Enjoy your visit, and come back often!

May 2001


Montegrappa Symphony Feed problem
      5/31/2001:  Victor Gaenzel III
Can anyone help. I just purchased a Montegrappa Symphony Medium nib. I sent it in for a nib exchange and to fix the feed. They replaced the a Fine and supposedly replaced the feed. The pen writes like a dream UNTILL the ebonite feed runs out of ink. The Converter is full but will not feed ink to the nib. Does anyone know of a fix or should I send it back to Montegrappa again?

Triangle (NC) Pen Club - 6-17 at 3 PM
      5/31/2001:  Ross
The next meeting of the Research Triangle pen club will be Sunday, June 17 at 3 PM. We'll meet at Vincent's Pizza, which is at Broad and Main in Durham, next to Ben and Jerry's (Vincent's used to be Pieworks). Bring 3 sheets of your favorite papers and a few of your favorite pens, pre-loaded with ink. Actually, bring as many pens as you want, but the paper matters! Time to try some out.... As usual, bring any pens you want to sell, trade, or brag about. I'll have some ink and my tool box. We may also plan some for the DC Show. Ross

The Dean Pen with Mabie Todd nib
      5/31/2001:  Sergio
Hello, I wondered if the Group please has any information on a lever fountain pen simply marked "The Dean Pen Made in England". It has a "Mabie Todd & Co NY 2" gold? nib fitted. It is a charcoal coloured early-plastic (or hard-rubber?) pen. Any history, information appreciated, thank-you.

Pens wanted
      5/31/2001:  Andy Rothman
Hi -- looking for the following pens: 1. Moore Fingertip, full size, striped; 2. Oversize Sheaffer Balances, plunger fill, in following colors: ebonized pearl, roseglow; 3. Monroe clip pens in colors other than pearl/black and gree/black marble; 4. Diamond Medal Diplomat with taper cap. Please e-mail me back channel with descriptions and prices. Thanks in advance. Andy.

Solid Gold Pens
      5/31/2001:  Glen Christensen
I have a Cross Macasser Wood desk set with two solid gold desk pens and a matching paper weight. It's never been used and is still in it's original box. The original retail, over ten years ago, was $1500.00 and is probably a collectors item since they haven't made any since. I also have a solid gold Cross pen set new in it's box that retailed for $1000.00 back when they made them. Contact me at ggmr@earthlink.net if you're interested in either set. (I posted this same message before but neglected to include my e-mail address)

Octavian
      5/31/2001:  Jan de Jonge
If anybody has a Montblanc Octavian FP, MIB, for sale, please let me know what price you need. I am a starting collector and this piece is my "dream". Jan de Jonge

RARE PENS
      5/31/2001:  MARVIN
I AM CONTINUING TO SELL MY ENTIRE I AM SELLING MY PEN COLLECTION OF 20 YEARS AND HAVE OVER 150 PENS AVAILABLE. AMONG THE BEST ARE: 1. WATERMAN PERSONAL POINT, VERY GOOD MARBLE COLOR. LG.SIZE @$300 2.WATERMAN TAPERITE P&P SET 14K GOLD CAPS. MINT. @$150 3.EVERSHARP SKYLINE P&P SET 14K GOLD CAPS. MINT @$150. MANY PARKER DUOFOLDS & VACUMATICS

Coiuple of Cheapies for Sale
      5/31/2001:  Bill R
A couple of the pens we used in the Budget Pens Review, and I thought I'd put 'em up for sale. $15 each, plus $3 shipping. Both like new, with boxes, etc, but neither one has a converter. Sheaffer Javelin, silver color metal finish Cross Solo Sport Red with matte black trim. First firm email gets the pen, buy both, and I'll pay the shipping!

red vein sheaffer for sale
      5/31/2001:  j. chunn
Check out another red vein Sheaffer that I have up for bid on Ebay. It has the same colors as my last one which I was told was a rare red vein green marble. I have trouble judging these colors so I am just calling it a red vein marble full size, not oversize. The black and blue marble is being relisted. It is the long one but not full size. I am only selling a handfull so check out listings for cannon50 under seller. Thanks.

      5/30/2001:  

Oscar Braun is online now
      5/30/2001:  barry
Hi pen friends. Pam Braun who has a pen shop in MI, has a new website. These people are the kindest people to work with. Great pens and prices. Check them out. www.onebeagle.com/oscarbraun/ Barry ps to reply remove the letter x from email.

I need help finding this
      5/30/2001:  Vinay Sharma
I am looking for a fountain pen that writes like an Osmiroid pen that I have. The one that I have uses a Copperplate nib, and it has a lot of character. However, I would like to find a nicer pen, as this Osmiroid is just a cheap black plastic, and isn't very nice. Also, I have found that the nib is actually too flexible, making it difficult to write for any length of time without having a lot of skips where the pen doesn't actually put any ink on the paper. I really like the stub nib, but I want something that is still pretty thin like a Copperplate nib. Something that is nice enough to use as a business pen as well, and it should be an automatic ink feed pen, not a dip pen. I do not mind spending some money on the pen, but I want to make sure that it is what I want, because I have spent quiet a bit of money on fountain pens that aren't quite what I like. Any help on where I can look would be appreciated, like the Osmiroid homepage or something like that. Thank you very much.

For sale or trade Pelikan Golf
      5/30/2001:  Mark
Offered for sale or trade MIB Pelikan Golf, medium nib. TIA, Mark

Scratchy nibs
      5/29/2001:  Mohan Apte
Does anybody know "shortcuts" to making a new nib smooth. I mean does one have to endure the "break in" period for new nibs/pens which would typically last I guess a few man (writing)hours ? Is'nt there a faster way to make a new nib smooth ? In my experience (I have tried this on some pens) - "writing" on very fine emery paper (of extremely fine grade) reduces the break in period of a new nib by a long way. The nib becomes smooth after a few strokes on the emery paper. Has anybody else used this technique ? Is it safe to use ?

Montblanc 162 RB Vermeil Wanted
      5/29/2001:  Niki
Looking for a Montblanc 162 Pinstripe Rollerball pen in the Gold Vermeil. Prefer United States dealer, but will entertain working with reputable overseas dealer. Pen must be in New or Mint condition. Also interested in same model, but silver. Pens will be gifts for graduates. Sincerely, Niki

ball point pens
      5/28/2001:  roger
I would like to hear from anyone who knows where and how to display ball point pens. I appreciate any help or suggestions, thank you.

Thank You Everybody
      5/28/2001:  Charles Whitehead
Hi everybody just a thank you to all the visitors to the site at the weekend and special thanks to the many people who sent us congrats emails and extra special thanks to the people who purchased from the site. Please visit us as there are some unique pens and writng equipment there.http://www.cobandpen.com Thanks everyone.

Pens For Sale
      5/28/2001:  Steve Thompson
My neighbor brought me a couple of pens to look over and see if I wanted to buy them. As I colect few Sheaffer's, I told him I would post them and see if there is any interest. (1) Sheaffer Saratoga model snorkel set in what F&S (p189) call pastel green - neither have been used [MINT] in case with instructions $60.00. (2) Sheaffer snorkel desk set - pen is black with Triumph nib that screws into the holder - black marble gold vein base with two tiny chips $25.00. Photos on request.

EVERSHARP-BLUE DEMO PEN
      5/28/2001:  J.FINE
ANYONE EVER HEARD OF A EVERSHARP BLUE OCEAN; LE FOUNTAIN PEN W/ 14K GOLD NIB IN THE SKYLINE SERIES? WHAT WOULD A GOING PRICE BE FOR SUCH A PEN IF AVAILABLE? DOES IT WRITE VERY WELL? ADVISE. THANKS. JNF

FS: Added to my list: One Estie, two Parkers, two Sheaffers
      5/28/2001:  Richard
I have added the following newly restored pens to the list of pens I have for sale. For more info and pix of all my pens, please visit my site: http://www.virtualcrate.com/pens/ -- Green Esterbrook SJ, 2668 nib. Condition: B-. Barrel threads very slightly browned. 4 3/4”. Price: $32.50 -- 1944 Gold Pearl Parker Vacumatic Major, Blue Diamond, semi-flexible M gold Arrow nib. Condition: B-. Excellent barrel transparency. Indicia not engraved. Long edges of clip brassed. Length: 5 1/8”. Price: $95.00 -- Hunter Green Parker 21, M nib. Condition: B. Very slight burnishing on cap from clip. One small “fleabite” on shell. Length: 5 1/4”. Price: 30.00 -- Black “Craftsman” No. 33, M nib. Condition: C-. Smooth writer. Good working order, but some scratches and dings. Sealed crack in barrel threads. Visulated section darkly ambered. No brassing. Length: 5 1/16”. Price: $27.50 -- Cadet Blue Feathertouch, two-tone Feathertouch M nib. Condition: C. Smooth writer. Good working order. Very short sealed crack in barrel threads. Visulated section ambered but still clear. No brassing. Length: 5 1/16”. Price: $17.50 -- You can fall in love with a vintage fountain pen and buy it securely on line through PayPal with your VISA or MasterCard. What better way to get a little instant gratification? Happy shopping!

New Book - Special Price
      5/28/2001:  Sam - Pendemonium
Inky Greetings & a Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Four days left on our May Book Special! If you're new to collecting, this may be one of the best $12 investments you ever make!

Collecting Fountain Pens - A Primer for Newer Collectors by Sherrell Tyree and Joel Hamilton. Lots of info on how to select pens, how to shop for pens, internet pen shopping, pen maintenance, etc. Appendix listing many commonly found vintage pens which rates their collectibility and ease of repair. Reg. $15 THRU MAY $12 + S&H

Full details on this book and many others in our Pen Book Section on the website: http://www.pendemonium.com/books.html

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


Seeking Sheaffer magazine Review July, 1960
      5/27/2001:  Len Provisor
I am seeking this magazine or a good copy of Sheaffer's Review July, 1960. Cover has picture of Sheaffer's Cessna 310 corporate airplane. Also seeing July,1959 Sheaffer magazine which also has information on this airplane.

Parker 75 website update for June 2001
      5/27/2001:  Lih-Tah Wong
Greetings Penlovers!

I just updated my Parker 75 website and the reference section has many interesting additions. Among the new items are:

- A new are for pre-production information
- Chicago show auction results on unusual 75s
- Picture of the prototype 75 FP auctioned

and lots more!

In the Exchange section, there are now some hard-to-find 75s up for sale.

If you have any interest in the Parker 75 line, please come visit.

Regards,
Lih-Tah
www.Parker75.com

      5/27/2001:  

Esterbrooks
      5/27/2001:  Clintmax
Hi, Everyone! I was wondering if anyone knew whether or not the Esterbrook Wordathon ballpoint pens will accept a regular ballpoint refill? And if so, which one? I have a very nice Esterbrook fountain pen collection and kinda want to expand it to include the ballpoints.

Dupont
      5/27/2001:  adguy
Where can I purchase on line a Dupont Oroheo Pen. I am looking for a sit that has deep discounts.

Mont Blanc pens
      5/27/2001:  Michael Fan
I'm looking for Mont Blanc demonstrator and prototype ballpoint pens.Pls. email to me if you have any of those for sale.

e-mail
      5/26/2001:  jim burleson
My email replies are not getting through to Scott Summerfield. I'd like to have a p.o. or telephone number for him. Thanks, jb

I GOT LUCKY-PEN SALE
      5/26/2001:  Mike Krut
I GOT LUCKY-PEN SALE I have noticed over the years that many of you are hesitant in purchasing vintage pens because you are concerned with performance, durability and guarantees. Fear no more! I am not a commercial pen manufacture nor a full time seller of vintage pens, but I will try my best to make sure that your vintage pen experience is a positive one! All of my restored pens are returnable, WITHOUT HASSLE, within 5 days of receipt if they have not been damaged. If you damage the pen, please contact me regarding repair, as I want to do everything I can to make this an enjoyable experience. I got a little lucky and was able to buy part of a mint pen collector's horde and some new old stock from a store that closed many years ago. I am listing some of them now. All mint and new old stock pens are not returnable if they have been dipped or filled. All mint and new old stock pens are sold without new sacs. I will put a new sac into the pens for $10.00, as I will be taking the risk of breaking the pen. All restored pens are guaranteed to work. The buyer pays the postage. If I have forgotten any of the other usual Zosser rules, they also apply. PARKERS 1. Circa 1964-MINT 75 Sterling silver cisele pattern flat top with GF accents. I believe it to be a first issue as it has a '0' reference mark on the chrome dial at the top of the section and the section threads are metal. Although the original tag says med., the pen has a broad-double broad 14k stub nib (#70). The pen comes in a black vinyl snap button envelope, which looks like a check book cover with a snap flap. The envelope is lined with a synthetic black velvet which unfortunately has started to disintegrate and has also tarnished the pen to a light brown color. There is a small lip crack in the envelope, in line with the snap. The pen is held in the case by a red ribbon. The envelope is housed in a cardboard box 8 3/4" x 4 3/8" x 3/4." The box is tan (gold?) on the inside and black on the outside. The Parker 75 is embossed on the inside and outside in the two contrasting colors. The Parker logo on the outside of the box is within 3 circles which form ellipses. The box contains all of the original paperwork and one ink cartridge. This is a must have pen for all parker 75 collectors.---$225.00 2..Ditto #1; except fine #65 14K nib, without original papers, without the lip crack in the envelope.---$225.00 THE FOLLOWING VACUMATICS ARE NOT MINT OR NEW OLD STOCK, BUT ARE RESTORED TO EXCELLENT CONDITION AND READY TO USE: 3. VACUMATICS: a. 1942 standard size, single jewel, Golden-Brown Pearl, GF blue diamond clip, F-M 14k nib, ///\\\ cap band, fabulous 'factory like new' visulation, no brassing, exceptional pen-$85.00. b. 1946 standard size, single jewel, Golden-Brown Pearl, GF blue diamond clip, ExF 14k nib, ///\\\cap band, no brassing--$75.00; c. 1946 standard size, single jewel, Silver-Black Pearl, blue diamond nickel clip, F 14K nib, ///\\\ cap band, no brassing-$65.00 4. Mint in the box red SJ Esterbrook, original price sticker, packaging, directions-last copyright date is 1959.---$40.00 More pens soon. Thank you, Mike Krut, AKA, Goldennib

Wanted - Sheaffer pencil
      5/26/2001:  Eric Matthew Rsmon
I have been trying to find a pencil to match a 1939 Sheaffer Crest Masterpiece pen (black body, 14K cap). If anyone has one for sale, please contact me with the particulars. Thanks, Eric

Updated Site
      5/26/2001:  John
Check out www.penandparchment.com. They have just expanded their selection of fountain pens in addition to note cards and stationery with a fountain pen theme.

Sheaffer Balance Millenium edition fountain pen
      5/26/2001:  Mohan Apte
I am sorry I used the wrong name. I wanted to thank Bill R - not David R. Thanks a lot again Mr Bill Mohan

Sheaffer Balance Millenium Edition fountain pen
      5/26/2001:  Mohan Apte
Thanks to David R for is advices. I thinh David understands exactly how I feel. I have also received a couple of emmails on the subject. Thanks to both the senders. Do keep responding Mohan Apte

New Site
      5/26/2001:  Charles Whitehead
Hi everybody just like to let you all know that my new collectors pen site with secure online shop cart system is now up and running. Please visit as there are some unique writng equipment there.www.cobandpen.com Thanks everyone.

His Nibs.com Memorial weekend sale
      5/25/2001:  Norman Haase
Greetings, one and all! Announcing the three-day (through Monday, May 28th) Memorial weekend sale. The following two models are reduced 30%: Lady Coral Gold -- regularly $50.00, now $35.00 http://www.hisnibs.com/'122'_model.htm Filigree Gold -- regularly $55.00, now $38.50 http://www.hisnibs.com/'183'_model.htm Remember, this sale runs to end-of-day on Monday. Also, don't forget to take advantage of the May Special when you make a pen purchase on the website (the sale pens *are* eligible for the May Special): www.hisnibs.com/specials.htm Thanks, and please drive safely this weekend! Regards, Norman Haase His Nibs.com www.hisnibs.com

Parker 75 Keepsake set like new
      5/25/2001:  SarahAnne
Looking for feedback: I have a sterling silver Parker 75 Keepsake pen/pencil set in the original box with all the original papers and accessories (four cartridges, converter and point adjuster). Neither the pen nor pencil have engravings, and the set has never been used. As far as I can tell, the surfaces are unscratched, though slightly (I mean slightly) tarnished in a few small spots. I am looking for feedback on the market value of this pen and would appreciate your comments. Thanks!

Modern Parker Duofolds 4 Sale
      5/25/2001:  Lee Chait
Liquidating my entire collection of modern Duofolds to concentrate on the Parker 75's. Here's what's left: Special Edition Orange International with Counter Display; Greenwich; Rockwell; MacArthur; War Memorial Fund; Jade; Jasper Red; Lapis; Sterling Cent: 1st year Marbled Blue/Red and Black; First year sets; Collectors Editions sets; One of a kind Multi Color Intl's and Centennials and more. Email me with your wants and I'll tell you if I have it and the price. All are new in original box.

Happy memorial Day Weekend
      5/25/2001:  Len Provisor
Huzzah!! First 3 1/2 day weekend holiday. (I start early) Time to play with some pens, mow the lawn, catch up on all my pen magazines, pull some weeds, clean some old pens, trim the bushes, mix some new ink, tune up the old Toro, find a flea market somewhere, plant some new flowers, where's that garage sale?, cruise my favorite pen websites, research more vintage Parker airplanes, maybe I'll even get to finish mowing the lawn. Have a happy and a safe weekend. Staying close to home so I'm not burning gas adding to the sinful profits from the major oil companies...we're as much as $2.17/gal in northern Illinois.

Wanted Pelikan 800 Green Demonstrator
      5/25/2001:  Mark
Looking for Pelikan 800 Green Demo, prefer fine nib, will consider mint or an excellent condition, the packaging is not important. TIA, Mark

Pelikan nib exchanges
      5/25/2001:  Rick
I believe the Pelikan office in Mass. is no longer open. Does anyone know where I can send a pelikan nib for exchange now? Thanks.

Omas Specials
      5/25/2001:  JiaXian
Hi, Just thought I'd let everyone know I still have some Omas pens left at great prices. The Mezzo Arco FP is at the extraordinary price of $475 shipped, retail on this is $1100. Celluloid Paragon pens are also available at US$315 shipped, retail is $850. Pearl grey and saft green are still available.
Omas Specials - http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~teomm/omasspecials.html
Regards, JiaXian

Montblanc 12 part
      5/24/2001:  Debashish Chakravarti
I need a replacement black plastic hood and, if possible, the ring separating the hood from the ink window for a Montblanc Meisterstuck 12.The part will probably have to come from a damaged 12 or 22. Since my own pen is in poor condition, price is a consideration.

OMAS Response
      5/24/2001:  Charlie
I am a serious OMAS collector. I recently wrote OMAS in Italy noting my disappointment with recent quality control and lack of an OMAS representative in the US. I just received this very nice reply from Raffaella Simoni Malaguti. I was pleasantly surprised to get a personal reply. Hopefully this will work itself out. In the mean time I will be sending my pens to Jerry Trafford for any needed adjustments and repairs. ---------- Dear Mr. Harles, thank you for your e-mail dated May 14, 2001. We are really sorry at learning you had problems with your Lucens, ExtraLucens and Arlecchino pens. We kindly ask you to contact: EUSGENIUS MARKETING GROUP INC. 1384 BROADWAY, 20TH FLOOR 10018 NEW YORK TEL. (212) 764 1192 FAX. (212) 764 1789 for any need or eventual question you should have in the future. We are, in fact, re-organizing your market and we are working to complete shortly a new, very functional structure in USA. Of course the defect you claimed is covered by the OMAS international guarantee, so we kindly ask you to let us know the amount you paid to enable us to reimberse it. I'm personally very pleased to hear you have so many OMAS pens and I should like to send you a small monography I wrote when we established the Club Internazionale Armando Simoni dedicated to my father, founder of the Company. --------. If you should come to Bologna, I should be pleased to welcome you in OMAS. Kind regards, Raffaella Simoni Malaguti

Houston Pen Show June 7-10
      5/24/2001:  Len Provisor
You want to taste some Texas hospitality, it's dished out by the shovelful by Boris Rice and Stan Pfeiffer at this show. Every pen show has a different flavor, even though pen collectors come from all over the world, you know it when you're at the Houston Pen Show. Now, I'm not an official promoter of this show, just giving my opinion from past visits. How about that sit-down lunch on Sunday for exhibitors, catered and pampered by white-gloved waiters. Is this a pen show, or a Bar Mitzva? Auction goods are always MIB, as in Mint in the Box, just the way us vintage guys like to find 'em. BTW, flush with the huge success of the Blues Night and Jam Session at Chicago Pen Show, I suggested a Country/Western Amateur Night for anyone that can pick a G-string on a guitar, yodel a tune, tell tall tales or even spin one of those lariat things. If this was not arranged, there is plenty of local true down-home foot-stomping, thigh slapping entertainment in town. Hope to see y'all down there.

Montblanc boxes needed
      5/24/2001:  Allen Gross
Interested in buying Boxes and documentation for Montblanc Dostoievsky FP, RB and BP. If you have these and want to sell them, please email me with price and condition, thanks Allen

FOUNTAINPENS FOR SELL-NO RARITIES
      5/24/2001:  Ryto
I have just closed my Ebay Account (rytofpens)because it is an expensive service for me and I would like to sell some fountainpens .They are not rarities but somebody could be interested. Prices and details,Do not hesitate to ask me PLEASE!! Some Scans available-Ryto,Miami,FL. The Pens are mint,near mint condition,good conditions,etc all working. **EVERSHARP SKYLINE BLUE OCEAN TRANSPARENT LIMITED EDITION**PARKER DUOFOLD CENTENNIAL JASPER BURGUNDY**EVERSHARP NUMBER "64"FIFTH AVE.** MONTBLANC DESK PEN**WATERMAN TAPARITE**SHEAFFER BALANCE SMALL**BLACKBIRD**WYVERN”202”**PELIKAN M-400**PARKER 25**WYVERN "707"**PARKER 51 VACUMATIC**SHEAFFER STYLIST GOLDEN FINISH **WATERMAN LAUREAT**WATERMAN “X” PEN CAPILLARY NOT WORKING**SKATER PEN**"Hero" # 331**EK DESIGN**OSMIA AW. FABER CASTELL # 33**PARKER 45 SET MADE IN ARGENTINA**KAWECO SPORT V-16N SET**

GLASS PENS
      5/24/2001:  Marv
I WANT HAVE FOR SALE SOME BEAUTIFUL MURANO ITALY COLORFUL GLASS PENS. YES, YOU CAN WRITE WITH THEM. THEY ARE DISPLAYED IN A CUSTOM MADE CLEAR PLASTIC STAND. COMPLETE, 5 PENS PLUS STAND @ $150+POSTAGE. FREE BONUS- TWO GLASS ARTIST'S BRUSHES (NO, YOU CANNOT PAINT WITH THESE).

FS: magazines & catalogues
      5/24/2001:  Jim Burleson
I wish to sell IN ONE LOT (USA only): 1. Pen World, complete vol 1-9 (1987-96) 2. 10 Pen Fanciers, 5 P&Pencils Galleries (UK), 10 Benlux (Belgium) 3. Jour of Writing Equipment Soc (UK), 22 issues, (1990-98) 4. Catalogues (1980s-90s): 31 Fahrneys, 12 Christies, Phillips, Bohnams, 21 misc, 1 small book. They will be in 4-6 boxes, about 60-70 lbs. Cost: $450. plus 1/2 of shipping cost.

Parts Needed
      5/24/2001:  Terry Mawhorter
I am searching for some parts for several pen friends. First, I need a lever for a Spenciarian. The ones I have seen are all the same size. Second, a gold filled lever bar assembly for a Waterman 52. Third, a three band, Parker yellow lady duofold cap. Fourth, section and inner cap for a Parker 75, Sterling, c.1980. Please email me if you have any of these parts. Thanks, Terry

Sheaffer Balance
      5/24/2001:  Bill R
If by "indifferent", you mean that you don't get a feel for the nib moving across the paper, this is very likely due to the nib. In my experience, Sheaffer's broad nibs tend to have rather large, round chunks of tipping material. While this makes for a very smooth nib, it doesn't give much line width variation, nor would it be likely to provice you with much feeling. If you like a wide line, you might try having the nib exchanged for their stub, which might give you more of what you are looking for.

Fixing a Patrician Clip
      5/24/2001:  Roberto
Hallo. I've just bought a Waterman's Patrician. The clip is loose, and moves a couple of millimeters up and down, even if it's attached to the cap itself with no space between the cap and clip. Can anybody suggest me how to fix it? Is it necessary to remove the inner cap? How is it made? Thansk for your help.

Sheaffer Balance Millenium Fountain Pen
      5/24/2001:  Mohan Apte
As a rejoinder - I have to state that the nib that I have presently is a "broad" nib. The problem starts no sooner I put the pen on paper. It feels some "indifferent" and "remote" to be writing with this pen !! (I am trying to find words to best describe my feeling). I have a Parker duofold and it is such a fantastic pen to write with - it offers such tremendous "feedback" back to the hand based on which I can vary the slant and the pressure applied. Writing with the sheaffer balance however does not come anywhere close to this. Readers - please advise me what can be done to make my experience of writing with the sheaffer balance more pleasurable ?? Thanks

Sheaffer Balance Millenium Fountain Pen
      5/24/2001:  Mohan Apte
I have been dissappointed with this pen. The reason I am dissappointed is that the pen writes "indifferently" - if I may use the word to describe my feelings. I wonder if it is because of the nib - I have noticed a few postings on various pen discusson sites that talk about people being (generally) unhappy with the sheaffer balance fountain pens. My experience simply confirms that. I have earlier bought a Parker Duofold and the Parker works beautifully - absolutely no problems. In fact I also own a Parker frontier (which lists for $20 or thereabouts) and I have to state that the frontier too writes better than the balance (despite the balance being atleast 6 times more expensive). I would seek advise from readers of this note - would changing the nib to medium help ? Have any other users encountered simillar problems with the sheaffer balance ? You may communicate with me either personally to my email or oon the bulleting board itself. Thanks

Cross Anniversary Pen
      5/24/2001:  Stephen Lam
For Shailesh : I bought one in Canada last year. It was on sale and the shop was offering both at the same price, around $300 Canadian with the presentation box and inkwell etc (could be less, I don't remember the exact price). There were many on offer then and they should be in the hands of dealers. The current prices will depend on a number of factors. Shop around.

L.E Sale Below Wholesale
      5/23/2001:  Penstop
Just a follow-up to our recent posting regarding our 60% discount sale on selected L.E.s and more on our "Specials" page at our website.
Our stock is dwindling and at these prices think of the wonderful gifts you could make to yourself or those folks in your life that are special. The items on sale are all limited editions, all numbered, new stock, with box and papers.
This is a unique opportunity at below wholesale prices. When ordering mention this ad and receive a free gift.
Just click on our banner above PENSTOPONLINE you will be taken directly to our homepage.
Thank you!
Maryann at PenstopOnline
http://www.penstoponline.com
http://www.nycpenshow.com

Cross Anniversary Pen
      5/23/2001:  Shailesh
I saw a gold and sterling filled Cross 150th Aniversary Fountain Pen in a Catalogue. I called in the store, but they do not have it in stock. Can someone let me know there experience with this pen. How is it and what is a reasonable price to pay for it. I would appreciate you feedback Thanks Shailesh Bandekar Canada

Mount Blanc set
      5/23/2001:  Mount Blanc
I have for sale a set of Mount Blanc Pen # 149, matching ball point and pencil ,three piece set I am offering @ $375.

Cross Anniversary Pen
      5/23/2001:  Shailesh Bandekar
I saw a gold and sterling filled Cross 150th Aniversary Fountain Pen in a Catalogue. I called in the store, but they do not have it in stock. Can someone let me know there experience with this pen. How is it and what is a reasonable price to pay for it. I would appreciate you feedback Thanks Shailesh Bandekar Canada

Ultrasonic Cleaner
      5/23/2001:  Rene
I am looking for ULTRASONIC CLEANER HOME USE for my fountainpens.Any idea,prices,brands and suggests,please,Let me know.TIA,Rene.

solid gold cross pens
      5/23/2001:  
I have a new, still in it's original box and never used, macassor wood desk set. It has (2) solid gold cross desk pens and a seperate matching paper-weight. Original retail was $1500.00 over 20 years ago. Open to bid. Obviously a rare collectors item!!

Pen Trade
      5/23/2001:  Karl
Hello: I would like to trade a Red Tibaldi Modella 60 in excellent condition for a large-sized Stipula Etruria also in excellent condition. Please let me know if you are interested. Thanks!!

Chicago
      5/23/2001:  David
Can anyone recommend a good pen store in Chicago? (I believe Collins has closed.)

Chicago Pen Auction Results
      5/22/2001:  Don Lavin
Hi Mike and all penlovers. The auction results from the Chicago Pen Auction were posted on PenBid soon after the show. Please check it out. Don

Chicago pen show auction results
      5/22/2001:  Mike Rosen
I bought the catalog, but unlike prior years, the results have not yet been forthcoming. Does anyone know where the results are posted?

MB Proust set
      5/22/2001:  Michelle
I have a factory sealed Mont Blanc 3-piece "Proust" set for sale. It is immaculate, $1,250.

Pens for sale
      5/22/2001:  Allen Gross
I have a brand new Aurora Giuseppe Verde fountain pen with 18k medium nib, no box or warranty 499.99, also Visconti Dragon Fp in asst nib sizes 499.99 complete with box and warranty. 215-654-1555 credit cards accepted.

PARKER PENS
      5/22/2001:  EUNIE
I HAVE FOR SALE SEVERAL PARKER 51, 45, 61, 75. IN SEVERAL COLORS. ALL ARE MINT OR NEAR MINT. I AM PARTING WITH THEM @ 3 FOR $125 + POSTAGE. ALSO A PARKER 51 PEN & PENCIL SET IN 9K SOLID GOLD (Eng). @$350. Excellent buy! For those of you who are into Sheaffers, let me know what you need & I may have it.

Wanted Aurora Carlo Goldoni
      5/22/2001:  Mark
Looking for Aurora Carlo Goldoni in mint or excellent condition, the packaging is not important, prefer fine or medium nib. TIA, Mark

Stipula pens - Welcome Offer
      5/22/2001:  Susanna
To welcome Stipula and its beautiful pens in Giardino Italiano's catalog, we offer the Duetto fountain pens at discounted price. --- It's the WELCOME OFFER------------> Don't miss it! ------> www.pens.it <---------

60% Off Sale - L.E.s and More
      5/21/2001:  Penstop
Hi Everyone:
Just a quick note to let you know that our website has been updated in part and we have a 60% discount sale on selected L.E.s and more on our "Specials" page.
All pens are new, original packaging with papers.
When ordering mention this ad and receive a free gift.
Just click on our ad above and you will be taken directly to our homepage.
Thank you! Maryann at PenstopOnline

Omas Israel 50, Jerusalem 3000
      5/21/2001:  Dov
How much would these two Omas's cost. Chap told me that he picked up on clearance sale in Miami at a fraction of mrsp. Any offers?

Broken Sheaffer Feed
      5/20/2001:  allan
A novice collector once asked me where I got all the parts I had in a box. When he broke a Waterman Commando, he found the answer.

Sheaffer feed needed
      5/20/2001:  ron
HELP! Does anyone have, or know where I can find, a feed for a Sheaffer 500 military clip FP? (the larger size) The feeds on these seem to be quite brittle, and a it doesn't take much to break them! I bought one of the pens this weekend, was cleaning and resacking the pen, and SNAP! Bummer dude! I'm trying a waterproof epoxy, but would rather have a whole feed! Any leads? Anybody have one that they're willing to part with? Thanks!

WWII Hero
      5/19/2001:  DrBob
Whatever happened to "WW II Hero" who used to be on the old aolPenChat Page? Bob

New York City Shopping
      5/19/2001:  Bob
I plan to go to NYC next weekend. I know about the Fountain Pen Hospital at 10 Warren St, but can any of you recommend other pen shops on Manhattan Island. Thanks

      5/19/2001:  Jane
Pelikan tortoise color rollerball pen wanted. They stopped making this color in 1999.

Waterman Pens
      5/19/2001:  MARVIN
AFTER 20 YEARS OF PEN COLLECTINGI AM LIQIDATING . SOME TOP OF THE LINE COLLECTOR'S PENS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. TWO OF MY GEMS ARE A WATERMAN #0552 1/2 L.E.C.,FILIGREE OVERLAY G.F @ $250,AND A WATERMAN #0552 1/2 L.E.C SHERATON G.F @$200. BOTH ARE MINT CONDITION. I WILL ACCEPT $425 FOR THE TWO OF THEM.

Web Site
      5/19/2001:  Ken Jones
Just wanted to let everyone know that we are changing servers and the web site will be down for a week or so. Sorry for the trouble. Ken Jones

A.N. Moos please contact me
      5/19/2001:  Jon Rosenbaum
Would A,N, Moos please email me? I tried to contact you via back channel re the Westin, but there is no email address on your post. Thanks! Jon R

chicago review
      5/19/2001:  sherman barnes
I really liked the review of the Chicago show in Stylophiles but would appreciate some names attached to the pictures. For those of us on the periphery it would be nice to attach some names w/the images - just an idea.

His Nibs.com '900' series sale!
      5/19/2001:  Norman Haase
Greetings, one and all! Announcing the two-day (through Sunday, May 20th) Hero '900' series sale! The three models are reduced 30%: Regularly $95.00, now $66.50 Blue/Gray Celluloid Regularly $125.00, now $87.50 22K Golden Waves Regularly $125.00, now $87.50 Palladium and Gold This is a terrific price for these beautiful, oversize pens which sport 14K gold nibs. These are some of the very few Hero pens produced with true medium nibs (as all others are fine or x-fine). The clips have "Doctor" engraved in a flowing script, which is part of Hero's upscale line of pens (and suggests who you might want to give one to as a gift) :-) Be forewarned though! The pens have a 1/2" CZ *jewel* in their caps -- which you'll either love or hate. http://www.hisnibs.com/'900'_series.htm Remember, this sale runs to end of day on Sunday. Also, don't forget to take advantage of the May Special when you make a pen purchase on the website (the Hero '900' series sale pens *are* eligible for the May Special): www.hisnibs.com/specials.htm Thanks! Regards, Norman Haase His Nibs.com www.hisnibs.com

Where did Bertram's go
      5/18/2001:  Rod
I tried to go to Bertram's Inkwell ealier today via the graphic advertisement on the home page of PenLovers, but my browser tells me that there is no such URL. Any ideas? Did they "go away" or are they just having trouble with their domain name?

Omas in the U.S
      5/18/2001:  Steve Zucker
What appears to be going on is a change of distribution in the U.S. by Omas. It appears that Marcovici is no longer the importer of Omas. Gianluc Malaguti, Pesrident of Omas, is currently in N.Y. for the National Stationary Show and most likely a formal announcemnt will be relased. I am sure LVMH and Omas have no intention of not honoring all warranties. At this time it appears that it is just a question of who handles the importing and warranty work. Louis Vitton has those in place for all of there goods sold in the U.S., and on more than one occasion I have found them to prompt and totally accomodating.

Response to Bill Stevens
      5/18/2001:  Kristi
Bill, in response to your nice posting with the suggestion of sending the T2s to Jerry, etc. I have not contacted Omas in Italy yet since I feel Marcovici should avidly pursue their responsibility as importers of the pens. I have been assured that Omas management has received copies of my postings via other channels. Presumably Marcovici is making a profit and handling warranty should be part of their business overhead. Imagine purchasing a new car which stalled fifty miles from the dealership and being told that repairs might occur sometime in the unknown future. Would you feel cheated? Should you need to expend further money until sometime happens? The issue of personal expense is secondary to wishing to help others avoid this situation. Most pen transactions have been great fun and I assure you that is not the case in trying to warn collectors against the few who do not seem committed to good business practices.

pen warranty work
      5/18/2001:  Kristi
In case anyone might wonder about my general reaction to pen warranty situations....I have nothing but good words for Conway Stewart, Pelikan (in the lamented past), Visconti, and Stipula. In the past I had one feed problem with an Omas 360 and that was swiftly and cheerfully taken care of by Jim Rouse who is the importer of Conway Stewart. Retro 51 did a great job on a Stipula nib exchange. Have had no problems with Pelikan or Visconti pens but over 50% with recent Omas purchases. So I feel that most of the dealers and importers are being very fair and helpful with the exception of Omas. I hope that situation is resolved soon since the company makes beautiful and desirable pens.

OMAS Warranty
      5/18/2001:  Mark
Bill, Why should Kristi pay for any adjustments, the pens are under warranty? It shows, that the new owners and the distributor don't care about their customers. I fell a victim of the same excuse myself. Unfortunately these out of the box experiences are becoming a norm rather than an exception in Omas pens. Extremely disappointing. Mark

Chciago Pen Shw Review in Stylophiles
      5/18/2001:  Lee Chait
Great job with lots of pictures. If you haven't looked at it yet you are missing out. Takes time to download but worth it.

Chicago show hotel energy surcharge
      5/18/2001:  A. N. Moos
For those of you who arrived at the Chicago show this year, only to be informed that you would be charged an additional $2.50 per night "energy surcharge": I just contested this charge, and had a refund promptly issued to my credit card account. After all, a contract is a contract, and Westin had confirmed my reservation at the show rate months beforehand.

OMAS Warranty
      5/18/2001:  Bill Stevens
Kristi, I'm curious about the OMAS warranty. Did you contact OMAS in Italy to ask them where to send the pens? Does the problem seem to be that Marcovici may or may not be continuing as the OMAS distributor? My recommendation to you would be to go ahead and send the pens to Jerry Trafford. I think I remember that you have ink flow problems and he would probably fix it with minor adjustments to the feed, or a feed exchange. It shouldn't cost very much, then at least you'll have nice working pens while you are fighting your battle with OMAS. Life is short.

Thanks
      5/18/2001:  nammyung
Thanks, Bill. BTW, great job on your magazine! I love your pen reviews!

campo marzio penne
      5/18/2001:  Jose Moco
if you work, or plan to work with Campo Marzio Penne, please visit our site. It might save you some troubles. www.campomarzio-penne.com

Re Omas Repairs and Lifetime Warranty
      5/18/2001:  Stephen Lam
Kristi's info on Omas repair is very interesting and a timely reminder to those who believe in lifetime warranties.These warranties may last the lifetime of the company or the local dealer but probably not purchasers' lifetime. I was recently given a Fisher Space Pen with a 80 year (?) guarantee. I was amused as I could not see how such a small pen will last such a long time with regular use.I might have missed some of the fine prints though. I hope there are users who will live long enough and have a good enough memory to test this warranty in 2081.

Omas repairs
      5/17/2001:  Kristi
Omas repairs are apparently NOT being covered under warranty nor does importer Marcovici offer any hope of doing same. But Jerry Trafford has done their repairs and I hear that he does a fine job. I am very unhappy with Omas and Marcovici since paying for several expensive items and being told that warranty is useless.

Omas repairs
      5/17/2001:  Steve
Can anyone tell me where to get an Omas PAragon Celluloid FP repaired? It leaks from the rear seal. Thank you.

Sonnets
      5/17/2001:  Bill Riepl
The Sonnet has what I would call a "soft nib", not really flexible, especially when compared to vintage flex nibs. They can be nice writers, although I have had some with flow problems. The thin cap band came first, the thick ones are the second version.

Parker Sonnet?
      5/17/2001:  nammyung
Hi there! I'm looking for some information on the Parker Sonnet pens. Has anyone tried them? Do you think that they are a good writer? I read somewhere that they have flexible nibs -- did you find that that was trye? Finally, I've seen at least two different pictures depicting a Sterling Cisele Sonnet, with slightly different appearances: one had a pretty wide gold cap band, while another picture had a pretty narrow gold cap band. Are there any other models out there, and what was the order of manufacture? Thanks!

Re: Best Ball Point or Rollerball for $50.00
      5/17/2001:  Susanna
If she's looking for a design pen, take a look of the Parafernalia range at www.pens.it. They are nice pens, usually under $40. Susanna

montblanc pen for sale
      5/17/2001:  sam
montblanc founten pen for sale sterling silver barly addition never used asking 600.00 mint brand new

Syringe pens
      5/16/2001:  Qiana Rufus
I have been looking for syringe pens. Would anyone know where in Chicago where I could find one?

PCA Pen Repair Directory
      5/16/2001:  Sam - PCA
As many of you already know, in each issue of the PENnant, the PCA prints a Pen Repair Directory. The directory goes out to nearly 1800 members. You can list your pen repair services in three consecutive issues of the PENnant for just $45 and of course the money goes to help support the PENnant. Deadline for the Fall issue to be mailed in August is June 15th. If you need more details or would like to be listed in the PCA's Pen Repair Directory, just drop me an email.

Thanks for your time and for your support of the PCA!

Best Regards, Sam


Best Ball Point or Rollerball for $50.00
      5/16/2001:  Anthony
I have recieved some great advice on FP's from this website. I hope you can help me with a non-FP pen question. A friend wants to buy a ball point or rollerball for a friend. She wants to spend about $50.00. Any thoughts? Thanks, Anthony

Sheaffer Balance LE
      5/16/2001:  David
I'm thinking about getting a Sheaffer Balance LE. They now seem to be available, from time to time, at less than half their original price. Does anyone have experience using one? How is the quality? What is the least I can expect to pay? I would be also interested in one that had been used. I don't have any use for the fancy presentation box. David

BCHR Pens FS
      5/16/2001:  Joel
We have come into possession of 3 Exceptional BCHR pens during the past month and want to offer them to those of you who have an interest. 1. Waterman's 55. Nearly new with crisp chasing and outstanding color. There is NO oxidation of this one. If it had the original Waterman's sac, we could call this mint. $195 2. Waterman's 52. I have my questions abou this one. THe chasing is not crsip but the pen is as black as the day it came from the factory. No oxiddation, no indication that the color was restored, but I just have questions when they are this black and have wear to the chasing. Never-the-less, great color, wonderful pen. 125 3. Moore L-93. Again, this one is as new. It had been filled at least once, but I doubt that it was more than that. A great looking pen that has no problems. Crisp chasing, black and shiny, no brassing. There are four small small impressions in the barrel near the section as if this was where a machine had held the barrel. One seldom sees a BCHR in this condition and color. $175 Shipping is extra. No hassle return privilege. If you are interested in any of these, e-me or Sherrell

Man 100 Briarwood FS
      5/16/2001:  Darrell K. Sanders
Waterman Man 100 Briarwood for sale. Hardly used with great OB nib. Boxed with free shipping. $195 Thanks Darrell

FS Aurora 75th Anniversary Red
      5/15/2001:  Mark
Offered for sale Red Aurora 75th Anniversary in mint condition without boxes. The PIC is available. Best reasonable offer. TIA, Mark

Chicago Show Review
      5/15/2001:  Dean Tweeddale
FYI--The Chicago show review is online now in Stylophiles. Tons of images so you may need to be patient while it loads. Enjoy! Dean

Capella Pens
      5/15/2001:  David N. Rosensaft
Does anyone know what happened to Capella Pens? I'd like to purchase some additional "Bamboo" Sterling models but I can't seem to find them anywhere. My original dealer hadn't dealt with them in a while and couldn't suggest anywhere to go. Any ideas would be welcome

Cross Century Ballpen
      5/15/2001:  Trevor Smetham
Can anyone help me track down a source for a Cross Century ballpen made in solid 14kt or 18kt gold? This is the original 1946 black top conical design. I've been told that production has ceased.

Pen manufacturer
      5/15/2001:  Gerrit
I am interested in designing a pen. I am looking for someone who could manufacture it. If anyone knows of a company that does custom pen manufacturing please let me know. Thanks

      5/15/2001:  David
In reference to my earlier note of four pens for sale, I will have photos to show later this evening.

Thanks
      5/15/2001:  Basil
Thanks to everyone who answered my question. I now realize my complaint was unnecessary.

Pens for sale
      5/15/2001:  David
I have four pens I would like to sell. Omas Arte Italien, red, fine nib, mint, $220.00 Delta 365, white, fine nib, mint, $220.00 Stipula Novocenta Chroma, fine nib, excellent, some wear on the clip, $220.00 Pelikan 400, brown and black, fine nib, mint, $150.00 All are in the original boxes with papers.

re: Recife Pens
      5/15/2001:  Waco Johnny D
I have a Crystal and 2 other similar Recife Press Master-size/style pens, and they all leave much to be desired: the nibs and feeds fit loosely in the sections so it's common for the nibs to rotate and misalign unless the writer has a very light touch, but this can be fixed by building up the base of the nib with shellac or nail polish and reassembling; the pens are very long which makes them look weird clipped into a shirt pocket (if you can get them deep enough in to clip at all -- that's how long they are); finally the nib on my Crystal is nothing to brag about -- I had to work on it right out of the box. Oddly, the nibs on my non-Crystal Recifes are extremely well-done, both fat mediums with a hint of "stubness." The nib on the Crystal is a more-typical ball, and not very well-polished. Based on my small sample size I can conclude nothing from this.

Hope this helps somewhat,
WJD


montblanc for sale
      5/14/2001:  sam
montblanc barly collectors item for sale sterling silver fountin pen with gold clip and gold nib asking the list price $550.00 dollars graet condition hardly used

LE Daily Users -- Survey Results
      5/14/2001:  Andreas Lambrou
Dear Pen Lovers, Well, the great American pen manufacturer, Sheaffer has triumphed again with the Classic Pens customized Legacy, the CP4 Civil War Pens, Washington and Richmond. The survey carried out by Randy Gorman is given below and it involved a feedback from 33 pen users who reported on 67 different pens -- and the CP4 Civil War Pens were voted, 'The Most Popular Pen'. We still have a few of these available for sale. The pens are in mint condition with full warranties and limited edition certificates and housed in a Sheaffer presentation box. They are aimed for every day use and are available in a variety of nib grades. Please contact us either by e-mail: ClasPenInc@aol.com, Telephone: Los Angeles (323) 658 7367 or fax: (323) 658 8886 for our offer. Our offer is available until stocks last. Don't miss out, contact us now! We look forward to being of service to you. Andreas Lambrou http://hometown.aol.com/claspeninc/FountainPensUSAandUKcontents.html In a message dated 5/13/01 8:23:27 PM Pacific Daylight Time, rgorman@carolina.rr.com writes: << Subj: LE Daily Users Survey Results Date: 5/13/01 8:23:27 PM Pacific Daylight Time From: rgorman@carolina.rr.com (Gorman) To: pens@zoss.com="=====" THIS MESSAGE ORIGINATED AT PENS@ZOSS.COM="=====" Do you have a limited edition pen that is a daily user? That was the question on May 10 and here are the results of the survey: The Classic Pens CP4 Legacy received the most votes for a single model. Montblanc and Visconti tied for the most votes for a maker. Full results of the survey are at: http://www.geocities.com/gorman56/Zoss-LE.html Thanks for the insights, Randy="========">>

      5/14/2001:  Don Burns
I would be grateful if anyone can tell me where I can still buy (on line) a Colibri Mickey Mouse Scribe pen (I believe this is a convertible pen) and/or the Colibri Limited Edition Mickey Mouse fountain pen. Thanks in advance for any info you can pass along. Don

waterman expert I
      5/14/2001:  norman
hello, i am looking for a waterman expert I fountain pen. i had one as a gift and lost it...never bothered replacing it. Now that i am starting a pen collection i would like to have another one to replace it. the fountain pen is slightly larger than the current expertII, the barrel is made of plastic,unlike the metal barrel of the expertII. the band of the expert I has a "w" on it and the back of the band has "waterman paris"; in contrast to the "waterman paris" inscribed on the band of the expertII. on top of the cap there is a letter"w" inscribed. if anyone has any idea where i can get another waterman expertI, please let me know. i would appreciate your help. thanks!

New Visconti Kaleido FPs For Sale
      5/14/2001:  Doug
I have several brand new Visconti Kaleido fountain pens, complete with box and papers. I have green, grey, and blue, and have F, M, and B nibs. Each is $167 shipped. Thanks! Doug

Iridum,nibs points,etc
      5/14/2001:  Rene
Dear Adrian,I suggest you to visit this page http://www.nibs.com maybe it will helpful.Regards,Rene.

WTB - Moore "Banker" Fountain Pen
      5/14/2001:  Carmen Rivera
I am interested in hearing from anyone who has a Moore "Banker" fountain pen for sale. Here is a link to images of the pen: http://www.riverapens.com/banker.htm

Re:Adrian
      5/14/2001:  Basil
Adrian, that can't be wear. Iridium is one of the hardest metals on earth and can't be worn out so fast. I think they were made so. If they are polished at an angle, they are obliques. If there is no ball whhatsoever, that's s stub nib

Washing a pen properly
      5/14/2001:  Basil
Hello Penlovers! You seem to be rather reluctant in answering my questions, whatever the subject is, I don't know why. Maybe I am behaving wrong or being annoying. If this is the case, please let me know. Otherwise, I have another question to ask you: after using Pelikan 4001 Brilliant Red Ink in my Pelikan M250 for two months, I noticed a whitish residue on the nib. Also the flow is greatly reduced, so I need to wash the ----ing thing off. I tried to do it with water, soap, dishwasher soap and alcohol, all of which would not help. What else can I do? Maybe ammonia? I need to be sure it wouldn't eat up the feed. Please help!

Nib points
      5/13/2001:  Adrian C
Can anyone advise me on a matter concerning the shape of nib points that's puzzling me? I have three pens which write much more smoothly than the others. They are: a Mont Blanc 149; a Pelikan (model unknown) and a 1940s Parker Vacumatic. Examining them with a magnifying glass recently, I noticed that they all have points which are polished flat (angled at writing angle of 45 deg) rather than spherical. My question is this: are some points ground this way, or is it wear? I could understand this in relation to the Vac (as it's been around a long time) and the Pelikan (because I used it regularly for years) but I've only used the MB for 4 to 5 years. Are MBs ground with flat points? Thanks for any advice you can offer.

FS: Added to my list: Conklin Endura, Parker Vac, two Sheaffers
      5/12/2001:  Richard
I have added the following newly restored pens to the list of pens I have for sale. For more info and pix, please visit my site: http://www.virtualcrate.com/pens/ -- Black Conklin Vest Pocket Endura, semi-flexible F nib (not marked Conklin). Condition: B-. Interrupted longitudinal chasing. No brassing. Strong clear Toledo imprint. Writes well. 3 15/16". $60.00 -- 1945 Gold Pearl Vacumatic Major, Blue Diamond, XF gold Arrow nib. Condition: B+. Excellent barrel transparency. Indicia not engraved. 5 1/16". $125.00 -- Uncommon Gray Marbled Flat-End Junior, flat ball humped clip, F Junior nib. Condition: A1/B. CPT. Except for nib and feed, this pen is NOS; I broke its original unfitted feed during restoration. Slight drawer abrasion on trim. 4 7/16". $70.00 -- Roseglow Striated Balance 350, flat ball humped clip, No. 3 M nib. Condition: B-. No brassing. A few very minor dings. Imprint complete but slightly uneven. Visulated section evenly ambered. 5 3/8". $80.00 -- You can fall in love with a vintage fountain pen and buy it securely on line through PayPal with your VISA or MasterCard. What better way to get a little instant gratification? Happy shopping!

Omas Special to celebrate 1000 hits
      5/12/2001:  JiaXian
Hi, To celebrate 1000 hits on my website, I'm offering the Omas Paragon Celluloid FP at the extraordinary price of $315 inclusive of shipping anywhere. Retail is $850, and I normally ask $349. Only while stocks last. More specials to come later on.
Omas Specials - http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~teomm/omasspecials.html
Check out my webpage for more fine pens at great prices.
http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~teomm/index.html
Regards,

WTB Omas Galileo
      5/12/2001:  RP
I am looking for an Omas Galileo that is in new condition (uninked and undipped) in the original lens case. Please respond via e-mail. Thanks.

His Nibs.com Mother's Day Sale
      5/12/2001:  Norman Haase
Greetings, one and all! You don't have to be a genius to take advantage of this Mother's Day weekend sale, which runs through Sunday May 13th! Take 30% off of any of the Genius 'Great Minds' models in stock, which translates to: $24.50 for the Madame Curie pens (only solid black or solid burgundy caps still available), and $56.00 for any of the celluloid models!!!!!! http://www.hisnibs.com/great_minds.htm This is the perfect opportunity for those of you who would like to add to your celluloid collections at spectacular savings, as well as those new to Genius pens in general, or the Great Minds pens in particular. Remember, this sale runs to end of day on Sunday. Among the Sheaffer NOS (New Old Stock) offerings, I've almost sold out on the Crests, so please take a look: http://www.hisnibs.com/crest.htm Also, don't forget to take advantage of the May Special when you make a pen purchase on the website (Genius sale pens *are* eligible for the May Special): www.hisnibs.com/specials.htm Thanks! Regards, Norman Haase His Nibs.com www.hisnibs.com

Chicago Pen Show 2001 still ROCKING!
      5/11/2001:  Len Provisor
Friday nite a bunch of us from the Pen Show went to Buddy Guy's Legends Blue Cafe to see John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers perform, being on a World Tour we were incredibly lucky to see this legend. I sent a thank you letter to him for some prizes we used for performers at the Sat nite Jam Session, and it was posted on his Fan Mail website. Visit www.johnmayall.com/fanmail.html for their kind response. Let me tell you my pen friends, Pen Shows will never be the same again, Chicago has set a precedence for some great entertainment discovering pen collectors that really know how to rock. Detlef Bittner, Sandy "Blues Babe" Andina, John "Frett killer" Woo, Jake "Hot Lips" Engel from FPH NY, Mitch "Santana" Lavin, and Don "Two-Step Tango" Lavin...have no fear. next year will be even better.

Recife Pens
      5/11/2001:  Nate
I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Recife Pens. I'm somewhat interested in their "Crystal" fountain pen. The things that draw me to it are it's clear body and seemingly large ink supply. However, I've heard rumors that the quality of Recife pens is not that great. . . fading, parts falling off, etc. If anyone has had any experience with these pens and could make a recommendation I'd appreciate it. thanks, nate

RE: What to get
      5/11/2001:  Nate
Gino, My first recommendation would be anything by Aurora. And if you're new to fountain pen writing and don't want to break the bank, their "Idea" line of pens is a great way to start. Also, buy a bottle of Aurora ink to go with it. I've tried other inks in mine and find that the black ink made by Aurora looks FABULOUS when used in the Idea fountain pen that I own and use. Also, Lamy makes some great pens that don't cost an arm and a leg.

Hicks Fountain Pen
      5/11/2001:  John Maloney
I was able to purcase a Hicks Fountain pen last weekend. The cap contains the following makings: 14CT and the number 959. Can anyone help identify the meaning of the 959? The 14CT seems to be the European designation for 14 karat gold, but the number has me baffled. The nib reads Hicks and Sons 14 KT. Any info on this pen maker and inscription would be appreciated.

Streamline Duofolds
      5/11/2001:  Jan
How many basic sizes did Streamline Duofolds come in? I know there are lots of special variations - vest pocket, ring tops, etc., but I'd like to know what the "normal" versions were. Most of the Parker ads I've seen refer to pens priced at $5, $7, and $10, but without mentioning what you get for each price.

Montblanc Baby-Safety on sale.
      5/11/2001:  Jose L. Lastra.
FOR SALE, MONTBLANC PEN, 1920s ZERO BABY-SAFETY, 6.2 mm LONG, 18 KR. IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. I WOULD ACCEPT OFFERS FOR THIS PEN, SENT FOR THE ATTENTION OF MR. JOSE L. LASTRA, EMAIL ADDRESS: bembua@terra.es, I could provide picture via email.

Inky Greetings
      5/11/2001:  Sam - Pendemonium
We send out Inky Greetings, an e-listing of recent arrivals, exclusive specials and a bit of news every 10 days or so. This list goes out to subscribers only! Find what's new from Pendemonium BEFORE it hits the website! Drop me an email with your name and email address to subscribe - sam@pendemonium.com

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


Pelikan disassembling
      5/11/2001:  Basil
This may sound like a dumb question, but still: can a Pelikan pen be disassembled into smaller parts than just the nib+feed, barrel and cap? Can I disassemble the piston or remove the feed without ruining the whole thing? When I say disassemble, mind you, I expect to put it all back together later...

Montegrappa Classica fp - SALES
      5/11/2001:  Susanna
Classica fountain pen at $240 at www.pens.it - only until availability

Vintage pens in Vancouver
      5/10/2001:  Michael Fan
I'll be visiting Vancouver, where in Van. I can find vintage pens?

parker pen&pencil set
      5/10/2001:  Doug
I have a new unused never inked Parker Duofold pen and pencil set in Parker box the pen has never been filled with ink and the point on the lead is square and the erasor is perfect. Where can I find a date of manufacture for these and value?

DUOFOLD's AT SPECIAL PRICE
      5/10/2001:  Esther
I have just a few Duofold fountain pens in JASPER and JADE for $170 plus shipping. Thank you.

New Pens
      5/10/2001:  S. Schube
NEW 1. AVALON 12th Anniversary Pen ---------------------------------- 2. Conway Stewart Churchill pens --------------------------------- 3. Special, Sheaffer buy one get 1 free deal ---------------------------------- go to www.avapen.com

Suggested Prices for Parker 51 and 75?
      5/10/2001:  nammyung
I folks! I'm on the lookout to buy a Parker 51 and a 75 in good condition. I've seen a few of them offered for auction and for sale at some local pen shops, but am not sure what a fair price for them would be. For comparison, a penstore at the local shopping center had three Aerometric 51s for about $110 each, which seemed a bit high. If any of you have a 51 or a 75 for sale (sterling ciselle only, please, for the 75), please email me. Thanks! nammyung

      5/10/2001:  Cris
If I would like to sell luxury pens in middle East,what should I do? I don't know what is taste of consumers and what are the main commercial channels for luxury goods in Middle East. I'm doing it for my Doctorate Thesis in Marketing, If anyone could give me an answer I would be very pleased, thanks a lot

Montblanc refills
      5/10/2001:  av
Barbara, You can check their web site to get the refils type and in the web site you can also get some information on their boutiqe location. it is http://www.montblancrefills.com

What to get
      5/9/2001:  Charlie
Gino, for around $40 american you can get a Waterman Phileas. They come in fine, medium and possibly broad. Keep one thing in mind concerning fountain pens, there is little correlation between what you spend and how well a pen will write. The more expensive pens usually look a lot better and are made of much better material, but if you plan to really write with this pen, I suggest you start out with the Waterman I suggested. Then work your way up, but don't be too dissapointed when you discover that a $200 pen writes no better, possibly worse, than the $40 Phileas. Also keep in mind that a lot of new pens require a little tweaking before they become good writers.

what to get?
      5/9/2001:  Gino
Hello, I'm looking to get my first fountain pen for daily use, journaling etc.. Can anyone recommend a really good one for less then $200? Right now I'm using a Cartier diobolo ballpoint so I'm not too familiar writing with a fountain. Thanks, Gino

montblanc refills
      5/9/2001:  Barbara
My co-worker has a Montblanc 164 as far as I can tell from the online photo. He received it as a gift. He needs to know where he can get refills or substitute brand refills for it here in San Diego, CA. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Thank you much.

Parker 51 ball point
      5/8/2001:  Bob Hubbell
WTB a Parker 51 ballpoint (i.e., 51 "jotter")... preferably w/ golf fill cap (but I'd also be interested in the lustraloy)--anyone interested in selling one in nice condition, get in touch! Thanks, Bob

Schaeffer Pen
      5/8/2001:  Jay Dee
Help!! I'm looking for a replacement pen for my desk set. It's a Schaeffer, it has a solid brown cylinder, about 8" long and comes to a tapered rounded point. It's about 20 years old and I got it for a 10 year service award. So, if you're not doing the math, I've been around here about 30 years and it breaks my heart a little bit that my pen walked away. If anyone can help me, it would make me very happy!!

Pen Show Promo
      5/8/2001:  Carlos
I really enjoyed the Chicago Pen show. My sincere respect to Mr. Mr.Lavin and others for the smooth running of the show.. If it is magic wand time, I would suggest a few things. First, start the day an hour earlier. Second, have a Saturday morning auction. Most people arrive on Thurs. or Friday for preview. And last, open to public on Saturday evening and Sunday. If you have 200 vendors, have each one give away one functional pen worth at least $20 dollars. Ticket payers would get a ticket at the reg. desk. They would check their number against the winning number at each table. Try a little more fun, mildly-carnival atmosphere. People would stay longer and spend more .You could advertise 200 pens given away. Get more general attendance. Just my thoughts. Carlos

Pens FS
      5/8/2001:  Hank
The following are offered for sale, satisfaction guaranteed (e-mail within 3 days of receipt to arrange for refund, less shipping costs): 1. Pelikan M600. Green Stripe, 'Old (pre-1997) Style' (size of current M400) 18K Medium nib. Excellent condition $150; 2. Pelikan 140. Green Stripe. Flexible medium 14K nib. Very good condition (light surface scratches visible with magnification). $75; 3. Sheaffer Crest Palladium. 18K Fine Triumph nib. This beauty is the mid 90's reintroduction and is purported to be MIB (I am not the original owner). Certainly looks like it is. Cartridge/Converter fill. I have dipped it but have not filled it. If you buy it you, too, may dip it before deciding whether to keep it (but please don't fill it). $170; 4. Parker 75 Sterling Cisele Rollerball. Very Good condition. Dimpled ends. Some wear to goldplated clip. $75. Add actual Insured Priority Mail charges to prices above. Will also entertain trade offers (I prefer broad or stub nibs). Please e-mail any questions. Thanks!

Two Day Open Pen Shows
      5/8/2001:  Saul Kitchener
From personal experience I don't believe a two day pen show generates more public attendance than a show open only on Sunday. There are just so many people who will attend a Pen Show and if the show is open two days that attendance will be divided between the two days. Total attendance will be just about the same. It will benefit the new pen dealers, however, and they are a critical factor for the survival of pen shows. Something else to consider is the excitement and vibrancy a large crowd brings. "Mob" psychology stimulates excitement /activity and, therefore sales,which is the idea. Personally, I would rather have a large crowd on Sunday than smaller crowds on two days, but this is only my opinion.

2 Day pen Shows
      5/8/2001:  Len Provisor
Two day shows would be nice for visitors, but the sole deciding factor is the demographics of population that would come, vrs. the cost of the hotel ballroom or meeting site. Major city ballroom rentals can exceed $10,000. for a single day, and if the traffic does not appear to support that expense, it will not happen. Look at the upcoming Penstop NYC Pen Show, somethig like 26 million people in almost walking distance (only in NY), a three day show makes sense, and a huge reason for this shows guaranteed success, besides the fact that it's a Zucker Production. The only other option to support a second day, regardless of expected traffic, is to pass that $10,000. cost directly to the exhibitors, which would raise table costs to perhaps $200. or $300. each. Not likely to happen, so again, the decision is up to each experienced exhibitor as to whether or not they should attend a particular show, considering their quality of pens and quantity of goods they have to sell. If a one day show would not support their line-up, they should not even attend a one day show as exhibitor, just as a visitor and sell from the other side of the table. So, I suggets you be kind to show promoters who perform an incredible service to the pen collecting community working very hard putting this togethor for us, the collectors and dealers, and in most cases break even for their efforts, and consider themselves lucky to have anything left over towards the next year's show. Just take a guess what a large pot of coffee outside the showroom costs. $300. and upwards of $1,000. per day.....per pot!!

Two Day Open Pen Shows
      5/8/2001:  Allan Fuld
A reply to Will Thorpe. You will always get the "Die Hard Collector", but I think that it is just as important to introduce new people to pen collecting. Two day open shows will go a long way to further the hobby.

help!
      5/8/2001:  Tori
I want to buy pens~does anyone know where I can purchase pens in bulk.. at a great price?? I love nice pens. mont blanc, waterman etc. Any help you can give will be so kind..

2 Day Pen Shows
      5/8/2001:  Bill Hong
There ARE pen shows that have both Saturday and Sunday as "public" shows--the Washington DC one has been that way for as long as I've attended, with $5 admission on each day. I wouldn't presume to judge the relative economics of other shows however--too many variables related to geography, hotels, and local demographics.

PARKER 61
      5/8/2001:  B. L. Cole
I have been using the Parker 61 pen in conjunction with the 51 too since 1962. I love these pens and their performance. When I purchased the 61 that year I just do not remember any kind of literature inside the gift box. For years I never flushed it because I did not know to do it and did not know how. The pen does fascinate me ,and I desire to know more about it. I do not work on my pens; I just send them out because I am not skilled to work on them. Neither pen needs any servicing. The Parker Pen Company told me about two years ago how to flush a 61, and it is a very simple process. To have used a pen the number of years that I have used this one, I know very little about it. What I am searching for is a good source of general information on the 61. I apologize for being so long-winded in my message.

2 Day Shows
      5/7/2001:  Will Thorpe
I agree that a two day open to the public show offers more "window" for the public. However outside of the most dedicated collector, who would crawl to attend a pen show, $50 for the general publc to attend for one day or two days, with or without early admission, needs to be thought about. Lets see, antique stores don't charge to get in, pen stores don't charge to get in, but you want how much?! I can see that the impulse buyer is not going to ante up to get in. I know, I know, shows have expenses, but either the purpose of the show is for the dealers or the purpose is to get the buying public inside. You gotta get 'em inside first. Free admission, maybe, maybe not, but don't, by such a high admissio fee, discourage the casual public that will only be there for an hour or so on one day.

Pelikan "Xuan Wu" Fountain Pen
      5/7/2001:  Chuck Swisher
Hi Folks, We have received the new Pelikan "Xuan Wu" Limited Edition fountain pens. For our prices and additional information, please copy and paste the following link: http://www.swisherpens.com/Limited_Edition/Pelikan/Pelikan_LE.html Best wishes, Chuck Swisher www.swisherpens.com

Two Day Open Shows
      5/7/2001:  Allan Fuld
I agree with Allan Gross. The more hours a show is open to the public, the more people it will draw. It's basic math.

two day pen shows
      5/7/2001:  jack
Allan, your idea about two day "open to the public" pen shows makes little sense. Saturday is as mucha family day as Sunday and would not generate a significat turn out to justify having a two day public event. Maybe you should cut down on the number of shows you attend and eliminate those you are not satisfied with. Must be a tough way for you to make a living.

royalchallangerPIC and WTB
      5/7/2001:  isaacson
Greetings and indigestions.... (pictures at bottom) Just back and just recovering from the remarkably fun Chicago pen show. Lots to chat about, but likely will wait a day. What with 2 hours sleep before heading out there thursday (arrived 7 am), running on coffee for three days, return flight with rain delay, so two hours sleep again, then a long shift on coffee today, i be a bit fried. Need to dig out for a day, send out bunch of pens to folks patiently waiting and then get back to this email thing- maybe then try the show summary thingy. But, chicago was great. Very successful for many of us wee amateurs hunting for pens. Not perfectly so, but then that'd take all the challenge out of it. Speaking of challenge... Nearly completed one mini-collection (micro-collection?). Figured it'd be fun to post the pic and send a "wanted to buy" message. The pens in the pic below are Parker ROyal Challengers. At risk of offending "those who really know", these seem to have been made from 1937- maybe 1940 or so. They appeared to occupy price point between the more affordable Challenger series and the more expensive vacumatic series. Very pretty pen, and well made- they seem to be very popular collectibles. I found a couple decent ones at reasonable prices. Now have 5 of six. At least i think only six reds. Never seen a true "jeweler's band" on these, but who knows? Anyway, the pic below shows 5 of six pens. Top to bottom, find.... 1) small step clip with box-ellepse band. 2) large version of box ellipse 3) large 3band stepclip 4) small sword clip (made only in 3 band it seems) and 5 large sword clip. MISSING is the small three band step clip. IF anyone has a spare "correct" three band step clip in red in the small size, please give yell. I would be interested to buy. http://images.andale.com/989282182636_redroyalchallangerset.jpg best regards. David

Pen Shows
      5/7/2001:  Allen Gross
Having just spent the last 5 days at the Chicago Pen Show I had the chance to speak with both dealers and consumers about the "open to the public" two day shows. Like most dealers I go to almost every show and I feel there are certain buyers who will not leave they're families on Sunday to attend a pen show, but would attend on Saturday, if they didn't have to pay 50.00 for a weekend early buyers pass. Since it costs me about 1000.00 for a show I have to fly to, I'd prefer like many other dealers to have the insurance of a two day "open to the public" show. How about the rest of you ???

Scheaffer display case
      5/7/2001:  Ginger Ebinger
Hi. I have recently come into possession of an old Schaeffer fountain pen display case. It has Scheaffer and the logo etched in the glass on the front of the glass. The case sits on the floor. The bottom half is wooden; the top glass. The display area slants slightly and is surounded by glass on three sides. It appears to be quite old and is in perfect condition. While I am a collector of many things, I do not know anything about pens or their related items. Can someone tell me what this item might be worth or where I might go to research this? Thank you for your help.

ISO Duofold 1988 Cent
      5/7/2001:  Bob Smith
Recently "separated" from a 1988 marble blue rollerball Duofold Centennial that had sentimental value. Would like to replace at a reasonable price. Appreciated.

Reproduction pen parts
      5/7/2001:  S. Schube
Reproduction parts now available for many pens. Email your snail mail address for price list. Reasonable prices and quick delivery. Susan @ Avalon

Source for Parker-style broad-point refills
      5/7/2001:  Waco Johnny D
http://store.yahoo.com/yafapen/refills.html

SPECIAL OFFER ---> Montegrappa Classica <------
      5/7/2001:  Susanna
Montegrappa Classica - fountain pens, roller, pencils and ballpoints - rebated, at www.pens.it . The fountain pen costs approx $245. ------- www.pens.it ------

LIMITED EDITION PENS FOR SALE OR TRADE
      5/7/2001:  Ira
Montblanc Miessen Dragon 888, Montblanc Year of the Dragon 2000, Montblanc 75th Anniversary Rose Gold 162 Rolleball limited to 1924, Alexander Dumas BP, Montegrappa Tertio Millinium, 1995 Montegrappa Silver Dragon, Montegrappa Silver Dragon Inkwell, Montegrappa 1st War of the Roses York, Caran D'Ache La Modernista, Parker Silver Snake, Montegrappa Queen of Hearts.

Chicago Pen Show report
      5/7/2001:  Len Provisor
Dean was trying to send reports from the hotel via his laptop, thru both the hotel and his own cell phone, but loading was incredibly slow and actually impossible. Let me asure you, we have some great stories and photos as well to show everyone what really hapenes ata pen show. During the day on the pen show floor, and also during our serious after hours entertainment events. Blues Night and Jam Seesion were outstanding !! More to follow.

Eastman Post Correction
      5/6/2001:  Mike
Sorry I forgot the @aol.com from my Eastman Post

Eastman Fountain Pen
      5/6/2001:  Mike
Greetings! Once upon a time, I bought this HUGE pen by a maker called "Eastman." I say HUGE because it is one of the biggest FP's I have ever seen, outside of a novelty item anyway. It is a lovely jade color and looks a lot like a Sheaffer jade green, flat ended 1925 era Lifetime, oversize. I have a Shaeffer that is the step down from the oversize, and this Eastman is a bit longer and bigger around than it. Has anyone ever hear of this? It is a nice pen.

sheaffer nibs
      5/6/2001:  Randy
I believe if you go to www.nibs.com, you will find prices for nibs. You may find some from old pens etc, but it takes awhile to find the pens, etc. good luck.

post-script
      5/6/2001:  Dan
My email address should have been suffixed. It's KB0B0S0@aol.com =)

nibs
      5/6/2001:  Dan
Hi, I'm looking for some 14K nibs for Shaeffer pens. Anyone know of a source or is my only option cannibalizing other pens? Any idea what a nib alone would cost? Thanks.

Chicago Pen Show!!!!!
      5/6/2001:  Dean Tweeddale
Wow , a great day at the Chicago Pen Show. Started this morning with folks lined up at the doors to get in to set up for the show. We had the full ballroom today and tomorrow we will have the ballroom plus spill out into the outer lobby. Lots of trading, buying, and selling in the morning hours with the afternoon being slightly quiet in the ballroom, however the afternoon auction proved to be lively and well attended. Some great lots were had and many exceeded their expected price, there were also some great deals had so something for everybody was there. After the auction settled down I had a terrific time at dinner with a bunch of fellow pen nuts, started off with a table of four but by the time the check came we had a group of eight of us all having a great time and getting ready for the big Blues Jam session. The Blues rang out and we had a great time being treated to many musical talents who will be named in the Stylophiles review later. Don Lavin and his daughter also treated us to some wonderful swing dancing on the stage while the musicians played. Off to the ZZZZZ… land now but look for more later and the full review in Stylophiles. Dean

Chilton/onklin as collectible pens
      5/5/2001:  Stephen am
Debbie, Chiltons and Conklins in good conditions are highly desirable vintage pens. Even Chicago Conklins,in good condition, are also collectible. The problem with these Conklins is that the gold plating was of poor quality and thus it is difficult to find them in really presentable conditions.

ZEMAX Fountain Pen
      5/5/2001:  Vicki
I was wondering if anyone could tell me what 18 K.R. stands for on a pen. I believe this might be an Italian pen, eye-dropper filled and it is marked 18 K.R. Someone told me that it means 18 carat "gold-rolled" but I have no idea what that means. Does it mean gold-filled? Thanks in advance.

PARKER PENS
      5/5/2001:  DARREN
HI ALL, EBAY HAS A SNAKE PEN HI BID IS AT $10,600.00. THERE IS ALSO A T-1 BALLPOINT WITH RED JEWEL AT $280.00

Chilton/Conklin question
      5/5/2001:  Ross
Chiltons and Conklins are both generally collectible. Virtually all Chiltons are. Conklins are if the pen is one from before their "move" to Chicago (essentially they went under and the remnants of the company were taken to Chicago where they produced pens unworthy of either the Conklin name or the city of Chicago). Prices on Chiltons will be uniformly steep. Conklins are variable.

Chilton/Conklin
      5/5/2001:  debbie beck
I am not a collector but trying to buy a nice vintage fountain pen for a friend. Could someone tell me about a Company called Conklin or Chilton? Would a "vintage" pen from either of these makers be collectible? Thanks!

2 Pens wanted
      5/5/2001:  Cathy
I'm looking for 2 specific pens. Both manufactured around 1978-1980. 1. Sheaffer Ball point-Gold (filled)the entire barrel is etched or engraved with Roses-from top to bottom. 2. Parker Fountain-It's a ladies pen, no clip on it, stainless steel barrel with a thick gold band at the middle, where you separate it to put in ink cartridge and it had a plunger, interchangeable. Turned one way to write, the nib was fine point, (or extra fine?) and the other was either medium or (fine?). All replies are greatly appreciated. I owned these and they were stolen from me years ago. Now that I have a daughter starting college, I would like to hand these on to her. I know I enjoyed them, I'm sure she will as well. Thanks! prices or links to sites appreciated as well. :)

Parker 51
      5/5/2001:  Marc Rodvien
Can anybody tell me how to get ahold of a clip and cap jewel for a ca.1946 Parker 51? It need not be in perfect condition.

sailor demonstrator
      5/4/2001:  jsb
Does anyone have for sale or know where I can get a sailor demonstrator?

Parker Sonnet caps
      5/4/2001:  Ron
A friend handed her Sonnet to me to clean this evening - an occasional user, so the thing was quite dried out. I remember reading somewhere that folks have managed to fill in the vents in the cap of a Parker Sonnet to keep the pen from drying out. I've got the pen until Sunday morning........ Suggested methods?

BROAD BP refills
      5/4/2001:  Ron
I don't know if Pelikan makes a broad BP refill or not - but a Pelikan or other DIN refill will fit a Parker pen.

Please help
      5/4/2001:  Dave Roberts
It would appear that Parker Pens have given up on producing BROAD ball point pen refills. Does anybody please have knowledge of another supplier of BROAD tips.. it's the only writing "medium" that I get on with and I write so much in a given day. Thanks, in anticipation.

Omas Warning
      5/4/2001:  Kristi
We made a phone call this morning to Marcovici trying to get instructions for repair of a second faulty T2 pen. Marcovici indicated that they have no idea where or when repairs may be made since the new owners of Omas have not issued such information to them. It is quite frustrating to purchase a pen with a list price of $750 and be unable to use the ____ thing!

Schaefer Triumphs
      5/4/2001:  Jim Greene
I have just recently purchased a Schaefer Triumph fountain pen. I paid $10 for it, which I think is $10 to much--what a ridiculously over-complicated pen. Anyway, does anyone no about a resource for the rubber plungergasket, as well as a gasket for the packing at the top of the barrel? Thank you for reading this. Jim Greene

Chicago Pen Show Thurs. Report
      5/4/2001:  Don Lavin
Well, I am still exhausted. The amount of excitement was and is electrifying! Len has already made a fine post but much was left out. For me it was a pleasure to see Dean again. He is a fine gentleman and was a gracious host to my wife and I when we recently visited Seattle. Dean looks like he is fully prepared for a really fun weekend. The trading continued on into the late hours with a fervor. In fact around 10:45 a new attendee from Australia showed up, surprised to see such activity this early. When he set up there was the familiar feeding frenzy with people lined up 4 deep trying to see his wares. Within one hour he sold 1,000's of dollars in vintage pens including a very rare Parker pen-pencil combo for $1,400 and a superb Parker mid-30's moderne set with perfect color and with price stickers for $400.00. In addition he sold a Parker Maxima in silver with price sticker for $600.00. He still cannot believe that there are 3 more days of trading to live through! Show and tell amongst collectors has been amazing. One collector showed me a Conklin lime green speckled Endura - WITH A CRESCENT FILLER! And with proper crescent imprints on the side. Another collector showed me a reputed Parker? the size of a Black Giant with a No. 12 nib and washer style clip - IN BLACK AND PEARL PLASTIC! Go figure. If I wasn't so tired I could probably remember considerably more such as the rare Aurora Ethiopia pen brought from Italy by Paolo Mijno. I think that I will have to start carrying smelling salts.

Faber-Castell
      5/4/2001:  Basil
I saw one of these pens today in a shop. All silver finish, medium nib, for only $170. At FP Hospital it is listed at $395. The problem is, they don't allow me to try it. Do you thing it is worth buying? In the Zoss.com forum they say it is a fairly good thing, yes, smoother than a Pelikan 800. Could this be true? Any help would be greatly appreciated, especially a comparison to some Pelikans.

Chicago Pen Show update
      5/4/2001:  Len Provisor
Wow! This was the busiest pre-show day I have ever attended. Three hospitality suites were open, and it was shoulder-to-shoulder with many international visitors who arrived early to catch the action. Mostly vintage pens were spread across 50-some tables, ubt also Jimmy Dolive from Total office with Bexley's new sleeve filler pen, what I call a truly true-to-the- vintage design. Unscrew the bottom half of barrel sleeve to expose a cut-out which allows you to press on the pressure bar, just like the original sleeve filler. Gorgeous rod-stock, simple and fool-proof. Another remarkable item Howard Levy has produced is a convertible jumbo lead marker/ballpoint with interchangeable fillers. It is top button activated, comes with a selection of colored jumbo leads, a few ballpoint refills, even a lead sharpener for the jumbo marker. Remarkable innovation unlike any writing instrument I've seen. Show special was only $50. I can hardly wait for more surprises tomarrow and the rest of show. Donal Higgins from Pentrace was thrilled with this, his first pen show, very wisely making several circuits of the tables before he found the perfect "51" he was seeking. Dean brought his StylophileS CD, which I've already previewed, it's a remarkable production of all 1999 issues, and I consider a work of art. Big thanks to Bil Riepl and Dean for this remarkable production. By one, and then another as a gift for your favorite pen pal, you'll have a friend for life. Looking forward to the big Blues Night Fri eve at Buddy Guy's Legends Cafe, and the amateur Jam Session for Sat nite. More to follow with all the show news that's fit to print.

Safety pen
      5/3/2001:  DUNCAN
Who invented the "Safety pen"?????

Off to Chicago
      5/3/2001:  Dean Tweeddale
Well I'm off to the Chicago Show this morning and look forward to meeting and seeing many of you fellow Penlovers there. I'm sure that it will be a great show for all who attend. Be sure to stop by the Penlovers table and say hi as well as preview the new Stylophiles 1999 CD. The show may hold some new suprises for all especially on Sunday afternoon. I'll try to give you some updates from the show and maybe some live postings if the hotel phone lines are affordable. Dean

Wedn. Show Report - Chicago
      5/3/2001:  Don Lavin
Well Mike Fultz has already posted one message on Zoss about Wedn. at the Westin O"Hare so I thought I would add notes to this board. It is hard to believe that the first collectors actually arrived on Tuesday and by Wedn. night over 16 people were already wheeling and dealing in the lobby. The earlier visitors primarily come from overseas and want to acclimate however there are always the very active collectors looking for the earliest opportunities to make sales and pick up new items. By the end of today, Thurs. there will be over 200 people in the hotel preparing for the upcoming mania. Some great pens showed up in the lobby Weds. including a Leboeuf #8 sleeve filler and a Parker 75 with Australian imprints. And I was only there for a few minutes as I still had considerable work to do to get ready for the weekend. So keep watching for more updates. I am also looking forward to seeing Dean again this year. It was at the Chicago show last year that Dean had the opportunity to acquire PenLovers from Lynn Brant and he took the initiative and has added considerably to the world of pen collecting. And I look forward to acquiring the cd of the Sylophile magazine artices. More later. Still preparing for the masses. Don

Waterman Ideal Fountain Pen
      5/3/2001:  Tayrn
Thanks for your help Stephen . . I'll try as suggested! Tayrn

May Stylophiles
      5/3/2001:  Bill Riepl
We've gotten the May issue up and running! Features include the Aurora 88 Demonstrator, David Oscarson Trophy collection, New England Show review, Parker T1, New York Show update, and more! To view, click on the link from the home page.

Waterman Ideal Fountain Pen
      5/2/2001:  Stephen Lam
Tayrn, if you want to sell a pen and want to know the "street value", the best way to do it is to put it on an internet auction site. There are a few to choose from. Make sure you have clear pictures of the pen. Set a reserve that you are prepared to accept. With so many dealer/collectors lurking in the cyber space looking for good pens, there is a very good chance that your pen will reach a bidding level that approximates the "street price". Alternatively, put some pictures of the pen on your website, if you have one, and put a notice on Penlovers asking for offers. If you sell direct to a collector with deep pockets, you may get a better price. If it indeed is a 542 1/2V (safety pen ?), the price should be good. If it is marked Lady Patricia too (I wonder about that) it might be one of a kind, at least to me.

Waterman Ideal Fountain Pen
      5/2/2001:  Tayrn Hindry
Hi, I have a Waterman Ideal Fountain Pen 542 1/2 V in burgundy and gold. I think the name of it is Lady Patricia (?). It has an 18ct gold nib. I am interested in selling it but I am having problems finding out anything about it. Can anyone help? Many thanks. Tayrn

Help with pen repair
      5/2/2001:  John
Hi, I just purchased a EROS ball point pen from Europe. It is a flat top cliker type pen. I may need to have it repaired, any sudgestions of where, or whom? Thanks...John.

ballpoint display?
      5/2/2001:  Adam Barth
Can anyone suggest an available display for ballpoint pens? I don't have an organized or valuable collection, but I save a few and I'd like to have them organized and viewable. Thanks - Adam

WTB: Waterman Gentleman Sterling Rollerball
      5/2/2001:  Alan Bedrick
I am looking to buy a sterling silver rollerball for a friend, preferably a Waterman Gentleman series (godron or barley finish both OK). Anybody have a a used one they would like to sell, or a new old stock one perhaps? Thanks Alan

51 Jotter
      5/2/2001:  Robert H.
Does anyone know of or wish to sell a Parker 51 Jotter (ballpoint) in either Cocoa or Plum with Custom cap (gold fill w/ converging lines)? IWilling to pay $$-- Thanks, Bob

409
      5/2/2001:  Ron Meloche
Just got a new branson 200 ultrasonic cleaner. In the past I have seen some reference to using 409 and water as a cleaning agent. However I can not find the reference now. Can anyone tell me the ratio of 409 to water? I would like to know if there are any restrictions on pens that should not go into the cleaner? Thank you, Ron Meloche

F/S Lamy 2000
      5/1/2001:  Mark
Offered for sale the first year - 1966 Lamy 2000 like new, comes with inner and outer boxes and an instruction paper.
There are few cosmetic differences compare to today's 2000, such as:
-The nib is 18K, not 14K
-The cap is engraved with "Lamy 2000 W. Germany"
-The piston knob has "L"
-The grip section has a nib size engraved
-The clip is different
Best reasonable offer.
TIA,
Mark

Parker 75 reference update for May 2001
      5/1/2001:  Lih-Tah Wong
Greetings Penlovers!

I just updated the reference section of the website with some additions:

- Booklet from the RMS Queen Elizabeth package describing the history of the famous ship;
- Yet another variation of the Flighter, this one with chrome trim and a barrel tassie;
- Keepsake variant with the Nieman Marcus brand.

I am looking forward to the Chicago Pen Show which is this weekend's event. Should anyone have any Parker 75s that does not appear in the reference section of my website, please seek me out. Most likely I will be chatting with my friend Lee Chait at his table full of 75s, including the high-end and limited edition models.

I hope to report on some interesting 75s I see there!

Regards,
Lih-Tah
www.Parker75.com

Need a cap for a Wahl-Eversharp Coronet!
      5/1/2001:  Jon Rosenbaum
Help..found a great E/W GF Coronet yesterday in very good condition...except for the cap, which has a nasty split. So I'm looking for a replacement cap with red plastic inserts. Thanks!

chicago show.
      5/1/2001:  isaacson
i certainly share Don's excitement about the upcoming show. Was there last year for sunday only (did thurs-sun for the other 7 shows during the last year or so), but this time will get to chicago 7 am thursday. To quote my hero, Elmer F., "be vewwy vewwy quiet. I'm hunting vacs". Of course, since i signed up late, i've been informed my Vacumania table will be located at the entrance to the men's washroom, so anyone in a hurry to get in will have to cough up appropriate "toll". The toll should have stripes. Heh. Feeding frenzy certainly does characterize certain fun and intense moments in the show (we've haven't had too many deaths-by-stampede yet, but it is bound to happen). And from what i hear as a cheerful hack-amateur-newbie just three years in the hobby, the frenzy used to be much much worse- or better, depending on viewpoint- certainly more intense. Guess in the days pre-internet, finding globs of fresh pens at one time was truly an occasional event. The show should be much fun. Look forward to seeing folks there who i've spoken to but never met. regards. david


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