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There are many fine fountain pens being made today. Writing quality does not always correlate with price, however, and don't forget that a skilled pensmith can do wonders, making scratchy nibs smooth and dry writers wet. Sellers that offer such services deserve your patronage! Brand preference is highly personal. If you want to hear what other pen fanciers recommend, check out the chat on the various online pen forums. While most pen magazines are good at covering new releases, in-depth critical reviews are best sought elsewhere. Company Websites
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Though our primary focus is vintage and antique writing equipment, we do sell more recent items. Our post-1975 offerings are listed below, with further listings on our Specials page. We are known for our careful restoration work on older pens, including nib adjustment and smoothing. We provide the same attention to our modern offerings, so you can be sure that all pens listed below with writing samples have had their nibs professionally checked and tuned.
NOTE: Parker 75 and Classic are on their own page. 13949: Ancora Cielo demonstrator in box: limited edition of 500, large transparent pale blue piston-filler, 14.4 cm long, gold-plated sterling silver vermeil trim, 18K gold nib; original packaging includes ink bottle, no outer sleeve. DATE: 1998 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium • $500
14357: Ancora Cielo demonstrator in box: limited edition of 500, large transparent pale blue piston-filler, 14.4 cm long, gold-plated sterling silver vermeil trim, 18K gold nib; original packaging includes inner and outer boxes, certificate, and pin. Nib has been adjusted and smoothed. DATE: 1998 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: fine • $500
13951: Aurora Carlo Goldoni in box: limited edition of 1793, piston filler with engine turned sterling silver cap and barrel, 12.9 cm long, gold plated trim, 18K gold nib; boxed with papers. DATE: 1993 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium • $795
13956: Aurora Optima demonstrator in box: limited edition of 1936, transparent piston-filler, 12.7 cm long, chrome plated trim, 18K gold nib, with all original packaging; internal stress marks visible in the barrel around the filler unit (see detail), do not affect function, may be covered under Aurora's guarantee. DATE: c. 2008 • CONDITION: mint* • NIB: fine • $450
15742: Cross 150th Anniversary limited edition set: sterling silver fountain pen and ballpoint, reproduction of iconic and extremely rare 1930s Signet model, fountain pen comes with converter (some wear from rubbing inside barrel, but unfilled), 18K gold nib. Comes in a standard Cross box rather than the special limited edition packaging, not originally a set as the two pieces do not have matching numbers (fountain pen is from an edition of 2100, ballpoint from an edition of 1750). Unused, slight tarnish. DATE: 1996 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: medium fine • $850
11872: D. J. Kennedy pencil: Morrison (?) pencil with rhodium-plated sterling silver overlay from the 1930s, elaborated upon in gold and cast silver, including two snakes, a scimitar, and a mermaid; in contrast to the metal pens Kennedy sold through Neiman Marcus, pens and pencils of this kind were typically given or traded to D.J.'s friends in the pen collecting community. Unsigned, missing a cabochon; uses 1.1 mm lead. DATE: c. 1996 • CONDITION: fine-exc* • $275
13939: Montblanc Franz Kafka ballpoint: limited edition of 12,000 pieces plus 4,500 sets; as new, noting rubs to a couple of the book-shaped box's corners, no outer sleeve. DATE: 2004 • CONDITION: mint • $500
13932: Montblanc Louis XIV: limited edition of 4810 pieces, original packaging minus white outer sleeve. DATE: 1994 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium • $2250
13918: Montblanc Oscar Wilde set: complete three-piece limited edition ensemble (only 5000 made) comprising fountain pen, ballpoint, and mechanical pencil. Original packaging, box has not been opened, seals are unbroken. DATE: 1994 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium • $2500
13920: Montblanc Prince Regent: limited edition of 4810 pieces, complete with all original packaging. DATE: 1995 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium • $2500
13937: Montblanc Prince Regent: limited edition of 4810 pieces, unusually low number; complete with all original packaging except outer sleeve. DATE: 1995 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium • $2600
13935: Montblanc Semiramis: limited edition of 4810 pieces, unopened package with shrink-wrapping intact. DATE: 1996 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium • $2600
13945: Montegrappa Symphony in box: octagonal red marbled celluloid, 13.8 cm long, sterling silver trim, cartridge or converter (included), two-tone 18K nib. Some deterioration to vinyl covering of inner box, pen itself appears unused. DATE: c. 1995 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: medium semiflex • $595
13959: OMAS 360 Vintage in box: limited edition of 360 pieces, transparent blue piston-filler, 15 cm long, rose gold plated trim, 18K nib; mint in box with ink bottle, all papers, outer sleeve, the first of OMAS's 360 Vintage series; two available. DATE: 2011 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: fine • $995
13868: OMAS Cristoforo Colombo II in box: limited edition, faceted briarwood piston-filler, 14.2 cm long, gold plated trim, two-tone 18K nib, with inner and outer boxes, instructions and semicircular papers. Tiny abraded rough spot on nib immediately behind tip (see detail). DATE: 1992 • CONDITION: mint* • NIB: fine • $950
13965: OMAS Marconi 100 Anni di Radio in box: limited edition of 154 pieces, charcoal grey with rolled gold banding, 13.8 cm long, 18K gold nib, very scarce version dedicated to the Italian Navy cruiser Carlo Alberto, used by Marconi for his early radio experiments; with all original packaging. DATE: 1995 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: fine • $1200
13963: OMAS Marconi 100 Anni di Radio in box: limited edition of 2800 pieces, sterling silver with rolled gold trim, 13.8 cm long, 18K gold nib; with all original packaging, some warpage to box (see details). DATE: 1995 • CONDITION: mint* • NIB: fine • $895
14698: Omas Milord T2 in box: full-size facetted piston-filler, 13.5 cm long, rhodium-plated trim, cap and barrel machined from solid titanium, elegant matte finish, responsive titanium nib has been professionally smoothed and tuned; short-lived model of the highest quality and refinement, with all original packaging and instructions. DATE: 2000 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium fine flex • $1250
13522: Parker 180: textured red prototype finish, gold plated trim, "UC" date code, triangular nib marked only "F" on feed. DATE: 1981 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: fine • $450
12586: Parker 180: gold-plated basketweave pattern, made in France, two-way flat gold nib, feed marked "X/M"; one of the less common patterns of one of Parker's lower-production pens; some roughness to plating of collar at end of section, otherwise as new; includes convertor. DATE: c. 1982 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: extra-fine/medium • $250
12350: Parker 180: prototype smooth frosted finish, appears to be aluminum, gold plated trim, Brazilian manufacture; stainless steel two-way nib, feed marked "F". Name and date engraved on barrel, pen has been inked and there are a couple of fleabites to the ends, but overall like new. DATE: c. 1982 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • NIB: fine • $300
11670: Parker 180: gold-plated basketweave pattern, made in France, two-way flat gold nib, feed marked "X/M"; one of the less common patterns of one of Parker's lower-production pens; some usage marks at ends, includes convertor. DATE: c. 1985 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: extra-fine/medium • $195
14021: Parker 180 Black Pearl: rare and beautiful lustrous gunmetal finish, gold plated trim, "UE" date code, no indication of country of origin (presumably USA), two-way nib with feed marked "X/M"; as new, no packaging. DATE: 1981 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: extra-fine/medium • $495
15459: Parker 180 Flighter: stainless steel cap and barrel, gold plated trim, 13.25 cm long, US-made cartridge-filler; "X/M" designation on 14K gold 2-way triangular nib (medium on one side, extra-fine on the other -- though more of a fine). As new, no packaging. DATE: c. 1979 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: fine/medium • $165
7552: Parker 180 Flighter: stainless steel cap and barrel, gold plated trim, US-made, includes Aerometric-style slender convertor, 14K gold two-way triangular nib (offers two nib grades in one, with a thinner line when the nib is used inverted); new old stock with original clip tag. DATE: c. 1980 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: broad/fine • $165
15460: Parker 180 Grain d'Orge: fine barleycorn pattern in gold plate, uses cartridge or convertor (included), made in France; two-way triangular gold nib, feed marked X/M, writes extra-fine on one side, medium on the other; as new, no packaging. DATE: c. 1983 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: extra-fine/medium • $225
15526: Parker 180 Imperial set in box: gold plated fountain pen and cap-actuated ballpoint (same as 75 ballpoint), made in USA, both have early "NI" date code (4th quarter 1979), two-way 14K gold nib writes medium on one side, extra-fine on the other. DATE: 1979 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: extra-fine/medium • $295
11551: Parker 180 Laque: beautiful "Thuya" lacquer finish, uses cartridge or convertor (included), made in France; hallmarked triangular 14K gold nib, feed marked "F"; "UI" date code. DATE: 1981 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: fine/extra-fine • $250
15718: Parker 180 Laque: "Jasper Red Quartz" lacquer finish, uses cartridge or convertor (included), made in France, "AE" 1st quarter date code; two-way triangular gold nib, feed marked "F", writes medium fine on one side, extra-fine on the other; new old stock, no packaging. DATE: 1982 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: extra-fine/medium fine • $275
14023: Parker 180 Retirement Pen: special model, never sold to the public, for presentation to retiring Parker employees; finish is similar to that of the RMS Queen Elizabeth limited edition, stippled gold plated bronze with gold plated trim, cap plaque with facsimile signature of George Parker. Includes converter, appears unused, cap band with usual engraving of recipient's name (Roy L. Coyle, Parker's chief pilot, who retired at the end of May 1978 after 25 years of service). DATE: c. 1978 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: extra-fine/medium • $650
13521: Parker 35: attractive speckled blue prototype lacquer finish, gold plated trim, made in France, "YE" date code, 18K nib, slender metal squeeze-filling converter; flat barrel tassie is typical of Flighters, not of standard production Laque series 35s. DATE: 1986 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium • $600
12630: Parker 85 Florence set: short-lived and scarce high-end 75 derivative, 13.5 cm long, gold plated, made in France, 14K French-hallmarked nib, matching rollerball comes with adaptor to use ballpoint refills; a few light marks on the back of the fountain pen's cap, flake of plating loss on bottom end of rollerball, otherwise near mint. Both pieces very solid and hefty. DATE: c. 1979 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: medium • $450
15399: Parker Duofold International ballpoint: green marble, 13.1 cm long with tip retracted, gold plated trim, made in UK, date code "II A", twist-action, uses standard Parker refills. As new, no packaging. DATE: 1992 • CONDITION: near mint • $275
15880: Parker Duofold International Check Amber: 13.15 cm long, uses standard cartridges, slide converter included; made in UK, "TI" date code, 18K two-tone nib is a smooth writer. As new, but no box or packaging. DATE: 2005 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: broad • $595
15497: Parker Premier: sterling silver "Ciselé" pattern, gold plated trim, 13.5 cm long, made in France, French-hallmarked smooth-writing 18K gold nib with "F" on feed,, unusual custom logo in silver set into cap crown, black onyx disk set into barrel end etched "65"; as new with clip hang tag but no packaging, noting scratches to section from handling, including rub marks on trim ring (see details). DATE: c. 1983 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: medium fine • $350
15764: Parker Premier in box: sterling silver "Ciselé" pattern, gold plated trim, 13.5 cm long, made in France, French-hallmarked smooth-writing 18K gold nib with "F" on feed, black onyx disks set into ends. Wear to packaging, outer box label is for a Laque, but pen itself is as new with clip hang tag, minor handling marks on section, otherwise mint. DATE: c. 1983 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: fine • $395
14330: Parker Sonnet China Laque Ambre rollerball: early production with Chinese characters in red, 1st quarter date code on cap band, original hang tag, but no box. DATE: 1994 • CONDITION: mint • $175
15442: Parker Sonnet set: Laque Verdigris fountain pen and twist-action repeater pencil, subtle grey-green color, made in France, 18K gold nib, converter included, pencil uses .5 mm lead. New old stock with clip tags but no packaging, several sets available. DATE: 2002 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium • $225
13914: Parker/Kullock 51 demonstrator: a customized transparent pen using modern acrylic with Parker parts from the 1940s; 13.8 cm long, chrome plated trim, modern metal clip jewel, nib is from a Parker 61. DATE: c. 2000/1948 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine • $250
13879: Pelikan K800 in box: transparent green "Green Ocean" Collector's Edition oversize ballpoint pen, 14.2 cm long with point extended, twist-action mechanism, gold plated trim, marked "GERMANY", with signed 1994-dated certification of number of limited edition (648 pens for North America, 850 total worldwide), number does not match number on pen. DATE: c. 1993 • CONDITION: mint • $350
14372: Pelikan K800 in box: transparent green "Green Ocean" Collector's Edition oversize ballpoint pen, 14.2 cm long with point extended, twist-action mechanism, gold plated trim, marked "GERMANY", with signed 1994-dated certification of number of limited edition (648 pens for North America, 850 total worldwide), number does not match number on pen. DATE: c. 1993 • CONDITION: mint • $350
14906: Pelikan M810 Blue Ocean in box: oversize transparent blue piston-filler, gold plated trim, 18K nib, Pelikan's first limited edition, #4258 out of 5000, full packaging with matching numbers, no barrel sticker. DATE: 1993 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium • $795
15429: Pilot FD in box: black lacquer with signed maki-e decoration of flying crane and clouds, 13.2 cm long, gold plated trim, 14K nib, squeeze-filler converter included. DATE: 1980 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: fine • $285
15226: Sheaffer Imperial in box: sterling silver cartridge-filler, 13.2 cm long, gold plated trim, White Dot, inlaid 14K gold nib is a smooth writer; with squeeze-filler converter, but can also use standard Skrip cartridges. As new, but no stickers or instructions. DATE: c. 1975 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: medium • $350
9829: Sheaffer Imperial pencil: sterling silver, 12.7 cm long, crosshatch pattern, gold plated trim, White Dot, uses .9 mm lead; new old stock, several available, original price stickers on back may vary from that shown in photo. DATE: c. 1980 • CONDITION: mint • $85
8076: Sheaffer Imperial Sovereign pencil: 14K gold filled, 12.75 cm long, White Dot, uses .9 mm lead, new old stock, original price sticker on back; several available. DATE: c. 1975 • CONDITION: mint • $80
7780: Sheaffer Targa ballpoint: sterling silver, 13.3 cm long, chrome plated trim, White Dot, twist-action to extend and retract tip; new old stock but without packaging; several available. DATE: c. 1980 • CONDITION: mint • $80
7806: Sheaffer Targa ballpoint: sterling silver, 13.3 cm long, gold plated trim, White Dot, twist-action to extend and retract tip; new old stock but without packaging; several available. DATE: c. 1980 • CONDITION: mint • $80
16055: Sheaffer Targa pencil: gold plated, 13 cm long, White Dot, twist-action, uses .9 mm lead; original price sticker, no packaging. DATE: c. 1980 • CONDITION: near mint • $65
13931: Stipula Etruria Nuda in box: limited edition of 351, oversize transparent piston-filler, 14.3 cm long, solid sterling silver trim, 14K nib (white gold or white plated), sealed in factory bag, in box with all paperwork, outer sleeve. DATE: c. 2006 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: broad • $450
13902: Stipula Etruria Nuda in box: limited edition of 50 for Swisher Pens, oversize transparent piston-filler, 14.3 cm long, gold plated sterling silver trim, two-tone 18K gold nib, includes all original packaging. DATE: c. 2007 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium • $650
13930: Stipula Suprema Nuda in box: limited edition of 351, oversize transparent plunger-filler, 13.6 cm long, gold plated solid sterling silver trim, 14K nib (white gold or white plated), in box with all paperwork, outer sleeve. DATE: c. 2006 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: fine • $395
16280: Van Cort reproduction of Thomas Jefferson's fountain pen in box: heavy (38 g) solid sterling silver, 12.1 cm long, based upon the so-called Bion style reservoir pen made for Jefferson in 1824 by William Cowan, a watchmaker in Richmond, Virginia (references here); this reproduction made in limited numbers, authorized by Monticello, long since sold out. Plated nib, could be replaced with an older dip nib or quill slip for better historical effect. There is no real feed system, so best considered a dip pen rather than a modern fountain pen (the pen was described by the Jefferson Foundation as a dip pen). Original pens of this type are extremely rare and sell for thousands of dollars. DATE: c. 1997 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: medium • $250
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Here are some articles from our Vintage Pens FAQ that are equally applicable to modern fountain pens:
What do vintage pens offer that new pens
don't?
While eBay can be a good source for new and recent fountain pens, watch out for low-feedback sellers offering deals that look too good to be true. Chinese-made fakes -- especially pseudo-Montblancs -- are an ongoing problem, as are fraudsters who "borrow" pictures to offer pens that they do not even own. Here is an article on fake Parker Sonnets and how to identify them; more on identification of other counterfeits here It pays to buy widely-counterfeited items from an established retailer. |
