanks in advance! MT

FS: Montblanc Hemingway
      6/26/2001:  Ricky
  FS: A pair of montblanc hemingway, the fountain pen has M nib. Both pens are used condition under normal wear and tear. No boxes . no papers. Price US$1500 + shipping. Thanks for looking.

Italic nibs
      6/26/2001:  Rod
  Bob: According to John Mottishaw (see the last sentence on the bottom of his "Writing Samples" web page http://www.nibs.com/writing_samples.htm ), "(Note, the absence of the italic tips. They did not show up in any quantity until the 1970's.)" I guess that I forgot about the "in any quantity" portion of that quote. But, if any did exist prior to the 1970's, then they were probably fairly rare. One could also ask whether what was called an Italic nib in 1916 is the same shape as what we now call an Italic nib.

Vintage Flex Italics
      6/26/2001:  Bob Helfrich
  Rod, Not sure where you heard that Italic nibs didn't occur until 1970. Couldn't pull un David Nishimura's list of Specialty Nibs ( probably my quirky computer) but I could get a 1916 Conklin #2 Crescent Filler with a Fione Italic Flex Nib. Here's the URL (for information purposes, not suggesting anyoen buy this pen. http://www.vintagepens.com/catill_Conklin.shtml

Vintage italic nibs?
      6/26/2001:  Rod
  Considering that Italic nibs did not appear until sometime in the 1970's or so, I sincerely doubt that there is such a thing as a Vintage Italic nib, much less a Super Flexible Vintage Italic nib. But, John Mottishaw would probably make one for you if you wanted one. He made me a Pelikan M800 14k Flexible and Sharpened Oblique Medium nib - it is awesome!

flex galore
      6/26/2001:  einv
  i have a flexible italic nib in a #12 ideal eyedropper. it is a true joy to use. in another pen, a wyvern 50 which came with tine iridium missing, i ground a reverse oblique italic flex stub. one of the very best writing experiences. best to pick up a cheapie from eBay and experiment! good shading..

Super flexible italic nibs?
      6/26/2001:  MT
  OK here goes for you pros. Anyone here have italic nibs in super flexible nibs? I assume these would be vintage nibs. My question is whether an italic nib can work if super flexible. Curious about your experiences. This nib will then have the italic form, and also be able to get wider with increasing pressure. Thanks in advance for any comments. Direct e-mail welcome too! TIA, MT

Super flexible italic nibs?
      6/26/2001:  MT
  OK here goes for you pros. Anyone here have italic nibs in super flexible nibs? I assume these would be vintage nibs. My question is whether an italic nib can work if super flexible. Curious about your experiences. This nib will then have the italic form, and also be able to get wider with increasing pressure. Thanks in advance for any comments. Direct e-mail welcome too! TIA, MT

Parker & Sheaffer GALORE
      6/25/2001:  Andreas Lambrou
  Dear Pen Lovers, During the next few weeks we will be offering on E-bay a wide variety of Parker and Sheaffer pens from the 1960s to the 1990s. Almost all in mint condition and usually choice of nib grades. There could be something just for you, so please take some time and occasionally check on our offers -- and prices are great for you. We have 11 pieces listed at present and the group will be constantly expanding. Classic_Pens ebay listings http://cgi6.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewListedItems&userid=Classic_Pens Thank you very much for your time and good luck with your bidding. And of course, any questions, we will be only too pleased to try and answer them back channel or discuss them over the telephone: Los Angeles: (323) 658 7367 (LA time 8:00AM to 8:00 PM). Best wishes, Andreas Lambrou

ZEPPELIN FPs FOR SALE
      6/25/2001:  Alan S. Hirsch
  So, I guess you missed the posting a week or 2 ago. These are great pens. They are long (longer than a 149) and heavy (brass, heavily plated with silver; black laquer on cap--also have a few with blue laq). They have a medium nib that writes nearer to broad. They are MIB. Had an original MSRP of $139. Now $75 delivered, insured to any U.S. address. Have about 5 dozen, and will consider selling the lot--at a good discount. If you're a dealer this could be a good situation. These are high quality pens. Thanks, Alan

PELIKAN GOLF SETS FOR SALE
      6/25/2001:  Alan S. Hirsch
  If you're a golfer...or are looking for a really great gift for someone who is, you must get one of these sets. PELIKAN M800 (med) FP plus a PELIKAN K800 BP. Dark Green with vermeil (gold over ss) golf clubs & ball decor. These are MIB with tees & gold ball marker. This was an LE in the mid-90s--very low production. Original MSRP about $1100. NOW: $325 delivered, insured to any U.S. address. I only have a few sets, and expect them to fly. This is 2/3 or more off list. You will not find them cheaper. Don't miss out on the best writing instruments ever made. Nothing outperforms an M800, and the BP utilizes a Parker Jotter refill, making it one of the best BPs ever. A great set to own or give. Thanks for the read. Alan

specials
      6/25/2001:  oscar braun's
  I have a lot of new specials. Please visit my Web Site: www.onebeagle.com/oscarbraun

For sale
      6/25/2001:  Mark
  Offered for sale Parker Special Edition (made in 1988 for Parker's 100th Anniversary) Big Red/Orange Centennial Duofold Set (fountain pen - medium nib and pencil). Comes in a presentation gift box. It's mint and has all the boxes and papers. Best reasonable offer. TIA, Mark

paging Aaron Forbes
      6/25/2001:  darek
  aaron, please email me...

Pelikan Xuan Wu Asia Limited Edition
      6/25/2001:  PenGallery
  Hello, Greetings from PenGallery, we have 10 pcs. of Pelikan Xuan Wu Asia Limited Edition at an attractive pricing. Please feel free to drop us an e-mail for the pricing. Cheers, Daniel Seow E-Mail : pengallery@visto.com Website: www.pengallery.com

      6/24/2001:  julian
  it is the seller's responsibility for the listed items consignment or not, i agree to that, it is every one's "right" to make mistakes in identifying a pen, i thought that it is an Endura pen at the base, my statement clearly accepted the observations made by several people who were-later on helpful in guiding me on that pen and i thanked them by name , for that, it was very important to me that will be known that information and answers were provided fast to all enquiries and mrSTEPHEN LAM'S recent posting answered that concern of mine.

Info wanted on Waterman Slip Cap
      6/24/2001:  Allan
  I have what I think is a Waterman Mottled Red/Black pen.The nib is a Waterman Ideal #2 with New York Imprint, made 1900 to 1907.( F&S Book Page 14). The feed is solid with two holes in the bottom. There are no markings on the pen body. The odd thing about the pen is the filling system. It is a bar that turns in a complete circle. Inside the pen body is a "U" shaped piece of metal which is part of the bar. When you rotate the bar, the "U" shaped metal piece , being part of the bar also rotates. I guess it must squeeze a bladder if one would be in there.The bar goes through the pen body and seats in a small hole on the opposite side of the pen. The pen itself is cigar shaped, with black ends. It is 4 3/4" long with a hole in the top of the cap. There is no clip on the cap. Any info would be appreciated.

return of sherlock holmes?
      6/24/2001:  einv
  now, i wonder WHOM that familiar voice below (see Homemade Conklin) could belong to. can it be that the rumors were right after all? the sherlock holmes of vintage pens back on this site? if so, high time, and good news indeed!

Pens For Sale
      6/24/2001:  Michael P. Clague
  I have about 250 restored and ready to write fountain pens for sale - I offer a 100 % satisfaction guarantee - I accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards - I also accept Paypal. I will ship Internationally. My list includes Parker, Sheaffer, Watermans, Eversharp, Esterbrook, and many others - You can visit my site at: http://www.ncn.net/~mpcac/

Homemade Conklin
      6/24/2001:  Someone who knows for sure
  Anyone simply looking at the pics of the so called "Conklin" can easily see the old pressure mark made by the original clip ball to the right of the shorter replaced clip. The pen is either a Morrision or Inkograph overlay. Both used the exact same overlay designs. Both used longer ballend clips that would have made the mark from that ball. With the IOG replacement would be an easy one minute job by pulling the inner cap and replacing the clip thru the clip slot. A Morrison uses a riveted clip, so the job would take a couple minutes longer since the slot would have to be cut, althogh at least one of the rivet holes would remain visible under the clip. There is no way this pen was ever a Conklin. Nothing wrong with "home making" such a pen. In this case a pretty pen resulted with some value due to its parts and overall look. But its still a homemade pen.

Reputation
      6/24/2001:  Rod
  I agree with Stephen Lam, but then I usually do. Each sale that a seller makes effects her/his reputation one way or another. It is up to the seller to protect his/her reputation by ensuring that they properly represent that which they offer. A seller does not have the luxury of the excuse of saying "the owner of the item is responsible, because it was a consignment." If your (the seller) name is associated with a sale in any way, then your reputation is also associated with that sale. We may not like hearing these kinds of things, but we utimately pay the price for what people THINK we did. It is my responsiblity to protect my reputation. Be careful out there!

On "Conklin" and consignment sale
      6/24/2001:  Stephen Lam
  Julian has responded at length to the subject first raised by "lurkerman" and then commented by me. I did ask him question and he did answer promptly, although his reply was difficult to decipher because of numerous typos. I was looking in his answers for confirmation that the pen was indeed a Conklin Endura. I would expect, even for a jeweller overlay, to see an Endura lever, and also the telltale Endura lines on the barrels, if not a Conklin mark underneath the overlay. He said that the lever is a plain one and that there is no Conklin mark anywhere on the pen,which was not what I was expecting, hence my comment that "I did not get the confirmation I wanted". My second point, which I want to raise now is that listing a consignment item does not give the seller the excuse of saying "I don't know anything about it". If an item is listed under someone's name, that person has the duty to make sure that sufficient checks should be made on the item. In this case, as an experienced seller of pen, I would have expected him to know about the Endura features I mentioned above. If I were to sell this pen, I would have said that the pen has an unmarked overlay, a Conklin clip and an Endura nib. I would not have listed it as an overlaid Conklin Endura.

CONKLIN ON PEN AND MEN
      6/24/2001:  julian
  i decided to list a few comments here, as the present several bids made it impossible to add comments on the ebay relevant page. ON THE PEN. this pen was consigned to me and presented as a Conklin rubber pen with gold overlay which was custom made for the particular first owner.since then the pen changed several "hands". i had no reason not to believe the consignor and as i clearly listed this is the first time that i see such a pen hence i am making every effort to describe all that i see in full detail. since the listing a number of people,obviously better experts in CONKLIN than myself have expressed various opinions as to the make of this pen.i am not arguing or challenging their opinion. ON SERVICE PROVIDED everybody who emailed me with questions or opinionS received immediate answer, answers to specific questions were provided, invitation was made to ask all other additional questions -IF ANY-when question was asked about the availability of extra scanned pictures i explained that i would need a few days as the pen is in a safe, and comitted to scan if indeed a request will follow not only a question. in one casemy emails returned as they could not be delivered to two emails listed in the email. the posting which stated that "confirmation was not receiveed to the additional questions asked" does not make us justice at all. whether right or wrong on the item ,appears to be a point of disagreement,HOWEVER all people who asked were dully and fast PROVIDED WITH DETAILED ANSWERS. ON GREAT MOMENTS every challenging situation like this one, offers the opportunity for some real people to be guiding, helpful and supportive, i wish to express my deep thanks to the following pen lovers; PEARCE JARVIS, DAVID NISHIMURA,LEE CHAIT, JASON BECHTEL,MIKE "MGDAVA" AND "EMPORIUM-DE". and my thanks are expressed to the PenLovers Bulletin FOR OFFERING THE opportunity to list these comments.

"Fake" Conklin Endura
      6/24/2001:  Lee Chait
  I couldn't tell you a real Conklin from a Pete Kirby but I can tell you I've spent over $100,000 on Parker 75's since 8/98 and the seller of the "Conklin" has sold me a significant number of pens. I've never had a problem in any dealings with him in either the quality of the goods or the communication. I emailed him the comments made on this site and he told me this was a consignment pen he received from the family of the owner.

Fake Conklin overlaid Endura
      6/23/2001:  Stephen Lam
  I too was attracted to the pen listed on eBay. I asked the seller for more information but I did not get the confirmation I wanted. There are additional bids now and I can see names of people who should have known better. I hope they visit this board.

Retro 51 Titanium RB
      6/23/2001:  Alec Boggs
  Want to buy the Reto 51 Titanium Anniversary Pen... only 1951 made, with serial numbers. Original price $35. Willing to pay top dollar, Love Shaeffer FPs but this is my day to day workhorse. Anyone know where I might find one, willing to buy several if price is right

Shaeffer Crests
      6/23/2001:  Alec Boggs
  Looking for Shaeffer Crest FP etc

fake Conklin on eBay
      6/23/2001:  lurkerman
  Just a head's up on a fake Conklin Endura frankenpen on the Bay: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1158605407 It's a Morrison or similar cheap overlay with a Conklin nib and clip added (saw a similar "Conklin" GF combo at Bonham's a while back)

      6/23/2001:  
 

PEN CLOSEOUTS
      6/23/2001:  Allen Gross
  We bought out the inventory of Ancora pens from Yafa, the usa distributor. In stock now: Seinna, Unica and Lusso's - 50% of list price. Also, Omas 360 Fp & Bps in black, yellow and cranberry also 50% off list. Lots of other brands , all at closeout prices. www.pensplus.org, click enter and then closeouts.

pens for sale.
      6/22/2001:  Pearce Jarvis
  I have a few interesting pens and pencils for sale. I have a PFM 1 in black, very nice condition, $150. A Mint Sheaffer snorkel pencil in burgundy, mint in the box with sticker for $30. A Sheaffer black and pearl lifetime ringtop set, pen has two hairlines to the cap, pencil has a bit of shrinkage, $25. A Sheaffer 5-25 in rare apple green, one tiny hairline at edge of cap, $35. I also have several Sheaffer balance pens. One standard in black, one a little smaller in black and pearl, and several of the mini balances in different colours, and some are lifetime models. Email me for any prices or pics.

Penman Ink abroad USA
      6/22/2001:  Real
  I can offer Parker Penman Bott. Ink: Ebony,Emerald,Ruby,Mocha,U$10 each,plus shipping,Maybe I can offer special shipping price for 2 or more bottles order.I am searching about Saphire.Thanks for interest,Real from Chile.

pens for sale
      6/22/2001:  jeff peirce
  For sale: WA Sheaffer LE, lever filler, $200 1924 Esterbrook Relief, 14kt oblique nib, $100 Cross ATX, copper color, broad nib, $30

FS: Parker PENMAN Ink
      6/22/2001:  MT
  FS: Parker Penman INK. 3 Bottles of one each: Sapphire (blue), Ebony (black), Emerald (green). These are widely acknowledged as the most intense inks around. NO longer in production but these are never opened and still fresh. $45 shipped. Thanks. MT

leboeuf
      6/21/2001:  don harvey
  I just bought a black LeBoeuf with a #6 nib. Is there a bar that goes over the sac you press with your thumb? Mine just has an empty chrome tube with a big indentation. It doesn't look like anything goes there but I think it should. All my other leboeufs are lever filled. Also, does anyone have the adress of Leboeuf when pens were made in springfield mass? I'm visiting and thought I might go by for a look.Thank you.

Parker 51 Aerometric For sale
      6/21/2001:  Douglas Vinayak
  Avaialable is a Blue Parker 51, with a stainless steel cap. Aerometric filler. No dings, or any kind of damage. Works and writes well. $55.00. Full refund if not happy with it.

Next SCPCC Meeting
      6/21/2001:  John Maloney
  The next meeting of the Southern California Pen Collectors Club (SCPCC) will be held on July 28 at the home of Michael Khanchalian in Monrovia. SCPCC members will receive their notice in the mail shortly. If you are not a member but would like to attend, E-Mail me for directions or call Fred Krinke at the Fountain Pen Shop at (626) 294-9974. All are welcome.

Omas Ferrari Pen 348 Challege
      6/21/2001:  Michael Landy
  Must Sell to Settle Estate: Brand New (never inked) Omas "348 Challenge" Fountain Pen with Box Papers etc. The 348 Challenge is a reace designed Pen exclusively for owners of the Ferrari 348 Race Car. The Race was concluded October 10, 1993 in Italy. To celebrate this event, Ferrari Omas created this Limited Edition Pen from vegetable resin in the Ferrari RED color with trim in White Gold symbolizing the Chrome Plating on the Race Cars. The Nib and Clip are inscribed with the famous "Ferrari Rampant Horse. The outer box is Ferrari Red and includes the Certificate of Authenticity and Guarantee. The Pen itself is housed in an aluminum cylinder shaped like the titanium torsion bar used in the Formula I Race Car. The edition was limited to 3000 Pens.

Parker 105 GP set.
      6/21/2001:  Roy
  I will sell my Parkers 105 GP set, in new old stock condition, complete box. Please email if you are interested in, thank you.

Silver Montegrappa the Dragon FP
      6/21/2001:  Roy
  For sell Silver Montegrappa the Dragon FP in new condition, complete box, certificate and paper. Please email me if you are interested in, thanks.

Lancaster by Montegrappa FP
      6/21/2001:  Roy
  For sell Lancaster by Montegrappa in new condition, complete box and paper.Please email me if you are interested in, thanks.

Pleikan Toledo M900.
      6/21/2001:  Roy
  I will sell 2 ea. Pelikan Toledo M900 FP in new old stock condition, complete box and paper. Please email me if you are interested in, thanks.

Investing in Collectables
      6/21/2001:  David
  Au contraire my amigos The Franklin Mint happen to manufacture the very highest quality collectable on the planet. Just witness the "Dragon Princess" lovingly injection moulded out of timeless resin and lusciously accented with flourishes of rich 24 Karot embellishments - a testament to good taste and wise acquisition.Yours for the absurdly low price of $1,899.00 in 360 monthly instalments.Limited edition of 500,000 pieces.Quick order yours before the "gold" plate wears off or the resin shatters....wait a minute this sounds suspiciously like a certain German fountain pen...

Investing in Collectables
      6/21/2001:  Richard Rosen
  Glad I had the good sense years ago not to "invest" in the "objects of art" from the Franklin Mint, as many of my close friends did. I suspected then, as I am reaffirmed now, that items sold as collectables, never will be.

Got my Writing Equipment Society LE today
      6/20/2001:  Len Provisor
  Today I received this beautiful pen, available only to members of the WES. A great bargain at only $220. delivered, and the best part is the subscription to WES is only $48/yr and they take U.S. Checks. 200 pens only in this LE, some are still available if you join quickly because Conway Stewart will take back unsold pens. A few are left. Now to the pen. It was MINT IN THE BOX, but I'm a "user". Alongside my other C/S Churchill LE (voted "Best Retro Pen of the Year" by Pen World)both are filled with ink, I can hold and appreciate this work of art. Both have five 18K trim bands, the wide gold band now has my fingerprints for positive identification that it has been touched. The Churchill is a smooth ebonite cartridge/piston-filler, the WES is a lever filler with a magnificent chased pattern true to vintage design. Slightly larger than a Duofold Sr. and a wee bit more heft, this is one serious writing instrument. I opened and used the accompanying Conway Stewart Blue ink, it's the British thing to do with a Conway Stewart, you know. The WES broad nib has a respectable flex, I wouldn't change a thing. I opened and read the accompanying small book of Churchill quotations. I especially liked..."A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." I bent the corner of the page so I could find it again quickly. Others I really liked I underlined in bold red ink, just so someone else 50 years from now will know that Len had a laugh at "Winston, you are drunk!" Winston replying, "and Madam, you are ugly. And tomarrow, I'll be sober, and you will still be ugly." So by tomarrow my friends, I will have known the pleasure of driving these nibs, giving me great satisfaction, instead of always wondering what the pleasure could have been like. To join WES and order your WES LE bargain of the year pen, e-mail Membership Secretary Nigel Harrison at nigel@writesociety.freeserve.co.uk

Pen Conservation II
      6/20/2001:  Mike
  To tell the truth, had I the money to do it, I would use original paint colors, original wallpapers or reproductions thereof. I would certainly not strip original stain off a perfectly preserved table, nor off woodwork in my house. I would not rip open an uncirculated cache of coins for the coins inside for the pop machine. I would not take an uncirculated Micky Mantle rookie card and stick it in the spoke of my bike tire. I would not take a first edition of Gone with the Wind to the park to read under the tree. I would do no less with an unopened Esterbrook dipless desk set or an uninked Meisterstuck. If prizing something unused and unrecreatable makes me crazy or bad, I wear the label with a big smile. To me, it isnt the monetary value of some material artifact that makes it precious, but the scarcity of it. I do agree with Kristen that "limited edition" collectables are absurdities. The whole magic of true collectibles is that the scarcity is naturally achieved. Nobody intended for, say, an Esterbrook to be put on a pedistal. Well, there aint many of them left now, because they were workhorses. The ones left are relative rarities.

to use or not to use
      6/20/2001:  allan
  All things pass,all that lives must die,all that we prize are only lent to us and the time comes when we must surrender it. We are travellers on the same road that leads to the same end.

to use or not to use
      6/20/2001:  allan
  All things pass,all that lives must die,all that we prize are only lent to us and the time comes when we must surrender it. We are travellers on the same road that leads to the same end.

Pen Conservation
      6/20/2001:  Kristi
  Guess Mike might prefer to camp outside his house rather than live in it . Did he reproduce the original colors (complete with lead paint), replace windows exactly as original, never walk on floors since that would cause wear, forbid touching knobs to avoid altering their natural patina, etc??? This discussion is about tools for writing rather than utterly unique works of art. Unless someone is in possession of a signed Mansui Makie pen (in which case I too would regard it as a museum-worthy treasure), I see little merit in thinking one has the Louvre in their pen box. An edition of one hundred or a thousand pens is an artificial method of creating high prices far more than an indication of quality. So I suggest we use pens as the tools they were designed to be.

Pen Conservation
      6/20/2001:  Mike
  When I get to the point where I am dead and am leaving behind my worldly posessions, THEN they can pry my uninked treasures from my cold, dead hand. Until that day comes, my uninked pens will remaind just that: my uninked pens. When I am dead, I will not care about such things. It is at this same time that they can come into my house and paint my woodwork, cover up my crown molding-edged cielings, and break my home up into apartments. See, to me, inking an unsued pen, especially if itis still in its original wrappings, is akin to doing such things to an old house. However, I hope that I would have taught those around me the value of historical preservation. If I have gotten my message across, those prying my uninked pens from my cold dead hands will preserve my historical artifacts for another generation.

MINI-AUCTION
      6/20/2001:  Marvin
  Bid on the pens below at a price over the minimum stated. e-mail your bid for the pen(s) you want. Mini-Auction ends July 1. High bidder gets the pen. 1. Parker Duofold Junior in Red, Pen & Pencil set. Min Bid: $50 (set) 2. Parker Duofold Petite lady's Pen in Manderin Yellow Min Bid: $50 3. Parker Duofold Petite lady's Pen in Red. Min Bid: :$35

final inventory control
      6/20/2001:  einv
  great one, Johnny! greedy grasping relatives or else estate sales agents.. one of them are going to benefit from your eccentricity, and even if the final owner might be a penlover from ebay or estate auction, the fact remains that the person who had them either 'had' them or merely oversaw their possession (which makes me wanna ask such people: why didn't you leave it at the store, where inventory control is more sophisticated!?)

re: use it or...
      6/20/2001:  Waco Johnny D
  Reprinted yet again........

You are 99 years old and on your deathbed. You are surrounded by your greedy relatives, many of whom you haven't seen in years but who've chosen to appear because they've heard you have $25K worth of fountain pens, whatever those might be (handwriting disappeared in 2011, every newborn delivered to its parents with an accompanying Windows CE Palmtop with a coupon for $50 off on the to-be-announced Windows 10.2 upgrade (Service Pack 27)).

Thoughts race through your mind as your breathing labors, the HMO having disconnected your support system after 17.5 minutes of run time, the state-mandated minimum per a recent Supreme Court decision regarding disposal of the elderly to save Social Security, Scalia and Thomas dissenting and the next day damned in the press, as usual, as strict constitutionalists. Your vision is blurred but you're able to identify the faint blue glow of your room's wall-mounted television, the desk lamp from the nurses' station, and through the window the irregularly-spaced squares of light from the office building in the distance -- tired people nearing the end of their 14-hour days, prisoners, their lives slipping away from them hour by hour, one year to the next. You wish you could learn their names, their phone numbers, warn them.

From the hallway you hear the distant and indeciperable chatter of the night staff, punctuated by occasional muffled laughter. You weakly rub the thumb and forefinger of your arthritic right hand together, remembering the comfortable feel of the hard-rubber sections of your favorite pens. And, as if your nose had its own memory, it suddenly recalls the scent of your favorite ink, Waterman Florida Blue.

Overcome not by fear of death but rather by an aching loneliness, you recall one of your most-loyal possessions, the years you spent together, the constant care you gave it, the pride you felt as its owner. Suddenly and with no small measure of horror and loss your last thought is one of the following:

a) "I wish I'd never used my un-inked Patrician."

b) "I wish I'd used my un-inked Patrician."

Depending upon your answer, act accordingly today.


      6/20/2001:  
 

re: Pentel Clickroller
      6/20/2001:  Waco Johnny D
  Check with Fahrney's in DC. They might still have them and may still be offering big discounts on quantity.

Marlen is Sold
      6/19/2001:  Larry
  Sorry about the double post.

      6/19/2001:  Larry
 

Cheap Wine
      6/19/2001:  Will Thorpe
  Life is to short to drink cheap wine and we pass this way but one time. Use your pens, use all of them, enjoy them. Someday someone will enjoy using the pen that you used. Most of them aren't really antiques, most of them aren't even really rare, they are all WRITING instruments. Use them my friends,the next generation may collect palm pilots for all we know!

Parker Notes
      6/19/2001:  Mike
  Greetings! 3 Things this time: 1) On Parker 21s and 51s, what is the difference between just a 21/51 and a 21 or 51 "special?" Removing the barrel of the pen and reading the print on the filler, I find the nomal filling instructions, but where the "Parker 51" logo is, it says "Parker 51 Special" 2) I picked up a Parker 21 set that appears unused. The sleeve says "Parker '21' Custom-Gold Cap" and is stamped "Black Medium." The inner box containing the pens is brown with pink lining, flawed only by a small oil stain in one place a speck of wear on the box corners. The pen does have a gold cap, appears unused (judging by the pristine sac within), and has a price sticker of $10.00. The pencil has a gold top, is in celophane, and is marked 7.50. I am looking to sell this set, so please e-mail me with questions should you wish to purchase it. 3) I have a navy blue Parker Vacfill (blue diamond) whose hood is unsalvagably broken. I want to keep the pen and fix it. Does anyone have a hood for such a pen? I do not know what size the pen is, so I am assuming it is a standard size (too small for a Maxima, too big for a Debutant-if I err on the size names for the pen, forgive me, as Parker pens are not the light in my life that Shaffer and Esterbrook are).

Wahl Skyline Pen
      6/19/2001:  John Maloney
  I found an interesting pen this weekend, a Skyline fountain pen in solid blue plastic with a clip and nib that reads "Wahl". Can anyone provide me with some background on this switch from Eversharp tp Wahl? Approximately what year did this occur, and how long did they use this designation? Thanks for your assistance.

Pentel Clickroller
      6/19/2001:  J.HAL CHEWNING,JR
  Looking for a (some) Pentel Clickrollers. They were a slightly upscale pocket pen. I think they are out of production.

those NOS apples!
      6/19/2001:  cheiron
  YES! ignore those pusillanimous preservationist killjoys: use, consume, enjoy. stuff that can't be used belongs in the dump or a museum, and if museums can't be bothered to collect and preserve pens, why should we have to worry about it?

Marlen For Sale
      6/19/2001:  Larry
  Marlen BVCCVS (Business Size) for sale: blk/orange ebonite, sterling silver trim, 18kt med. nib,piston fill. Like new with original box and papers. (Retail was $340.00). I'm asking $120.00 which includes shipping.

those NOS apples!
      6/19/2001:  einv
  my advice to you as a lover of FPs as fine writing tools and not 3 dimensional pieces of brass, gold and plastic: use them, every single one, every day of your life. that is the best way to let the next generation of FP lovers know what it means to write with these treasures. if you feel you are violating them in some way by subjecting them to the indignity of inking, please remember that the people who once bought similar pens to use them would have cursed the dealer for putting those stickers there much as one curses the supermarket for putting three hard to remove stickers on every single fruit. now curse that dealer remove the sticker, and get on with enjoying the fruit of writing with these pens.

Sheaffer 280 bp cognac weave
      6/19/2001:  Hugh
  Please help. I am trying to locate a Sheaffer Fashion ballpoint #280 color: cognac brown high gloss weave, with gold trim. Thank you.

NOS pens
      6/18/2001:  Owen Northrup
  I have to respond to the ink or not question. I started collecting when I found a Sheaffer touchdown that IS still uninked, I just can't bring myself to even dip it. Last Christmas my wife gave me a Parker 51 set still in the presentation case with the price stickers still on the fountain pen and liquid lead pencil. I would dearly love to use these but then they just wouldn't be the same. Last Saturday I found a nice used 51 and am enjoying it. I have lots of other pens to use but like the 51 and my Phileas best for writing. I have a nice Waterman #3 in black, red ,silver that needs a clip. Does anyone have one or know where I might find one? Thanks

WTB: Older/Used Pelikan M800
      6/18/2001:  MT
  OK gang, any of you have any 14k nibbed Pelikan M800 you'd like to sell? Obviously, used is OK, in fact, preferable. (cheaper) Anyway, if you do, please e-mail me directly. Thanks! MT

HELP!!!
      6/18/2001:  gino
  Can Anyone help me? I just bought a Delta fullsize Dolcevita with a broad nib. It skipped really bad right out of the box. I sent it back and they put another nib on it. It still skips though not as bad. Is it me, the brand, the broad nib, the ink I'm using(aurora? What? Is Delta a good brand? If anyone has info on Delta or what could be the problem,please let me know. Thank You, Gino

Parker compact Jotter
      6/18/2001:  J. Hal Chewning
  Looking for one or more Parker Compact Jotters. They are a slightly smaller version of the everyday Jotter ballpoint. Probably not a collectible. but important to me. Thanks

Parker Challenger clip bis
      6/18/2001:  Veerle
  Hello everybody, Here I am again with my Parker Challenger clip question. It seems that what I would need is a a chrome plated one in the standard "V" shape pattern (no ball at the end). I'm guessing it should be about 1 inch long (3.5 cm). Can anyone help me find this item (sale or trade) ? Thanks for reading this message. All the best from Belgium, Veerle

Miami Pen Show
      6/18/2001:  Craig Bozorth
  Just a few odds and ends..The 8th International Miami pen Show is just about to happen. Our sponsor, Conway Stewart will be giving away a 'Churchill' each public day, July 14&15th and the company owner will be present to answer your questions. For th efirst time we will have an on site pen repair facility headed by Roger Chromwell. Please email Lisa if you have any questions stolifish@aol.com and if you like take a tour of the facility biltmorehotel.com. See you in Coral Gables, Craig and Lisa

Sorry, seems i broke the netikette
      6/18/2001:  Fischier
  ...read the policies AFTER my posting. Now that's clever... /Tony

Mont Blanc 244 grey "Tiges eye" for sale
      6/18/2001:  Fischier
  Only 20 hours remaining on this great pen. http://www.penbid.com/cgi-bin/auctioneer.exe?SiteId=PENBID&Item=73945 Here's a BIG picture: http://www.gp.se/dagl/frames/imgoden/mb144.jpg /Fischier

Duofolds needing to be de-mintified
      6/17/2001:  cheiron
  Have you noticed all the mint and stickered Duofolds selling for so much $$$ on ebay recently? The red hard rubber pen, the permanite set, a striped vacumatic filler, and now a bandless, all boxed with price bands. Let's hope someone with plenty of money is busy buying them up and putting them to use, ha ha

find the tops!
      6/17/2001:  einv
  is the other brother alive still? if so, why not offer a fair price and buy the tops from him? or from whoever bought his estate when he passed on? these pens, from numbering alone, are obviosly sterling silver overlays, and this makes them at once desirable and next to impossible to find matching caps unless you keep looking and are very lucky! if you want to merely use the pens, you could make do with caps from some lesser eyedropper pens or leverfillers of waterman, which are dime a doz on ebay.

Here's hoping and wondereing ...
      6/17/2001:  Stephen Lam
  Aaron, any chance you can get some scans of your pen bodies somewhere for those interested to see whether we can help you ??

Here's hoping...
      6/17/2001:  Sam
  Hey Aaron how much y'all want for the nibs ?

Here's hoping...
      6/17/2001:  Aaron Forbes
  I know this is a long shot but here goes : I recently purchased the estate of a gentleman which included what appear to be some rare fountain pens. The lawyer handling the sale told me that about 20 years ago this guy fell out with his brother & they split everything, including these pens.Here's the rub; they really split everything ! One brother got the tops the other got the bodies. Now this wouldn't be so bad, I guess, if they were regular pens, but the friendly lady at my local antique mall who uses ebay & has a lot of reference books, tells me that the bodies that I have belong to some very valuable pens. Now I could try & immerse myself in the world of pens & try to see if anyone has the tops to them & then buy them etc, or I can appeal to you guys in the hope that we can work together.Of course there is the small possibility that just like I came across the bodies, someone got the tops from the brother,or maybe the brother is still alive, the lawyer couldn't tell me.Anyway these are the pens (according to Fountain Pens of the World by Andreas Lambrou) 1) Waterman No.424 page 29 #5 2) Waterman No.404 page 31 #4 3) Waterman No.404 page 31 #7 4) Waterman No.4521/2V page 37 #6 5) Conklin Stirling page47 #2 6) Parker Stirling page 57 #1 7) Parker Stirling page 57 #4 If anyone can help please contact me & maybe we can put something together.

Challenger Clip
      6/17/2001:  Veerle
  Hi, I recently bought an ebonized pearl Parker Challenger Deluxe. Unfortunately it has got the wrong clip. Has anyone got a matching clip for sale or trade, to make this very nice pen perfect ? Thank you and all the best from Belgium. Veerle

gel pens
      6/17/2001:  Claire
  I need imformation on the uni-ball gel pens at woolworths & whsmith

FS: Omas paragon in medium size
      6/17/2001:  Moses
  FS: Omas Paragon in medium size. Medium gold nib. Burgundy color with all boxes, packaging, papers. $100 shipped. Thanks. Moses

Happy Father's Day
      6/17/2001:  Maryann at PenstopOnline
  Just a short to to wish all the fathers, their fathers and father-in-laws a wonderful and happy Father's Day. Enjoy you day!

FS 51 Set - Reduced Again!
      6/16/2001:  Lou Kidder
  *FOR SALE - Reduced Yet Again!* Parker '51' pen (Vac)/pencil (twist) set; dark blue; nearly perfect coin silver caps (fairly rare?); fine nib. Excellent condition, fully restored, in box. $175 TIA, Lou Kidder lskscs@qwest.net

Parker M.O.P/ Waterman M.O.P. pen?
      6/16/2001:  Pearce Jarvis
  Hello, I could really use some help determining what type of pen I have bought. When buying the pen off of an auction site I thought it was a Waterman, because it had a Waterman cap. When I got the pen I could see no Waterman markings. Recently I saw a Parker auction for a Mother of pearl pen, and the barrel looked exactly the same. There is no name on the pen that I can see, (maybe I am looking in all the wrong places), and the nib is a from a no-name company. If anyone can help me find out what kind of pen I have it would be great. I can send a scan to anyone who wants to help!

Parker 41. Fishnet Cap.
      6/16/2001:  Douglas Vinayak
  For sale Sea Green Parker 41 with a White and glod fish net pattern cap.Very Good condition. Writes well too. 90.00.

For sale Green Parker Vacumatic.
      6/16/2001:  Douglas Vinayak
  Green Pearl Parker Vacumatic available. This one is a blue diamond model, standard size. It is in excellent shape. New diaphram installed. Writes great ! medium point nib. 80.00.

"NEED CASH ADVANCE BEFORE NEXT PAYDAY? "
      6/16/2001:  George Dekin
  Hey "Rich" is that your name or your financial state due to your spamming ? The "Born Yesterday" Bulletin Board went thataway........

Parker pencil
      6/16/2001:  FrodeauxB
I am seeking a Parker Duofold green marble pencil made in the 1990s.

His Nibs.com Father's Day weekend sale
      6/16/2001:  Norman Haase
Greetings, one and all! For those of you who haven't seen it yet, the current issue of Stylophile's online pen magazine has another review of the Hero '329' (this was the model which introduced me to Hero pens): http://www.PenLovers.net/stylophiles/2april2001/june_2001_hero.htm which are available here: http://www.hisnibs.com/'329'_series.htm as well as the Sheaffer School pen: http://www.PenLovers.net/stylophiles/2april2001/june_2001_school.htm which we have here: http://www.hisnibs.com/school.htm Now, for the Father's Day weekend sale, which runs through Sunday, June 17th: 30% off of any of the four models in the Hero '200' series. These pens have 14K fine nibs, and were designed to closely duplicate the famous Parker 75. In fact, several customers have told me over the years that the parts are interchangeable! All Steel -- regularly $45.00, now $31.50. Brushed Steel -- regularly $55.00, now $38.50. Golden Waves -- regularly $95.00, now $66.50. Jadeite & Pearl -- regularly $395.00, now $276.50. http://www.hisnibs.com/'200'_series.htm Also, don't forget to take advantage of the June Special when you make a pen purchase on the website (the sale pen *is* eligible for the June Special): www.hisnibs.com/specials.htm Happy Father's Day!!!!!!! Regards, Norman Haase His Nibs.com www.hisnibs.com

CLOSEOUTS !!
      6/15/2001:  Allen Gross
Just a reminder to those of you that missed my last post, We got in 2 great new closeouts. Omas 360 Fp & BP, celluloids in FP, RB, & BP, Ancora Raveenas, Seinna's, Unica's, Cielo's, Lusso's and more. Most at 50% off list. Check it out at my website under closeouts www.pensplus.org .

Update: 1946 Parker "51" Beechcraft airplane
      6/15/2001:  Len Provisor
Finally, my last pre-production model of the famous Parker "51" Beecraft model is up on my website, the great photography by Dean Tweeddale. This is a limited production for the year 2001 only, the first 100 models only will be Lmited Edition numbered. All the bases will be personally signed by Geoffrey S. Parker, great-grandson of George S. Parker. This model is a solid wood construction, 30 coats of paint and very accurate to the original aircraft model, patterned from original blueprints and Parker family photo archives. Completely hand paint decoration and mounted on a beautiful black wood base. Visit WWW.INKBLOTTERS.COM to view close-up images of this model and also vintage photos showing Mr and Mrs. Kenneth Parker, c1948. The first 100 models are now in production, delivery of these totally hand-crafted models is expected "sometime" in July. Price $250. each plus UPS. Shipping safely world-wide. Half deposit with order, balance when ready to ship. Visa Mastercard Amex U.S. Checks Visit WWW.INKBLOTTERS.COM for more details and complete story on this aircraft that inspired the first Parker "Flighter" fountain pen in 1950.

Esterbrook Nib
      6/15/2001:  Clint
I have purchased an Esty transitional pen with an 8968 nib on it and the logo is in the same script as what is on the barrell. I've never seen one of these before. Anyone know anything about that number nib? Thanks!

Parker 51
      6/15/2001:  nammyung
Yeah, it sounds like whoever "repaired" your pen didn't do a perfect job. I'd take it back to them and ask them to look it over.

re: PARKER 51 PROBLEM!
      6/15/2001:  Waco Johnny D
Since you have provided no specific details WRT "bounce around a lot" I will ignore that part of it for the time being. The 51 is one of the best pens even made, period. Leakage definitely is *not* a characteristic of the 51. I suspect a cracked hood (what you refer to as the "grip) or non-sealed or improperly-sealed hood threads or a missing O-ring.

If the leak is coming from the hood itself, suspect a cracked hood. If the leak is coming from the junction of the hood and the clutch ring, suspect a missing O-ring or badly-sealed hood threads.

If what I've described doesn't match the symptoms, please provide more detail.


use it or...
      6/15/2001:  einv
my instructor who collects cellos told me once that stradivarii, guarnarii, etc are leased out to world class musicians for the duration of their performing life, so that these precious legacies do not fall apart from disuse. more than one well intentioned attempt at restoration simply forgot that veneration apart, the works were meant to be held, used and enjoyed. i'm not sure if many pens would fall apart or deteriorate if not used (like steam engines for example) and certainly a few examples of all the 'great' pens made (the spearheads of our civilization) should survive in special places, like museums. what i don't completely follow is why people should take on the burden and responsibility of preservation; for instance, who would want to own a priceless urn into which nothing can be put, and which can be wrecked by numerous household accidents? besides providing enjoyment to a select few who are 'into' that sort of thing, and attend various meccas to show their well preserved treasures! once again, no slights intended, all personal opinion only. your boat may float differently. and yeah, a mollifying (smile) too!

An Odd End
      6/14/2001:  Rod
Mike: Interesting perspective, but I would be willing to bet that the bottle from Pompeii actually was used to hold something in ancient times. My pens hold ink - I will let the people in the distant future hold them in reverence, while I enjoy writing with mine, as the person who owned the bottle used it to store liquid. Be as flippant as you want - we can all be that way when we want (smile). Enjoy your collection!

PARKER 51 PROBLEM!
      6/14/2001:  WATERMAN02
Hello, I recently bought a Parker 51 form around 1943. It is an extremely nice pen, and I love it allot. When I got it, it did not fill correctly, so I sent it to a repair shop and it came back working perfectly. But now after I fill it up, it sometimes leaks and gets all over the grip, and it also gets in the cap, and keeps going on the grip after I clean it off. So is this a natural occurrence with 51's, or is it because I bounce around allot with the pen? THANK YOU!!!

An Odd and End or Two
      6/14/2001:  Mike
First, I am wondering if anyone has a preferred method for removing adhesive residue from a fountain pen. I bought a fairly rare (transitional model) Esty today for a good price, but the seller had taped the pricetag to the cap. I know there are a variety of products which would remove teh residue-and most would remove part of the pen's finish! I am really not looking to ruina catch like this pen! Ideas are appreciated. Also, I would like to say that I become defensive when someone suggests that I ink my "new old" stock writing utinsils. I saw the argument here that pens were madeto be used, books read, etc. I say that preserving an unused pen-an item designed TO be used-is the point of preserving it. An uninked pen is a very non-renewable resource. I also look at the argument as an antiquitist (my chosen field). I could not imagine using a bottle from ancient Pompeii to store wine in nor a bone needle from jericho to sew a hole in my sock. I understand I am being flippant here, but how many more pristine,unused pens are there out there?

WTB funky old Parker Vacuum-Filler
      6/14/2001:  david I
Greetings: I seek a model or two of the pre-Vacumatic Parker Vacuum Filler. Specifically- the "STUBBY" model in silver-pearl in RINGTOP or CLIPTOP, or the STUBBY model in BLACK in Ringtop only. Those of you who have 'em likely know what is being discussed. I have available for trade a Vacuum Filler Burgundy STubby RINGTOP with some cosmetic imperfections. Happy to discuss price adjustments, etc etc. If have one or more of these available, please give backchannel yell. regards. David

more mint malarky :-)
      6/14/2001:  david i
OK. Lessee if got it straight. 1) Mint should not be used because pens were not minted rather manufactured. 2) mint is fine to use as it implies lack of use similar to how term is used in other hobbies in which minting occurs. 3) Mint Pens are great because they represent the ultimate condition of items that were often used. 4) mint pens are stink-a-roony becuase these *were* items meant to be used, and thus these mint pens never realized their full potential in life. 5) Mint is a discrete grade readily recognizable by one and all. 6) Mint is meaningless since people use it differently within pendom- as in all modern pens are dip tested at factoray or even inked yet still considered mint so what about vintage? ****7****. SO, we are all clear that nothing is clear. This has been most helpful. Personally I recommend all concerned pick up Geoff Berliner's interesting article in recent PenWorld or PENnant which address without rancor some elements which go into whether or not certain vintage pens "should be" used or not. Nice balanced essay. Personally, i have no real gripe with someone who inks up his mint perfect color pen aor with someone who hoards and packrats all his shiny pens. Live and let live. Personally (not that anyone asked) i believe that clearly Vintage Pendom has real room for both MINT-PRESERVED pens and for nice users. No? Regards David

Xuan Xu the final Asian Limited Edition by Pelican for US$1,880
      6/14/2001:  Chris Leung
The final one of the Asian Ltd Edition has just arrived. It is called "Xuan Wu" in Chinese, half turtle half snake creature. The fountain pen is beautiful and the serial number is 298/888 which is again a very good Chinese number meaning easy to get rich. The package is very grand very a wooden box with the Xuan Wu animal engraved on the top of the wooden box. Very difficult to get one, and the pen is brand new in box, fresh from germany, price already inclusive of shipping and insurance cost.

FOR SALE
      6/14/2001:  Anuj Agarwal
I HAVE A RARE COLLECTION OF WILLIAM MITCHELLS PEN NIBS Collection ,which I'am interested to sell.Please email for a scanned image of the same . thanks Anuj

A rose by another name...
      6/14/2001:  Rod
Stephen. I too sometimes wonder who all of these people are and which monickers are duplicates for the same individual. But, I do not think about it too much, unless I am actually going to purchase something. But, since I have never purchased something from soneone whom I do not already know, then I have not had to worry about that one either. Now that I think about it, I do not much care what people call themselves - if they want to be anonymous, then fine. But, if they are doing so for fraudulent purposes, then I would be one of the first to expose them. I always signify myself as 'Rod' (just how many people named Rodney do you know?) but my last name can easily be devined from my e-mail address: ragner@qwest.net Yes, my full name is actually "Rodney David Ragner" but very few people really care. If there were another Rod that posted here, then I would use something else. 20 years ago I was known as "Almighty Rod" but I have learned (sometimes the hard way) just how ordinary we ALL are. But, those who know me would not care what I called myself - they would still know the kind of person that I am...

Fraud Alert - Please Read
      6/13/2001:  Maryann at PenstopOnline
There has been some concerns regarding a recent listing on Ebay for several high end pens, including some vintage high end pens, at well below the market pricing. I noticed this seller, like many of you did, offering limited editions at well below the current market price, all claimed to be new and unused, with boxes and papers.

I received an inquiry from one of my customer who had remembered the images from one of my listings and noticed that this person had used the same pictures in his listings. After looking through all of the pens that this person was offered I found several to be the same exact descriptions and images that had appeared by various other sellers and successfully sold.

I contacted the other sellers who I have a working relationship with and asked them to notify Ebay of the inconsistencies in the current listings and I did the same. My first contact with Ebay was on Monday when I contacted the PowerSellers who asked me to document the situation in wriiting and they would pass it along to the Safe Harbor section and investigate the situation. The other sellers did the same. Nothing happened. I called again yesterday and asked whether or not anything was being done regarding these listings. Again, I was asked to document the situation in writing and submit by concerns. The other sellers were told to do the same thing. Late last night, thoroughly disgusted, I telephone Ebay again, this time not as politely as the other phone calls. This morning, the listings had been removed and the remanents were marked "Fraud Item".

This is not the first time this seller has listed items for sale, and it is not the first time that he has used someone else's pictures for his listings. Each time he has done this it has been with a different name, but the same email address, or similar email address abroad. Incidently, the only way he would complete a transaction was by wire transfer of funds to his bank.

This type of situation happens often in other areas of the auction site. It does not happen regularly in the writing instruments section. Be careful out there. Remember if something seems to be "too good to the true" it probably is.

Happy pen hunting, but use caution. . .

Maryann
PenstopOnline

What's in a name?
      6/13/2001:  Sumi/Kay
Stephen - People who use different names might not be part of a nefarious plot. They could be like me - confused. I occasionally post on other bulletin boards and I never use my first name (I suppose I don't want my ethnicity to be "out there" in cyberspace). But I just went back in the archives and low and behold, I did use my first name on the only occasion I sold a pen via this site. To further confuse the issue, when someone receives an email from me it has my husband's name on the return (I know I can change this, but I'm too lazy). I guess if I were more internet saavy no one would know about my multiple personalities.

mint philosophy
      6/13/2001:  einv
while it is true that 'mint' examples of objects, especially utilitarian objects, have historical value, in my very personal opinion, (OK, now it is $.04!) such examples belong in a museum, along with first pressings of records and guttenberg bible etc. the point being made was simply that a pen was made primarily for writing, just as a book for reading, no matter how pretty as objects they may be. it is of course personal preference as to what one might do with a stradivarius: let a maestro play it, or keep it in a humidity controlled, pest free environ. the masters who crafted those instruments did so hoping for the former result, just as pen companies of yore made pens to be used (unkike the LE plague of today!) and not worshipped on an altar or preserved by millions of collectors in dark dust free places.

What is in a name ?
      6/13/2001:  Stephen Lam
I notice that some penlover posters use their full names. Others use just the first name. A few use a few letters which may or may not be names. Some posters are using different names when they post. Some of them are careful enough as to change the return email addresses as well. Others simply forget to change the return email. It is an interesting exercise reading some of the more interesting posts and then check the return email addresses. When you respond to sell posts, also check that. You may find a seller using different names to post. I wonder why.

re: mint psychology
      6/13/2001:  Rod
Scott, please relax, I doubt that einv intended any insult. Einv, try to consider the perspective of all the different collectors out there. Neither of you is entirely right, nor are either of you completely wrong - this is pretty subjective stuff. Let us first try to not "name call." I agree that calling collectors 'pack rats and hoarders' is not going to endear any of them to you. I also question that collecting "never inked" pens is the best way to preserve the history of fountain pens. When you consider just how many modern pens need to be returned to be fixed before they will write properly, just what are you preserving in a "never inked" pen? If putting ink in a pen ruins it, then that particular pen is not very well designed or constructed and is a very poor choice for preservation. Some materials, such as BCHR actually retain their appearance by being used, while they can become dull if not lubricated by the oil on human hands... I use my pens, because that is one of the things that I enjoy about them. I also feel that my collection of inked pens (which I clean thoroughly when not "in use") are as good or better a preservation of history as any "never inked" pen collection. So, please try to see the other persons perspective and let us please stop "name calling" and become less defensive. Enjoy your hobby as you see fit (and do not judge others by only your own experience and opinions).

re: mint psychology
      6/13/2001:  Scott
Einv writes that collectors of mint pens "are being mere pack rats and hoarding pens". Congratulations! You've just grossly misrepresented just about every respected pen collector in the hobby. There are many of us (and I do not put myself in the same class as world-recognized collectors who unquestionably appreciate and collect mint examples of notable pens) who consider ourselves stewards of pen history, taking care of, sharing, and enjoying irreplaceable examples until the next generation of collectors carries on the hobby. Are all pens worthy of being kept mint? Of course not...but many are, and there are quite a few of us who value preservation of historical pens over the temptation to ink them and use them. Out-of-line namecalling serves no useful purpose. By the way, there's a nifty key on your keyboard that makes capitalization really easy; you should try it...it will make your rantings much easier to read.

Parkers
      6/13/2001:  Mrvino
I am now down to selling all of my Parkers. I have some 51's, 45's, 61's, and 75's. All at low, low prices, from $50 -$150. Minimum purchace: $150. They range from so,so, to very, very good. None are "MINT"! Let me know the type in which you are interested, & I'll send you a short list of available pens.

Beanie Babies and Pens
      6/13/2001:  Kristi
Kay, will you have nightmares until we conduct a survey matching Beanie Babies and pens? Which, other than the Princess Di, could possibly embrace a Krone Shakespeare? I have other equally ghastly visions but would enjoy reading other combinations!

FS Parker '51' Set (Coin Silver)-Reduced!
      6/13/2001:  Lou Kidder
*FOR SALE - Reduced!* Parker '51' pen (Vac)/pencil (twist) set; dark blue; nearly perfect coin silver caps (fairly rare?); fine nib. Excellent condition, fully restored, in box. $200 TIA, Lou Kidder lskscs@qwest.net

Limited Editions For Sale
      6/13/2001:  John
I have recently posted the following Limited Edition Fountain Pens on Ebay at substantially reduced prices--priced to sell! You can do "Search by Seller" and enter my User ID, leysin , or just manual search. 1. Mont Blanc Limited Edition 75th 1924 Rose Gold 149 Fountain Pen. 2. Mont Blanc Limited Edition 75th 1924 Rose Gold 146 LeGrand Solitaire Fountain Pen. 3. Mont Blanc Limited Edition 75th 1924 Rose Gold 146 LeGrand Solitaire Duoe Fountain Pen. 4. Caran d'Ache Collection Privee Riviera Fountain Pen in Ruby Red Chinese Lacquer with intricate Vermeil Overlay. 5. Caran d'Ache Collection Privee Riviera Lighter in Ruby Red Chinese Lacquer with intricate Vermeil Overlay. Go to Ebay and get an excellent deal on these pens. Unlike other sellers, I MUST sell these items, so they are competitively priced! --Email me for any other inquiries. Thanks!

Mint
      6/13/2001:  Allan
I thought "Mint" was something you put into a drink at the Kentucky Derby.

WANTED: Waterman #6 nib
      6/13/2001:  Alan S. Hirsch
Dear readers: Am looking for a #6 (no other sizes, please) Waterman nib...eyedropper era. Must have irridium and be in excellent shape. Please describe & price, inc post & ins to NYC. Thanks, Alan

Mint extinction
      6/13/2001:  Kay
cheiron - thanks for your most excellent post. I've been having a sad vision of thousands of mint Beanie Babies clutching mint pens.

liberate the mint pens!
      6/13/2001:  cheiron
if an item cant be used, it shouldn't exist. if everyone felt this way, we could make vintage pens in mint condition extinct. wouldnt we all sleep easier knowing that all those formerly mint pens were finally having their intended destinies fulfulled?

Mint (and Lamb)
      6/13/2001:  Saul
While I may not pay top dollar for a "mint" item, I would still consider buying it, if it was what I wanted. I also would be using it since I, like you feel that items should be used and not shelved. This also with bicycles and guitars, which are also meaningful to me, and which some also gather and shelve. And when they pry any of these from my cold, dead fingers THEN the next owner can deal with their condition and reparability. So I don't know if as a counter-example I qualify as a statistical aberration or one of significant number who added together disprove your thesis. Thanks for your $.02, though.

mint psychology
      6/12/2001:  einv
having never had the slightest urge to buy a 'mint' vintage pen even when the opportunity presented itself, let me speculate for a moment what the psychology underlying a mint acqusition might be. clearly, the pen collector does not plan to ever ink the pen, for if they do plan to do so, getting a mint pen, at a high price, is a waste of money. the pen would no longer be mint if resale is intended. let us suppose then that the collector does not want to ink the mint purchase ever. in this event i should feel rather sorry for the collector, for they are being mere pack rats and hoarding pens. pens are mere three dimensional representations of the photos in coffee table books unless they are used, and used till one falls exhausted. otherwise, one might as well collect bits of glass and plastic, mint or not mint. $.02!

Stewart's
      6/12/2001:  Rachel
Has anyone ever purchased a product from Stewart's Discount Pen Sales? http://www.swcp.com/~stewarts/ I just placed an order for a bottle of ink to check it out...was curious what anyone else thought.

Triangle Pen Club: New Location this Sunday
      6/12/2001:  Ross
The Triangle Pen Club meeting this weekend will move to a new location. We will meet at our very first site, Elmo's on 9th street (just North of Hillsborough Road/Markam Ave) in Durham. Time is still 3:00. If there's too big a crowd at Elmo's (we're counting on Duke students being out), we'll move to Wellspring on Broad St (a block away, but lighting not as good). But we expect Elmo's to work. 3 PM. Sunday. Bring interesting paper!!!! Contact Ross McKinney or Deb Kinney (kinney@law.duke.edu) for questions

FS Parker '51' Set
      6/12/2001:  Lou kidder
*FOR SALE* Parker '51' pen (Vac)/pencil (twist) set; dark blue; nearly perfect coin silver caps (fairly rare?); fine nib. Excellent condition, fully restored, in box. $225 TIA, Lou Kidder lskscs@qwest.net

A Few Aurora's & A Pelikan LE For Sale
      6/12/2001:  Chuck Swisher
I have a few pens from my personal collection for sale. 1. Aurora 88 (A803) Sterling Silver Cap/Black Barrel Fountain Pen (Large) with a Stub nib. This pen has a few minor scratches on the cap (it was used for display purposes, but was never inked). Asking price: $245.00 2. Aurora 88 (803) Sterling Silver Cap/Black Barrel Fountain Pen (Large) with a Fine nib. This pen has a few minor scratches on the cap (it was used for display purposes, but was never inked). Asking price: $245.00 3. Aurora Optima (986) Fountain Pen - Sterling Silver Fountain Pen with a Fine nib. This pen has a few minor scratches on the cap (it was used for display purposes, but was never inked). Asking price: $300.00 4. Pelikan 1931 (Black/Gold) Limited Edition Fountain Pen with a medium nib. This pen has been inked, but other than some very fine surface scratches it looks like new. It's a beautiful pen, just too small for my hand. The original retail price for this pen was $1,795.00, but my asking price is $850.00 since it has been used. All boxes and paperwork that came with these pens is included. As these are my personal pens, I can only accept by credit card via PayPal (checks or money orders preferred). All pens offered come with a 3 day "satisfaction" guarantee. If for any reason you are not happy with the pen, just return it for a refund (minus shipping costs). Please add $8.00 for shipping the Aurora's and $10.00 for the Pelikan by Priority Mail with Insurance. Thank you. Best wishes, Chuck Swisher at chuck@swisherpens.com Swisher Pens, Inc. - http://www.swisherpens.com - "Your Internet Source For Fine Quality Writing Instruments" Tele: (757) 471-7445 Toll Free: (888) 340-7367 Fax: (757) 471-4226

Pens to Peruse...
      6/11/2001:  Debbie Alicen
After a long time away from the pen boards and lists, I'm slowly making my way back, having gotten my new old house to the point that I've not having to do something else to it every weekend. That means getting back out to hunt pens, and having time to actually play a bit now and then. As part of all that I've just launched a "storefront" on Auction Watch--it's at http://shop.auctionwatch.com/dalicen -- just click on pens on the left side of the screen, and then trust that the listings themselves will have pictures and text that aren't so tiny! Though granted, I'm working on getting the photography down. :-) I'm offering free insured shipping through this week for purchases made with PayPal. Since my email address is another thing that AW types tiny, here it is if you can't find it there: dalicen@sover.net. Please stop by from time to time, as I'll be adding new things as I come across them.

Sonnet
      6/11/2001:  Laura
Hi all, I was wondering if you knew how much an Sonnet is worth. It's all silver, little scratched with 18k nib. It's at least 5 years old, if not 10... Can anyone help please??? I can get a pic if anyone wants one... Thanks a lot... Bye!

Sonnet
      6/11/2001:  Laura
Hi all, I was wondering if you knew how much an Sonnet is worth. It's all silver, little scratched with 18k nib. It's at least 5 years old, if not 10... Can anyone help please???

pelikan 1935
      6/11/2001:  TIMBO
Hello all, I am looking for a reasonably priced pelikan 1935 with at least a broad nib. thanks

Cross Solid Gold Pen and Pencil Set
      6/11/2001:  Richard
Howdy: I have a solid gold Cross pen and pencil set and am looking for information on it. Cross has told me that the set has not been available for sale since the 1970's and retailed at that time for around $995.00. Any idea what the current value would be? Thanks Richard

Imperial Dragon
      6/11/2001:  Jan de Jonge
Anyone having an Imperial Dragon for sale ? It's missing in my collection.

      6/11/2001:  

Cross ATX
      6/11/2001:  Hank
Anyone tried the Cross ATX fountain pen yet. If so, what do you think of it? Hank

FS NIB Omas Galileo, price reduced
      6/11/2001:  Don N
I have a new in the box, never inked or dipped Omas Galileo with a medium nib for sale. It has the "lens" case with matching serial number and the intact outer box. There are some Galileos still available from Omas but they do not come in the original "lens" presentation case. Made in 1993, these pens are becoming more difficult to find. Reason for sale is that I have another Galileo that I use as a daily writer and I want a new watch. Asking $625 including insured shipping within the continental US. Will gladly take the pen back if it is not as described HOWEVER if you dip it in ink or fill it with ink it the sales is completed.

Houston Show
      6/11/2001:  Sam - Pendemonium
Kristi & all - The Houston show went on regardless of the storm. The area of Houston where the show was, was not affected as badly as some other areas, however still prevented a lot of folks from being able to attend. I think a good time was had by all. Boris and Stan did indeed do a good job! Sam

Looking for Acrylics
      6/11/2001:  Gerda
Hi. I'm a lathe turner and am looking for some materials (pen blanks) such as acrylics. Would anyone out there know any suppliers? I've looked through most of the woodturning catalogs and seen their variety, but I'm sure there are places I could buy some different materials directly from the manufacturers or pen companies. Thanks. Gerda

Sheaffer Snorkel
      6/10/2001:  Mike
Greetings! I have again stumbled upon a Sheaffer Snorkel. I have worked with these pens before-they are the spawn of hell-and have seen many of the silver-colored snorkel tubes. However, this splendid white-dot set I have came with a gold-looking snorkel tube. I have only heard of the standard and gold-plated tubes before. Do I possibly have a gold-plated snorkel tube on my hands? Is this rare? Does it affect the value any? Also, to clarify what I mean about these things being spawn of hell, I have had this pen apart, checked for bad seals, petrified bladder, clogged tube, etc. All pass with flying colors. In fact, it looks like they have just been replaced. Still, the thing will not take a drop of liquid. Any suggestions as to my predicament? Guess you all know why I like Esterbrook "J's". Only in rare cases are repairs beyond bladder replacement needed!

Mint, or not so mint....
      6/10/2001:  Ron
I've been following the thread about the use of the word mint in description of pens. I know how it is used in coin collecting and all of that. I tend to fall back on the definitions that I come across in the pen books. Granted their writing is not "inspired" in the theological sense, but I think are worth considering. The problem comes when dishonest people stretch the accepted definitions to fit their particular needs - but we had a fine example of that for 8 years, so why not? Fischler and Schneider define mint as "NO sign of use." Near mint - slight signs of use. Paul Erano describes Mint and near mint both, as having "no visible signs of use. The pen looks and functions exactly as if it were a new pen." Others go so far as to extend that to include "never inked." i.e. once it has had ink pulled through it (or in some cases, even dipped) it is no longer mint. Within these parameters I think it is a valid term. I will admit though, that it is much abused on the web.

Pens for sale
      6/10/2001:  Gary
Hi: We have a few pens in our collections which we are selling. Blue and Brown Classic Montblanc fountain pens new in box never dipped / A Montblanc Meisterstuck 144 Black with a medium nib in mint condition / A blue delta 366 rollerball-ballpoint /Two OMAS paragon ballpoints in red and burgundy in mint condition / several Pelikan ballpoints / and the jewel of our collection the Parker Premier Chinese Laquer fountain pen in mint condition with a fine nib. garygriggs@msn.com

MONTBLANC SKELETON
      6/10/2001:  Max
Hi, I am looking for MONTBLANC SKELETON pen and watch. Almost any price is acceptable. Max.

Houston Show
      6/10/2001:  Kristi
Clutz fingers here....what I was trying to say in last nights post was that it must be a difficult time for everyone in Houston including the pen show visitors. Boris and Stans work to create a fine show and good time is well respected. Hope all are safe and dry.

His Nibs.com update
      6/10/2001:  Norman Haase
Greetings, one and all! I'm happy to announce that Kay Purcell won the 'Zoss Appreciation Auction' for the Hero '900' series Palladium & Gold pen: http://www.hisnibs.com/'900'_series.htm. As might be guessed by the more discerning among you, the money bid for the pen went to Tom Zoss in appreciation of the wonderful forum he presents for pen discussion at: www.zoss.com. I just received two NOS (New Old Stock) Sheaffer Imperials for your inspection: #2334 All White/Chrome, and #2445 White/Chrome w/brushed steel cap Both can be seen on the Imperial page at: http://www.hisnibs.com/imperials.htm (remember that you can click on any photo for a larger image). Speaking of Imperials: Announcing the one-day (through Sunday, June 10th) converterless blue Sheaffer Triumph Imperial sale (Phew -- try saying that a couple of times fast). The following Triumph Imperial model is reduced 30%, one day only: Blue/Chrome (the first pen listed), #92581. Regularly $25.00, today on sale for $17.50! http://www.hisnibs.com/imperials.htm Also, don't forget to take advantage of the June Special when you make a pen purchase on the website (the sale pen *is* eligible for the June Special): www.hisnibs.com/specials.htm Congratulations to Jennifer Capriati for winning the French Open! It was truly inspiring to see her make the long climb back to the heights in tennis. Regards, Norman Haase His Nibs.com www.hisnibs.com

Churchills are in Stock NOW
      6/9/2001:  Maryann at PenstopOnline
Everyone:
We have just received our shipment of Churchills and they are ready for immediate delivery. We have all of the colors in stock now, but quantities are limited.
We have just updated our website, added new and exciting pen lines and expanded and revised our Vintage pen pages.
Please take your time exploring our site which you can reach by clicking on the banner above. Thanks and enjoy.

Houston show
      6/9/2001:  Kristi
Anyone have any reports on pen show folk this weekend? Knowing how hard Boris and Stan have worked adds to the sense that this must be a tough time for everyone down there.

Bexley Multi-Max Pen/Pencil
      6/9/2001:  Chuck Swisher
We now have photos and prices for the New Bexley Multi-Max Convertible Pen/Pencil are now available on our web site. For additional information, please use the following link: http://www.swisherpens.com/Newpens/Bexley/Multi-Max/Multi-Max.html (If the link above doesn't work, please visit our "Bexley" page and click on the "Multi-Max" link.) Thanks for reading, we appreciate your business. Best wishes, Chuck Swisher - chuck@swisherpens.com Swisher Pens, Inc. - http://www.swisherpens.com - "Your Internet Source For Fine Quality Writing Instruments" Tele: (757) 467-4673 Toll Free: (888) 340-7367 Fax: (757) 471-4226

Mint?
      6/9/2001:  Nammyung
Well, there *was* an ad for a Bicentennial Parker 75 LE, never used, and still in the original styrofoams from the factory, let alone boxes and documents. I could see that being described as a mint pen, though it's almost 30 years old.

FS: Beautiful Canadian Parker Depression Set
      6/9/2001:  Andy Rothman
Hi all -- I have for sale a Parker Canadian depression pen set in mahogany with blue veins. This is a difficult to find set in a gorgeous uncommon color. Restored button filler. No cracks or scratches. Nice Parker 14k nib is between fine and medium. Trim is perfect with no brassing. You won’t find another of these sets soon. Scan available. $180 plus shipping. Thanks. Andy.

"MINT"
      6/9/2001:  Lauren
The tem "MINT" is hereby eliminated from my vocabulary. Whenever I see the word, I will run. I am writing to Webster. The term "mint" should never be used discribing vintage pens.

FS-Namiki Falcon new/unused
      6/9/2001:  markh
I have 2 Namiki Falcon's for sale - one blue, and one burgundy, both medium point. Pens are new in the original box, never inked. Retail list is $170. For sale at $120 each, plus $6.00 shipping (USPS priority insured - sorry -U.S. addresses only). Check or money order, pen will ship when funds clear. The Namiki Falcon is a somewhat unusual pen - the 14c nib is "shaped" (some descriptions use the word "hooded", but it's not hooded in the Parker 51 sense) to allow flex and a varying line shape. For even more flex, John Motishaw has been modifying these, also creating flex stubs. These are not vintage flex pens, but in my opinion the closest modern pen to vintage flex - I have an Omas 14c flex nib, and I would describe my Falcon as more flexible and more expressive. I don't have a scan, but you can see the pen on-line at http://www.namiki.com/falcon.htm First email reserves, first check gets pen, etc.... Mark

"Mint" - yet again
      6/9/2001:  Vicki
I, too, must respectfully disagree with Lauren. As a sometime seller on "the e-place" I would NEVER use the term "mint" unless the pen was ABSOLUTELY, positively never never used--regardless of age. Engraving makes it "not mint" to my mind. I might say "very very nice, excellent condition, looks to have never been inked, etc." but NOT mint. I also ALWAYS have absolute right-of-return if not as described. Still, having said all that (and as a seller), one must be ever so careful in purchasing from the internet.

Mint, yet again
      6/8/2001:  Jon Rosenbaum
I must respectfully disagree with Lauren who believes that mint equates with "very good." Any number of 75 year old pens turn up unused and show absolutely no signs of use or wear. This is "mint." To most collectors that I know, a 75 year old pen that is determined to be "very good" will show signs of obvious use and wear and not be considered mint. Further, unless the pen is quite scarce or rare (another "loaded" term) engraving, initials etc., will certainly affect the value of a pen, even among "sohisticated" collectors. In any event, while I agree that initials should not affect the value all that much, all one needs to do is go to a few pen shows and listen to the bargining that goes on...."but, its engraved and worth less".....

Mint again, Buyers beware
      6/8/2001:  Stephen Lam
First of all, I must apologise to Mark for the anxiety my post might have caused him. I have received a few emails enquiring about my deal that went wrong. I have to say here that the purpose of the post is not really to expose a particular individual, but rather to bring to the attention of penlovers some perils of dealing via the net. From now on, I won't buy from a seller who does not have a return guarantee upfront, and I'll prefer to view scans of pens before buying them. I will no longer settle for "trust me, you'll be happy".

Mint, Mint
      6/8/2001:  Lauren
When the term "Mint" is used in describing a pen, it is intended to indicate that, for the vintage of the pen ,it is in very good condition. Anyone who expects a 75 year old pen to look like new is not a knowledgeable pen collecotor. Initials on a pen has never affected the value with sophisticated collectors.

Wanted Pelikan Green Demo And Computer Crash
      6/8/2001:  Mark
Pardon the bandwidth. I've been corresponding about Pelikan Green Demo with few people, but I had a computer crash. I'm back up, but lost all correspondence. Please re-send all emails regarding Green Demo. Thanks in advance, Mark

FS NIB Omas Galileo
      6/8/2001:  Don N
Subjext line says it all. A new in the box, never dipped or inked Omas Galileo, M nib, complete with the "lens" presentation case and outer box. These are no longer available in this configuration, the remaining ones are being shipped in a regular Omas pen case. $650 plus S&H, method of your choice. Cash, money orders, checks, PayPal.

WTB: Carmine striated Sheaffer's mil clip Lifetime Balance 1000
      6/8/2001:  Richard
Looking for a pen with only very slight signs of use. Very slight surface scratching; no discoloration or brassing; crisp imprints; no significant dings -- SKYBOY clip a plus but not required.

Pelikan Rollerball Dry? I have the solution
      6/8/2001:  Bob Frank
Hey Joe , maybe you'd like to have a pop at refilling my Parker Flaminaire lighter while your at it.

EVERSHARP
      6/8/2001:  Marvin
I have a Wahl Personal Point, marbled with good color for sale @$250. Also some Eversharps w/ 14k gold caps, black barrel @$150. No dents.

CLOSEOUT !!!
      6/8/2001:  Allen gross
Hi, just got in a large closeout shipment of Omas & Ancora. Check them out on my website www.pensplus.org , look under the closeout heading, thanks Allen

Pelikan Rollerball Dry? I have the solution
      6/8/2001:  Joe Daluz
If your Pelikan rollerball is dry, and your tired of getting dry refills, or refills that are 1)expensive, 2)dry too quickly, 3)hard to find, then here's the solution: DELICATELY drill the hole with a low speed drill large enough to accomodate the Pilot G2 gel ink refills. After drilling the hole, it is necessary to 'route' out the tip on the inside, in a conical fashion, to increase the inner diameter a bit. It takes just a few passes with a dremel tool/power drill, but you will be pleased. you can't really tell if you've got it set right until you try the new refill with the end cap in place (which gives positive traction to the refill, and a springiness to the way the Pelikan rollerballs write). Good luck. E-mail questions, feed-back please.

Pelikan Icarus
      6/8/2001:  Regina Martini
The icarus arrived and it`s really a dream of a pen! Looks like the Blue Ocean, color is light blue, and the trims are in silver. Ask for a scan. Until now, this pen is not sold in the States. Pelikan made 800 pieces only, for the asian market. This pen is hard to get. I can offer you now the pen for $990 incl. ship (since the US$ is so high, I can reduce my selling price). Pen will be shipped FEDEX to USA. If you still need a copy of the Montblanc book, I can include these for an add. $65/each.

For sale
      6/7/2001:  Mark
Just for Stephen, I'm re-wording my for sale post.

?Offered for sale Parker Special Edition 1988 (Parker's 100th Anniversary) Big Red/Orange Centennial Duofold Set (fountain pen and pencil), medium nib, New Old Stock, never used, comes with all boxes and papers. TIA, Mark


Mint again, Buyers beware
      6/7/2001:  Stephen Lam
Mark, if you are interested enough to find out who, you can check old postings. There are enough info to help you identify the seller. I can say here publicly that I have never bought anything from Mark.

Mint again, Buyers beware
      6/7/2001:  Mark
Stephen, either name names, email back channel, or keep quiet. By reading your post everyone is under suspicion, guilty by the association by using the word MINT. Mark

Mint again, Buyers beware
      6/7/2001:  Stephen Lam
Another example of sellers exploiting the use of the term "mint". I bought two Watermans from someone who advertised on Penlovers in mid-May. He said the pens were "mint". One actually has a name engraved and another one has a minor damage, a dent and plating wear.He is now saying in response to my complaint that as the pens are over 50 yrs old, you can't expect them to be mint. Of course there is no refund. He has other advertisements on "mint" items. Buyers beware.

For sale
      6/7/2001:  Mark
Offered for sale Parker Special Edition 1988 (Parker's 100th Anniversary) Big Red/Orange Centennial Duofold Set (fountain pen and pencil), medium nib, mint, comes with all boxes and papers. TIA, Mark

ZEPPELIN FPs FOR SALE
      6/7/2001:  Alan S. Hirsch
This is one of the most underrated modern pens. It's longer than a Duofold Centennial or a Pelikan M800 or even a MB 149. It has excellent heft (heavy silver plate over brass); a nice size rhodium plated steel nib (about 4 size Waterman); and writes very smoothly.It is an excellent everyday pen--at a very reasonable price (about 50% of MSRP). It has a nicely contoured black laquer cap with hi-tech shape silver clip. (Also have a few blue laq capped ones.) Cartridge or converter fill (comes with converter). These are MIB. All are medium nibs (though they write like a broad). $75 to any U.S. address. Will also consider wholesaling (have 65 of them). I believe these are the last Zeppelin FPs in the U.S., so don't miss out. Thanks, Alan

Waterman Kultur
      6/6/2001:  th0mas@hol.gr
Are you interested to the Kultur series? Here is the place to get them: http://users.hol.gr/~th0mas/penafosiosismarket.html Just click on the Waterman link on the left side of the page..... Thomas

Imperial Brass
      6/6/2001:  Bernie, stylophile
I just found a Sheaffer's Targa and it says on it Imperial Brass. The matching case is also made of the same material and it also says Imperial Brass. I used the Nitric Acid test and I am sure that this pen is covered with gold. Whether it is gold filled or a gold jacket ofer a brass base I don't know. It does not say gold on any part of this pen anywhere. Can anyone out there tell me more about this pen. The pen has only been used once or twice. Looks new. Bernie, stylophile

MB bp
      6/6/2001:  michael fan
Want to buy MB prototype or demonstrator pens.Let me know if you have any of these for sale

Mint and More
      6/6/2001:  Lynn Brant
Here's my two cents (both are mint): It really is a coin term and there it means no apparent wear but still not blemish free. "Proof" coins are special issues above standard grade. Pen makers, on the other hand, really had very little in the way of standards. In pens, one logical definition of "mint" is the condition in which it was shipped from the factory. But truth is, pens were shipped with "incorrect" clips, bands and sometimes with small blemishes. Obviously, we can't know for sure how any pen was shipped or even if parts have been exchanged. Well then, maybe mint just means "perfect". Some mint pens are better than others, most collectors I know call these choice. But I've seen pens with blemishes and incorrect parts I believe left the factory that way. Are they mint in one sense but not the other? I think the hobby would be better off if mint were standardized to mean absence of wear or use. Unfortunately, we are moving in the opposite direction from clarity of language. Now that anyone can describe vintage pens on the internet, we'll see more and more words we wish meant something being rendered completely meaningless. How about "rare" for example. Like "Duofold Jr in scarce red color. Barely noticeable crack, mint. Has rare arrow nib!" ....... I'm interested in hearing from anyone with unusual Wahl Oxfords. I'm trying to produce a compendium of styles and colors and would like to share info. If you are an Oxford collector, I may also have duplicates you may want. All are mint, rare and previously owned by either Elvis or Eleanor Roosevelt (I get them confused). Tx, Lynn

waterman pens for sale
      6/5/2001:  MOISES
I have over 2000 new waterman pens for sale way below wholesale prices, I have edsons, laureat, phileas,hemisphere, expert, rapsodys, le etalon, anastasia, lady charlot, preface, etc. I got paid a debt with this pens and I want to sell them quick. please email me at moimamiye@cwpanama.net for information.

"Mint"
      6/5/2001:  Mike
My two cents on the term "Mint." The word is really a coin term,and I hesitate to use it to describe pens. Coins a minted; thus they can be in "mint" condition. Pen's are not "minted," but manufactured. Too, "mint" is a word that gets thrown around in our culture worse than a worn-out baseball, and has lost its pristine connotations. I have even seen merchants on E-bay who use "mint" as a synonym for "parts-quality" Surely there is a better word we pen people could use to describe even the most untouched pens.

Web site
      6/5/2001:  Oscar Braun's
Please visit my new web site: www.onebeagle.com/oscarbraun I have a lot of great specials!

Pen Museum
      6/5/2001:  Diane Luther
When I was last in Damascus I visited a museum devoted to "The Tools Of Mankind" which featured a chamber with roughly 50 showcases of antique writing instruments from thousands of years old up to about 1960 & I will always remember seeing a thousand year old stylus in what seemed to be near perfect condition in stark contrast to a Parker Duofold with a barrel so curved you could throw it & it would come back to you !The curator told me they stopped adding to the collection in 1972 & were looking for a patron to continue the collection into the future. Besides writing instruments there were thousands of different artifacts from flint arrowheads to a german code machine from the 1930's. I also learned that the biggest heritage of writing culture was maintained in Persia (Iran).Unfortunately I stopped travelling some years ago so I never came across this.

Smihtsonian (sic)
      6/5/2001:  gary
Or Good Spellers? Signed, Honestly a Lawyer

Really **BIG** Pelikan LE's
      6/5/2001:  Alan Bedrick
Toby...all of these..."Genesis of the Olympiad" ,Xuan Wu, Golden Phoenix, Expo 2000 (Humankind-Nature-Technology.. THEY ARE ALL M800-sized (not M1000 size). Alan

Really **BIG** Pelikan LE's
      6/5/2001:  Toby Perkins
Does anyone know which Pelikan Limited Editions are M1000 (or larger) pen sizes? I gather that "Genesis of the Olympiad" is, but the Chinese pens (Xuan Wu, Golden Phoenix, etc.) are not. How about the Expo 2000 (Humankind-Nature-Technology) series--they seem to have larger-looking catalog pictures? Any others? TIA.

Pens for sale
      6/5/2001:  Marv
ST Dupont Olympio medium size fountain pen with fine 18K nib. Black lacquer with gold trim. Fountain pen with matching ballpoint both for $300. Both pens in excellent conditions in original boxes with documentation. Pelikan Soverin M800 fountain pen with fine nib, classic green barrel with black cap. Like new in box, $175.00. Caran d'Ache hexagon ballpoint, gold plated with stainless inserts, like new in box, $150.00. Schaeffer Legacy 2 ballpoint, palladium with matte black cap, brand new in box with desktop pen holder, $75.00. All prices do not include shipping charges and payment must be by money order.

New PENNA is here!
      6/5/2001:  Sam - Pendemonium
We received our batch of the latest PENNA magazine yesterday. For those of you who subscribe, your magazine is on the way! We have a few extra copies available for $12 + $4 US S&H.

PENNA, No. 43, March-April 2001 Bi-lingual Italian - English
As always, lots of interesting articles and features about a variety of new and old pens. AT Cross, Montegrappa, Delta, How the OMAS T2 is made, Marlen, Breguet, Faberge, Profile on Masa Sunami & his pen shop in Japan, Fountain Pens in Cyberspace, Parker Vacumatics and much more. This is a fantastic issue packed full of info!

Email to reserve your copy of the new PENNA today: sam@pendemonium.com

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


Sample Alphabet
      6/4/2001:  Rae
I'm trying to help my mother who used to do calligraphy, but has forgotten how. Does anyone have a sample alphabet I could give her? Just something simple. She's been asked to do something by a friend who saw her old work, and she's embarrassed to say she doesn't remember the letters. Thank you. Rae

Sheaffer Connaisseur
      6/4/2001:  Paul G
How can you tell the difference between the plastic model and the brass/lacquer model? Does the Brass model have the two tone 18k nib? Does the brass model weigh more? Does the plastic model come with the solid gold colored 18k or 14k nib? Thanks for any information Paul

hallmark pen refills
      6/4/2001:  Randy
www.hallmark.com, and send email requesting adapter to use Cross refills in your hallmark pen. (ask for a couple in case you lose one) They are free. Randy

Ferris and Willis dip pen
      6/4/2001:  Randy
Found a GF dip pen with mother of pearl taper. It has Ferris and Willis and the number 4 on the retractable nib. The slide mechanism works perfectly. The nib is rather large, about 1 inch long when extended, and quite flexable. The nib does have the tip of one tine missing. There is no noticable brassing on the pen or nib. It is in what appears to be the original presentation box along with another piece that appears to be parts of a pencil, though there is no lead in the second piece. Any information about this pen, and its value range would be appreciated. thanks, Randy

Hallmark Pen refill needed
      6/4/2001:  Bruce
I'm beginning to suspect that Hallmark no longer makes refills for my woodgrain pen. Does anyone know of a compatible substitute?

Smihtsonian
      6/4/2001:  Lee Chait
As a frequent visitor to our Nation's Capitol, I keep my ears to the tracks and heard the other day the Pen and Writing Implements exhibition will be right after the ones on Ethical Lawyers and Honest Politicians.

No respect??
      6/4/2001:  Ron
r.e. Gary's comments about the Smithsonian: I did see a green striped 40's Duofold (vac fill)on display when I was there about 5 years ago. Does that count? It was in a display of materials made out of celluloid, sitting there behind the glass where you couldn't get you fingers on it to try it out........ Maybe we would have the same reacion that I did in other parts of the same building...."HEY, I HAVE that! (and am still using it!) (how OLD does that make me!)

"Hero #331" for sell/Mint condition
      6/4/2001:  Real
For sell... *"Hero" # 331 These pens are also designed to recall the Parker 51/61, with the arrow symbol imprinted on the section right above the nib, and fill with an aerometric pump filler (which has an 'ink-vue' window underneath the threads).The Cap is stainless steel. The nib lays down a 'fine' line. The clip is spring-loaded and says "HERO", and engraved upon the band are the Chinese characters for "Hero", as well as "Made in China" and "331".Hero 331 is "everyday pen".Colors Available:Burgundy;Forest Green and Black,only.U$ 8 each, Three or more U$7 each. Prices included Shipping via registered air mail worldwide. NOTE:IF YOU NEED "FEEDERS" FOR PARKER 51,VACUMATIC,EVERSHAPS,ETC,YOU CAN USE THE FEEDER INCLUDED IN HERO#331. Rene.

No respect?
      6/4/2001:  Gary
Hi all: I just got back from a weekend in dc, where I spent a great deal of time with my family at the smithsonian musems. In view of all the exhibits of historical technology etc etc., how come there isn't at least some space devoted to writing instruments? I feel slighted. :( Do we need to lobby our congressmen? Better yet: maybe we could get gillette sheaffer montblanc lvmh etc to sponsor an exhibit/collection. What better way to renew interest in their products? --Gary

Minty Freshness
      6/4/2001:  Bill R
I guess I could buy the "mint and restored" description, in that a pen could be mint, as it left the factory, but still require a "restoration", a sac replacement, because the old one had hardened, for example. Of course, then you get into the argument that it's no longer "mint" since it's not the same sac it had when it left the factory..... But in general, I could see how the description was arrived at, the seller wanted to describe a mint condition pen that was guaranteed to be in writing order.

Hero 329
      6/4/2001:  Bill R
The Hero 329 is in fact as reliable as the 51, in my experience, in terms of every day use. Now, whether or not they will be found in antique shops fifty years from now, needing nothing more thana flushing with water to write perfectly again, is another question! But, given the simple design, I wouldn't be surprised! Norman at www.hisnibs.com has these pens, and other Hero pens for sale.

ESTERBROOK
      6/4/2001:  JACK KLINE
Picked up a blue plastic estie this weekend with a 14k relief nib and gold trim. It is made in England. Can anyone comment on the retail value of this puppy? Thanks, Jack

"near mint"
      6/4/2001:  T. N. Adep
It is correct that "mint" is (or should be) a condition without internal gradations (like the much-misused term "unique"). "Near mint", though, is not a subclassification of "mint", and is no more objectionable or improper than "near perfect".

      6/4/2001:  buck
i have a ball point pen with lyndon johnson's signature and the presidential seal-does it have any value ? thanks!

Hero 329
      6/4/2001:  Nammyung
And a question for the reviewer who reviewed the Hero 329 pen for the June budget pens review. How reliable is this pen? Is it as reliable as the Parker 51 pen that it is based on? And where can I get a couple for myself? Thanks!

Pen cleaning solution?
      6/4/2001:  Nammyung
Hi there, I am wondering what is a good cleaning solution to use for pens that have both metal (silver) and laquer parts. Thanks!

"mint"
      6/4/2001:  Nammyung
Saw thisone a For-Sale posting somewhere: "Mint condition pen, fully restored" -- Mint condition pen, *and* restored?? Oh well.

Very Mint !!
      6/4/2001:  Stephen Lam
It is amusing to note how people use the term "mint" to make their merchandise more attractive to prospective buyers. In pen sales, the use of the term "near mint" has become a regular practice and somewhat accepted by most, I believe. I have always been of the view that you can't have something "near mint". Mint represents a state of affair, being untouched, in exactly the condition the item was produced. A pen is either mint or not. In using the term "near mint", how near are we talking about. I have also seen people use the term "mintie" which I think is quite refreshing ! Today, I discover an eBay advertisement describing a pen as "very mint". I wonder if "extremely mint" is around the corner.

Mont Blanc Roller Ball
      6/3/2001:  Mark Szorik
If you are interested I have a Mont Blanc Roller ball in excellent condition complete with boxes and papers. Purchased new approx 3 years ago. Asking $90 + shipping OBO. Thanks.

Parker Duofold Big Red
      6/3/2001:  Mark Szorik
If you are interested I have a Parker Duofold Big Red in excellent condition, complete with both boxes and all of the papers. Purchased new approx 5 years ago. Asking $ 150 + shipping OBO. Thanks

Sheaffer in the news
      6/3/2001:  Sam - Pendemonium
Article on Sheaffer Pen in The Hawkeye (Burlington, Iowa) Sunday, June 3, 2001:

http://www.thehawkeye.com/columns/augspurger/cau6301.html


Pens for sale
      6/3/2001:  Bill R
Some more pens to go on the block, feeding the insatiable maw of my current fiscal needs. Anyway, here we go, shipping included on these! http://home.earthlink.net/~stylophile/_uimages/budget.jpg Budget pens bunch, from the budget pens write-off, I'd like to sell these as a group, so here's your chance to get four, four pens for the price of one! Parker Reflex, M nib, Inoxcrom, M nib, Cross Solo Sport, M nib, Sheaffer Javelin M nib. All in new, or very good condition, filled once. $50 http://home.earthlink.net/~stylophile/_uimages/frontier.jpg Parker Frontier Flighter M nib, steel cap and barrel, very good to new, filled a couple of times. $30 http://home.earthlink.net/~stylophile/_uimages/skyline.jpg Eversharp Skyline gold fill cap and barrel in a circular line pattern. Nice user pen, it has a good sac, and writes well. It's only user grade, though, note the pair of nasty dings on the barrel, and the tip of the barrel. Still, a nice pen to stick in the pocket! $75 http://home.earthlink.net/~stylophile/_uimages/vac.jpg Parker Vacuum Filler, Gray pearl. The bad news? Imprint is very weak, and the nib is a later, two tone style. Barrel jewel may be a replacement, as well, it's plain black, instead of stripe. It has a name engraved in the script style engraving. Brassing on the clip, and a bit on the bands. So, NOT a pride of the collection case pen, but still, a neat early Parker Vac. $150 Thanks for looking! Bill

June Stylophiles
      6/3/2001:  Bill R.
The June issue of Stylophiles is up, the last update for this quarter! Budget Pens write-off Pilot Murex Aurora Style New York Pen Show OMAS 360 And a bunch of other stuff. Justfollow the link from the home page!

Sacs, Pressure Bars, "J" Bars
      6/3/2001:  Martin Smith
Pen sacs and diaphragms, also "J" bars for lever fillers and pressure bars (for Duofold Jr. and Sr.), $3.50 ea. or 20 for $60.00 http://www.simcom.on.ca/woodbin Martin Smith Wood Bin Ltd.

Waterman 18 Cap
      6/2/2001:  Michael
I can still here the laughter, What is it your looking for? A Cap for a Waterman 18..chuckle, chuckle...good luck.. That was the San Francisco Show this year and since then I have visited The Pensmith in England who has a Waterman 18 but no extra slip caps. So as they say ..put it out to the universe and see what happens. I would love to find a Waterman 18 Slip Cap. Anyone who can help.. I can pay cash or trade for parts or pens... Thank you, Michael

Duofold v/s other Parkers "nib experience" !
      6/2/2001:  Mohan Apte
I have recently acquired a Parker Duofold Jasper Red International FP with a medium nib. I also own a Parker Frontier with a medium nib. A side by side writing comparison reveals that the Duofold writes a bit thicker and wetter than the Frontier. I have posed this question to an avid pen collector who concurred that the Duofold does write thicker and wetter than other FPs in the Parker range. Would like to know from readers whether they too have experienced such differences. Further, why does the difference arise ? Is it because of the solid gold (18K) nib on the Duofold vis a vis the steel nib on the frontier ? Is it that Parker Pen Co wants to reinforce a “solid” reputation that the Duofold enjoys and therefore a thicker nib ? Off course a side by side comparison shows that Duofold nib is far superior than the frontier nib in overall build quality (the Duofold is after all the best pen in the Parker stable). But a friend has reported that his Duofold runs thicker than the 2 Sonnets he owns! Please help!!!

Taxes and pens
      6/1/2001:  scaupaug@aol.com
The tax refund is not small! Pens from the beginning of America's "love affair" with the income tax. Take a look at how its worth more. http://members.aol.com/scaupaug/MaximumPenValueForTaxRebate/index.html ht tp://members.aol.com/scaupaug/MaximumPenValueForTaxRebate/index.ht ml

EDSON's and DUOFOLD's
      6/1/2001:  Esther
I am working on getting a few EDSON and DUOFOLD (Centennial) pens. Prices will be very good. Supplies will be very limited. I shall request a deposit, and there might be a waiting time of a few weeks. If you are interested, please e-mail. Thank you.

Quarterly Vintage pen Catalog
      6/1/2001:  Gary Lehrer
Issue #19 of the Quarterly Illustrated Vintage Pen Catalog is now available for your viewing at www.gopens.com. Paid subscribers have had password access for the past 10 days. The password has now been removed and there are still over 100 fully restored and guaranteed vintage pens available for your collection and use. Be sure to also see what's still available from Catalogs #17 (10% off sale) and #18.

Visconti Ink Bottle
      6/1/2001:  Rene
I am looking for Visconti Ink Bottle,The bottle is attractive in shape.Any idea let me know,please. fountainpens@eudoramail.com

Mottishaw'ed Delta Astra For Sale
      6/1/2001:  Bill R.
Sigh.... Another project forces sale. How's that sound? Pretty good, vague, yet at least reasonable. Well, I mean, selling a Mottishawed pen isn't really what you would call reasonable, not if you define reason the way a normal person would. Anyway, on with the show! http://home.earthlink.net/~stylophile/_uimages/astra1.jpg Click here first, and let it load while you read. (it might take a minute) I've got to sell a few pens (again), first up will be the Delta Astra, number 1793 of I don't know how many, I think it was a couple thousand. Red and black woodgrain hard rubber, gold plate trim. Rollerball clip, and it's a lever filler. A very neat pen, very vintage, in appearance and feel. I had John Mottishaw turn the medium nib into a wonderful stub, it's what I would call a fine/medium stub, with a sharp enough cut to render a wonderful line. Smooth, and a touch of actual flex as well. A magnificent writer, and fully lives up to John's reputation! This pen is packaged in a snakeskin look box, with a bottle of Blue Delta Astra ink. I'm not sure how many were made, I know there were at least three colors available, the red/black woodgrain, a green/black woodgrain, and black. I do know they are almost impossible to find now. This one is in very good condition, but obviously, has been used, and the custom nib makes it a writer, not a collectible, although I think the value of the nib as a writer makes up for any loss in value due to it's not being sealed in the original shrink wrap! Anyway, I would like to get $475, I'm basing this price on what new ones go for, and adjusting for the fact that it's a writer, not a "stick it in the case and calculate your investment potential" pen. Thanks for looking! Bill

Parker LE's for Sale
      6/1/2001:  Lee Chait
#1000 of the Sterling Parker Snake available for $1000. #1 of 30 MacArthur LE released in 1995. Comnplete with photos; media releases; Parker memos and of course the pen numbered 1/30 with the black signature rather than gold and with the certificate and all of the packaging. Rarely seen and unknown to exist by many avid Parker collectors and dealers. $3000 These pens were not included in the original listing of Parker Duofolds last week. A lot of the other LE Duos are gone but some still available. Off to Houston on 6/7.

SPCC Meeting
      6/1/2001:  Lee Chait
Next meeting of the Southeast Pen Collectors' Club will be Sunday June 3 at Total Office Products in Smyrna Ga. from 2-4 PM. Email me for directions or membership information. With over 100 members in more than a dozen states there is a wealth of information and pens at each meeting and in our monthly newsletter.

Omas Specials
      6/1/2001:  JiaXian
Hi, With all this recent talk of LVMH and their new marketing strategy for Omas, I have to draw your attention to my site, where I am, as always, offering Omas pens at great prices. Stocks are running out fast, and once these are gone, there won't be any left.
Check it out - http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~teomm/index.html
Regards, JiaXian


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