The Virtues Of An Old Fountain Pen Almost anyone of a certain age will sing you the virtues of a fountain pen over any other writing instrument, especially these days when most methods of communication involve no handwriting at all.
News-Antique.com - Nov 30,-0001 - Fountain pens have all the hallmarks of a collectible. They have a long history; some were craftsman handmade; there are prestigious manufacturers whose pens are especially recognisable; there are the exquisitely and expensively decorated versions and some are related to important historic events. They can be endlessly dismantled, overhauled and reassembled for a further lease of life.
“Fountain pens have become sought after collector’s items – even the more commonly obtainable models – as soon as the advent of biros and the word processors made them obsolete” says Mike Breslin of Fountain Pen Emporium.
Different Brands
Most people recognise the major names to look out for. Sheaffer, Parker, Swan, Waterman, Montblanc are especially familiar, but be sure the same name appears on both the nib and the barrel: mismatches are common and have lesser value.
Historic Value
Any quality pen associated with a famous previous owner or related to a specific historic event such as the signing of a treaty etc, will command a premium.
A fountain presented to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, former prime minister of Singapore, fetched a record price of 350,000 Singapore dollars (equivalent to 200,000 US dollars or 125,000 sterling pounds.) This pen, an ordinary black 1957 Watermans fountain pen was used by Mr Lee to sign the 1957 Singapore constitutional agreement.
The Parker ‘Big Red’ Duofold pen has always been popular with pen collectors. This was the model used by Douglas McArthur when signing the documents declaring the end of the Second World War in the Far East.
Within the vast range of the more accessible fountain pens that would be of interest such as an early Swan or Watermans eyedropper pen from the turn of the last century, perhaps given as a parting gift to a love one about to leave for the trenches of the First World War. Or a more elaborate patterned ladies pen of the 1920s.
Classic Pens
From the 1920s to the late 1950s the American manufacturers set the standard for the better class of everyday pen with a series of stylish quality eye catching pens which still look good today such as the renowned Parker 51 introduced in 1941, and the model 75 and the Duofold Lucky Curve.
New Popular Collecting Field
By comparison, this is a relatively recent field of collectible. Over more recent years a fast growing number of internationally held specialist fairs and auctions have sprung up providing specifically for this booming market.
To find further details about pens, log on to http://www.fountainpenemporium.com
