Analog Scribes: Episode One - Fountain Pens
In these days of digital this and digital that everywhere we turn, it is very refreshing to find some of the wonderful old skills and experiences are still alive and kicking...and kicking hard !
As someone who continues, in some form or another, to write the "old fashioned" way, you know, writing on paper and with an actual writing instrument, over the last year or two I have rekindled my love for one of the true analog forms of writing instruments.....the much maligned but equally much-loved fountain pen.
During this time, I have amassed what I would consider to be a small collection of said fountain pens. Some might say "wow, THAT's a lot of pens" while others would smile, knowingly, and do a mental calculation to how many more pieces they have stored in multiple pen boxes, pouches etc. in their home office at work or in a vault or safe deposit box somewhere. Yes, fountain pens ARE special and in so many different ways.
A fountain pen collector is very similar to the watch collector. The pen or watch is so much more than just that. The design, the materials, the theme, the brand, the occasion, the sentiment, the chase to obtain that special elusive piece, it all goes together to form the bond, the special attachment to that item.
Honestly, it doesn't have to be an expensive hobby or pastime either.... unless you want it to.
Today, fountain pens can range in price from $2 or $3 when purchased at craft stores right up to six figures purchased from high end luxury stores. The prices are reflective of the brand, production run numbers, exclusivity, the materials they are made of and how many jewels are incrusted in that material. As with most things in life, you really do get what you pay for.
Alternative avenues for your fountain pen purchases are the used market such as eBay etc, but be sure to do your homework on the pen you're looking for, the seller and the actual item for sale. There are lots of fakes about, so make sure you're not going to get scammed.
An excellent place for some older, out of production or rare examples is the vintage pen market. There you could find that elusive Montblanc 75th Anniversary Meisterstuck, Waterman Edson, Parker 51 or that rare low production numbered special edition you've been hunting for.
Yes folks, the thrill of getting the pen you want, desire or even lust after is truly rewarding. And when you write with it using that ink brand and color you have specifically chosen as THAT ink, to go into THAT pen, after spending all the time searching, the effort and exhaustion is well worth it !