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Vintage pens, in particular fountain pens, are highly collectible and come in a wide variety of colors and styles, from elaborate jewel-encrusted casings to sleek and simple cigar-shaped designs. There are three main types of vintage pens: 1) dip pens have a nib to dip into an inkwell; 2) fountain pens have a self-contained ink reservoir; and 3) ballpoint pens have a little ball that allows ink to flow out when the pen is put to paper.
The 1920s were a time of innovation and prosperity for pen manufacturers, who started developing plastic pens in a variety of colors and styles. The Sheaffer Balance, released in 1929, started a trend toward streamlined pens. The 1930s saw the introduction of more affordable models, sold in dime stores. The 1940s ushered in ballpoint pens, and a more modern look typified by the famous 'Parker 51', the classic collector pen released by Parker in 1950...
Up until the 1960s, the emphasis in the pen industry was on the development of better-performing and easier-filling pens through innovations in nib and reservoir technology. In the mid-1880s, craftsmen had created the first reliable fountain pen, but it had a long way to go.
By the 1960s, ball point and cartridge technology had made performance a non-issue, and manufacturers like Parker, Sheaffer, Waterman and Montblanc began to focus on fancier material and designs, with a variety of colors, lacquers, and engravings to differentiate their high-end products. Pens became a gift item and fashion statement, and were ultimately produced as limited editions for the collector market.
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When I got my first job out of college, I did what a lot of people do: I ran out and bought myself a Montblanc pen … [more]
The Parker "51," produced by the Parker Pen Company, is considered by many collectors to be the best pen ever made.… [more]
Ernesto Soler's extensive homage to one of the most popular pens ever produced, the Parker "51," introduced in 1941… [read review or visit site]
Jim Mamoulides' vintage and modern pen-cyclopedia. Start at the main gallery, featuring detailed articles (with pho… [read review or visit site]
This site has lots of great photos and descriptions of rare vintage ink bottles. In particular, check out the Water… [read review or visit site]
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Source: Google News
by Hugh McNichol in All News Last week I noticed there was a pen collector's convention that was held in Philadelphia. In the era of Blackberries,...Read more
The first five SNIFTY pencil topper scents include the identical scents offered with the pen collection, with the addition of Strawberry...Read more
By Joanna Kilvington » A special thank you has come from Germany after the Richmond and Twickenham Times helped a pen collector add to his collection of 400...Read more
She had been a casual pen collector but Iole went a step further when she saw the toilet pen, originally from a plumbing business. It took some negotiating...Read more
Valerie Hunt was the subject of many stories, including a story in the Paris Star, about her pen collection and the heartwarming effect she had on the many...Read more
