Art Deco FP

[playpen]

Is there a nice art deco fountain pen out there that is inexpensive enough to be carried around for daily use? I have been looking on the internet and found a Conway-Stewart but at $18,500...its a few pennies out of the ballpark....

[kissing]

I know "art deco" means a style most popular in the 1930s that used geometrical designs and bold colours and outlines, but I am unfamiliar with it in the context of fountain pens.

 

Do you have any sample pictures that demonstrate what an "art deco" fountain pen looks like?

 

[playpen]

I have a picture in my mind. The only problem now is, getting that picture onto a computer screen...

[Ray]

The Waterman Phileas represents a low cost way to carry art deco in your pocket, but I'm guessing that you know that already.

 

Ray

[Headache Corporation (TM)]

I'm thinking the Eversharp Skyline. I don't own one personally, but I would like to eventually. I've heard they're relatively easy to repair, and common colours can be had cheaply. very Art Deco just for the cap alone.

 

Traditional Cross designs (like the Century I or II or Townsend, or maybe the "Metropolis") with their conical top are kind of an Art Deco throwback.

 

For whatever reason, Cross pens remind me of the Amity Leather Corporation's former building (near me) in West Bend, Wisconsin. As you can see at the link, it's a building with a lot of Art Deco curves on it. It was probably seeing its best times when fountain pens still ruled the world; it's an apartment building now.

 

I know it's off topic, but you can read a little about it here on a google-cached page:

 

http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:nwZo2...us&ct=clnk&cd=1

[Dawn]

Not sure if this is strictly art deco, but it looks like it is to me. The Duke Cubist.

 

Good value pens, and they are good writers.

 

Dawn

[ipse dixit]

These are on sale at Levegers.com

 

http://www.levimage.com/IMAGE/PRODUCTS/PEN_INK/PENS/AP11810CL_0604.jpg

 

http://www.levimage.com/IMAGE/PRODUCTS/PEN_INK/PENS/AP11890S1_0604.jpg

 

They are priced $49.95

[andyr7]

Is there a nice art deco fountain pen out there that is inexpensive enough to be carried around for daily use? I have been looking on the internet and found a Conway-Stewart but at $18,500...its a few pennies out of the ballpark....

 

There certainly is, it's called a 'vintage Conway Stewart'!

 

Properly restored, these are every bit as reliable and write as well as a modern Conway Stewart and are easy to maintain. Have a good look at the pictures posted within the Conway Stewart forum and ask for more information there if you find anything of interest. If you want 1930s style, a 55 would probably suit as a fairly large pen. If you want something highly coloured, look at the Scribe or International series. All these should be available, fully restored, for around 100th of the price you mentioned or even less!

 

Andy

[london]

In addition, I would add the Striped Duofold from the early 1940s - a very pretty pen. A little late for the main Art Deco period, but most consumer goods into the early 40s were still heavily influenced by this design style. There is also the Geometric Duofold.

 

Rcihard Binder has a profile of the Striped Duofold.

 

Next up would be the Wahl-Eversharp range. The Skyline has already been mentioned. Moving on a little in design, by a very renowned designer - Henry Dreyfus. I had one and loved it, sadly it took a leap of faith from my journal onto a tiled floor and has since gone to the great parts bin in the sky.

 

The one I think really hits the mark though is the Eversharp Doric. A much more typical Art Deco style. Notably, by using a 12 sided design and by pulling in classical elements (such as Egyptian and Greek). Though be careful in your purchase of this one, as I have seen it reported that some can be quite brittle and prone to cracking.

 

I've done a google image searchfor ease.

 

Otherwise, there were some Waterman overlays that were inspired by the style. I've not seen many, but it just so happens Penultimate have one at the moment. Still these are in the higher price bracket. Waterman Art Deco Overlay.

 

I'd love one myself, but its on the big list of pens I'd love.

 

Hope these suggestions help. It would be really nice to know what you think and what you buy.

 

- Mark

Edited September 15, 2006 by london

[playpen]

Many thanks to you all for your interesting and informative responses. I have to run off to the kiddies so I can't sit here and admire all these beautiful FPS. That will have to wait until later.

[Dr.Grace]

Ditto on the Skylines and striped Duofolds.

 

Also, Sheaffer lever-fill Balances are elegant, light pens from that era. It all depends on your particular taste and your conception of what Art Deco means.

 

But these kinds of vintage pens are great value compared to the modern pens, even if you have to factor in the cost of a basic restoration job (often only $30-35).

 

Don

[Demonstrative Pen Collector]

Is there a nice art deco fountain pen out there that is inexpensive enough to be carried around for daily use? I have been looking on the internet and found a Conway-Stewart but at $18,500...its a few pennies out of the ballpark....

Why don't youy try GRIFOS?

Check out the link on ebay:

 

 

I have the pen. Its really nice writer (you can ask for a Gold nib). Well balanced!!! Superb engraving.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Art-Gallery-F-P-Hand-Decore-Fresco Technique_W0QQitemZ6582144190QQihZ012QQcategoryZ7281QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

Its e-bay item number: 6582144190

[DWL]

It's not inexpensive by any means, but I have the 5 words you need to hear.

 

All Gold Filled Wahl Coronet....

 

This pen will run you $600-700.00 plus. It's been on my holy grail of pens list for a very long time.

 

Wish I had a pic of one to share. Anyone have one?

 

Dennis

[Flere-Imsaho]

You can consider the Cross Metropolis. It's not in production anymore but you can find them on ebay. Price should not be an issue, they are in the $25 range.

Enjoy,

/:) Hans.

[zorroflores]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g117/zorroflores/Plumas%20fuente/GoldFilledWahlCoronet.jpg

WAHL Eversharp 1936-1941 Coronet adjustable Nib from penbid.com

Edited September 15, 2006 by zorroflores

[Blade Runner]

Cross 150th anniversary in siver or gold.

[maxrhino]

Here is a picture of a Duofold from the thirties that fits the bill.

Duofold 'Toothbrush'

Edited September 16, 2006 by maxrhino

[krz]

WOW! That gold Coronet is a looker!

 

I have a fondness for Deco pens too. The 20's and 30's was a happy time for Deco pens. The modern Waterman Phileas I would agree is a nice looking Deco pen.

 

My best Deco pen is a little Moore Maniflex with 3 deco rings and a black top jewel in a bezel. The Skyline and the Duofolds are fabulous.

[Michael Wright]

It was very cruel to bring up the Wahl Coronet -- cruel to me, I mean. Chrysler Building you can write with. The Wahl Skyline is a great pen to write with, but I think of it as streamline rather than Deco. The Cross 150th Anniversary is another great looking pen, but a bit out of budget, I think.

 

A small pen that doesn't cost too much when it turns up is the Waterman's Lady Patricia (hope I've got the name right). The usual problem with the colours of the celluloid, but a nice little pen.

 

Would you call a Vacumatic "Deco"?

 

Best

 

Michael