Delta Italia 150

January 8, 2012

This is is a somewhat confused review because I'm not really sure what pen I have here. It is a Delta, and it does look similar to a recently released limited edition pen issued to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Italian unification, but other than that I've not been able to find any information. It is not listed on Delta's website, and I've not seen it on any retail website. Here is a link to the limited edition pen. Here is a link to the limited pen showing the different packaging from mine. Here is a list of what I know to be different on my pen, which I got at Dromgoole's in Houston.

Cap band is rhodium plated, not sterling silver or vermeil.

Nib is titanium, not gold.

Filling is by cartridge/converter, with no option (?) for lateral lever filling.

Packaging is different; different box, and no bottle of ink.

Not a limited edition, although is is numbered 0658 implying that only 9999 could be made. If this were say a Mont Blanc writers edition though it would be considered very limited.

Retail price is $395, which is actually pretty fair.

Anyway, here are my photos of the box and the pen itself.

This image best captures the color variation in the ivory acrylic, which is really nice looking stuff IMHO. You can see how the pen fits into the Styrofoam box, which is clever, cheap, and effective. Pretty standard Delta packaging these days.

The pen is quite large and is built with the same general pattern used on many of Delta's pens now. I have the button filling Demonstrator that is essentially the same shape. Even the cap screws on to post in the same way. My Darwin Evolution pen is also very similar. Anyway, it is a big, robust pen that posts without becoming a club. I like that the converter, as on many of Delta's pens screws in. Contrary to some of my pics that have overamped reds, the red ends of this pen are more of a maroon that is just short of being flashy.

The nib is titanium and has a lines running across it, which the titanium nib on my Delta Titanio does not have. I think it looks modern and striking. The feed is plastic and ink flow is superb. Well, it would not have been right out of the box if I had not reset the nib and feed to align with each other. Good old Italian craftsmanship and attention to detail. It is a wonderful writer that flexes out to a broad fairly easily. Indeed, it flexes with less pressure than the fine on my Titanio. I love to write with this nib, and will pick up the pen just to scribble.

In conclusion, I think I got essentially the same pen as the limited edition, with a superior nib. While I don't have a special affection for Italy I do like the design. That said, I won't be surprised if the design polarizes people. I even found an Italian fountain pen review that concluded the design was gaudy. Normally, if Italian's find something gaudy that is a bad sign, but I personally don't agree. The materials are quality, the nib is wonderful, and aside from the nib/feed alignment the attention to detail is very high. For a big Italian pen the price is good too, I just wish I could tell you for sure where to get one. Looking at it makes me want pizza.

January 9, 2012

I'd guess this is a non-limited version of 150th anniversary LE. I believe Delta serial number all (or at least most) of their pens which would explain the number - they could always add more digits in the future if necessary.

January 9, 2012

I don't care for larger pens but I look at this one and suddenly, I do care! And this is the exact one I want. The traditional Delta cap end styling IMHO, looks worlds better than the protruding orb on the LE version. I had no idea there was a non-LE le version until this review. But no advice on where they can be found elsewhere....? I wonder if Dromgoole's has a few more sitting on a shelf.....

Great review. I must stink at Googling because yours is the only review I've been able to find on the Italia..

Edit: It looks like Fahrneys has these...

Edited January 9, 2012 by clickiechick

January 9, 2012

I don't care for larger pens but I look at this one and suddenly, I do care! And this is the exact one I want. The traditional Delta cap end styling IMHO, looks worlds better than the protruding orb on the LE version. I had no idea there was a non-LE le version until this review. But no advice on where they can be found elsewhere....? I wonder if Dromgoole's has a few more sitting on a shelf.....

Great review. I must stink at Googling because yours is the only review I've been able to find on the Italia..

Edit: It looks like Fahrneys has these...

Yes, it does appear that Fahrneys has this pen, based on price anyway.

Here is a Link to the Italian review. Google translate seems to do a pretty good job.