OMAS Paragon Blue Royal celluloid - medium nib

[Flere-Imsaho]

(1th edit: added some daylight pictures at the end of this post)

(2nd edit: added some experiences after 2 days of use)

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMASlogo140.jpg

 

This is my new Omas fountain pen. I always wanted to have an Arco celluloid, but when I came across this pen I could not resist. Also, since I have the Omas Ogiva Vision with the broad gold coloured Omas nib, I wanted to have a medium two-tone big Omas nib. I read they have a rich flow and are superb, and I'm not disappointed in this. This pen is a real joy to write with. It has a rich flow (with the Parker Blue Black ink I used in this en so far) and a flexible nib. Not flexible in the old sense, but more what other people call springy (?).

 

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%203.jpg

 

The pen is made of marbled dark blue celluloid with gold trim. It has the Arte Italiane 12 faceted Doric shape.

 

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%204.jpg

 

Cap

The cap closes with a little bit more than 2 turns, which is really a bit excessive for my taste. It means you need to turns on the cap and then you have the pen in your hand, often with the pen in the wrong orientation for immediate writing. So the pen need a little bit more handling to be handy for quick note taking. It is more a pen for the longer story writing. Blowing into the cap gives the cap has no air leak. Which is good since this is probably the reason until now the nib has shown no signs of drying out in the cap. This is an annoying problem of my Ogiva Vision. Not so with the Paragon.

 

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%205.jpg

 

 

Clip

The clip has the roller at the end, which I really like. It gives the pen an easy roll-in, roll-out of your pocket while still having a good grip on your pocket to prevent accidental falling out of your pocket when you bent over to pick something up from the floor. (Yes, I once had a pen slip out of my pocket this way).

 

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%206.jpg

 

Nib

The nib is the large Omas two tone nib, with the superb ebonite feed below it. I really like the long slender toothed profile of the Omas ebonite feed. The nib is medium, which is a little broader than a Pelikan medium. But that is just right for my taste. As said before the nib has a rich flow.

 

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%207.jpg

 

When I got the pen, the pen was mint and un-inked. After filling the pen up it refused to write. The nib slit is wide, you can see trough it when there is no ink in the nib. I think that the ebonite feed needed to be saturated with ink before the ink flow is ok. After waiting 30 minutes for the ink to saturate the feed, the flow was perfect.

 

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%208.jpg

 

The nib however had a little bit of baby bottom problems, so I took the Mad Dutchman's Mylar sheets and smoothed and polished the nib a little bit. With great success. The nib now starts immediate on contact with the paper, and there are no signs of bad starting or skipping. The nib glides silently over the paper.

 

Even after having the pen lying open on the table for about 20 minutes, the nib writes immediately when touching paper. The Parker Blue Black ink looks a little bit darker then usual in this case, but at least it will write!

 

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%209.jpg

 

It is really a joy to write with the pen.

 

Barrel

As said before the pen is the 12- faceted Arte Italiane Doric shape, and I immediately liked it a lot. The pen will not roll over the table when put down.

The pen is piston filler. I did not measure the amount of ink which can be put in the pen. But as far as I can tell it is quit a lot and certainly enough for my use. And anyway, I like filling up a pen. The filler operated a little bit heavy on the first try, but this was probably due to the fact the pen was uninked and dry. After the first fill the filler operated more smoothly.

 

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%202.jpg

 

Grip

The pen has a nice shaped grip on the section. I like the fanning out of the barrel towards the nib; it gives me a natural position to grip the pen. The cap threads on the section are above the grip. These threads are not a problem, at least for me since I hold the pen quit close to the nib when I write. This is not problem for me since the nib is large and thus gripping the pen on the section above the nib is natural for me. But even when gripping the pen on the threads does not feel uncomfortable due to the fact the threads are not sharp but rounded.

 

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%201.jpg

 

Data

The "Arte Italiana Collection" is a tribute to the original twelve faceted model designed by Armando Simoni in 1930, made with modern materials and finish. The design resembles a twelve sided Doric column, and provide a precise grip to enhance the pleasure of writing. The Arte Italiana Collection is the perfect combination of refinement and practicality. This model Paragon, is celluloid, is available in gold and high-tech finishing. Celluloid produced in blocks and then bars is used to make OMAS prestigious celluloid pens. Obtained from cellulose treated with camphor in an ether solution, OMAS celluloid is completely athermic. It is hygroscopic and therefore absorbs humidity from the air. This means that it is dimensionally unstable and subject to chromatic variation. These technical problems were brilliantly overcome by Armando Simoni, OMAS's founder in the 1930's. Simoni developed a unique manufacturing process, based on a special form of celluloid, cured in an oven to prepare it for machining. OMAS has jealously guarded this technique over the years and still uses it to produce OMAS pens today. Cellulose embodies all the qualities that make a fountain pen truly great: light weight, resilience, robustness, pleasant feel, shine and extraordinary combination of color. The Greek key pattern band, the symbol of the company, in 18K gold filled. The nib is made from 18K gold with platinum inlay chiseled, M size. Piston filling. The fountain pen is new old stock, never used and never been inked or dipped; comes with it's own black box, instruction manual and warranty card.

Omas Arte Italiane Paragon celluloid Blue Royale

Ref. Omas O05A0001.

Body and Cap 12 faceted celluloid Blue Royal with 18 Kt rolled gold accents.

Greek Band symbol of Omas, 18 Kt gold filled.

Clip 18 Kt gold rolled.

Nib gold 18 kt with platinum inlay chiseled, size M.

Piston filling.

Box black with cardboard box for collectors.

Closed length 142 mm.

 

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%2010.jpg

 

Have a nice weekend,

-Hans.

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/hansgeelen.jpg

1th edit----------------------

Here are three additional pictures taken in plain daylight. I think they give a better impression of the colour of the pen.

 

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%2011.jpg

 

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%2012.jpg

 

http://home.kpn.nl/geele160/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%2014.jpg

 

-Hans.

2nd edit----------------------

After using the pen for 2 days I can add now that the ink flow is very consistent. And the pen writes always, even when left uncapped for a longer time. I never before had a pen perform this good! This for sure is my new favourite, surpassing my Stipula Nettuno Idra and Waterman Liaison with broad strokes . The pen is certainly not cheap, but then I got a lot of value for the money. Wonderful shape and material, perfect craftsmanship, superb ebonite feed and a great performing nib.

Ciao,

-Hans.

Edited December 5, 2008 by MYU

[TMann]

Hans,

 

Thanks for the nice review. I especially liked this photo:

 

http://home.planet.nl/~flere-imsaho/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%209.jpg

 

I assume you had a tripod, or some other support for your camera. Either that or you are much more coordinated than I am!

 

TMann

[Flere-Imsaho]

No, I had the camera in my left hand and looked on the back display and just snapped a few pictures.

-Hans.

[KCat]

lovely pen, great review.

 

i love the Doric design..

[southpaw]

Great review of an incredibly beautiful pen

[davyr]

lovely review on a lovely pen, hans. great job. also very impressed w/your dexterity taking the pic wilst writing...

 

this omas model just looks right to me. hopefully they won't lessen its classic lines with a makeover like the resin models.

[saintsimon]

Hansgeelen, I second your impressions about the Paragon. My grey celluloid Paragon Cinema LE is allways reliable, is lighweight, has a good size and feels pleasant due to the celluloid body. Mine is of good quality, too.

 

The only weak point is posting. The 12 edges have to hold a round inner cap, which is not very firm.

Edited December 10, 2005 by saintsimon

[Flere-Imsaho]

Yes, you are right. Since I never post any of my pens, I forgot to mention that. Indeed the pen is lightweight, and is beautifully made. I heard a lot of bad stories on Omas quality in the past years, but this pen is excellent.

-Hans.

[garythepenman]

Now that is what I call a fountain pen. Great review Hans, I must get one of these pens. To me the Omas conjurs up images of living in the 30's, it has a certain style similar to an Eversharp Doric or Waterman Patrician. Very nice indeed. BTW how much are these to be bought for ?.

[wimg]

Hi Hans,

 

Great review and pics! Thank you for sharing those. I reckon this calls for another visit .

 

Warmest regards, Wim

[Flere-Imsaho]

Sure, then we can argue of the pros and cons of Omas and Stipula, Paragon vs Etruria Or maybe, you have an expresso machine? That would get me on the move for sure

-Hans.

[wimg]

Sure, then we can argue of the pros and cons of Omas and Stipula, Paragon vs Etruria Or maybe, you have an expresso machine? That would get me on the move for sure

-Hans.

Silly question, that, to ask someone who stayed in Italy for about a year in total

[Flere-Imsaho]

Grande!!

Dovrò venire alla città più bella nel sud molto molto presto.

http://www.kiwanis.it/sitok05/K2005/convention/SKYLINE%20MAASTRICHT.JPG

Mi assicurerò voi sapere a tempo, in modo da potete verificare l'azionamento la macchina

del espresso a qualità adeguata del caffè.

 

Inoltre avete biscotti?

 

Arrivederci,

- Hans.

[saintsimon]

Hmm, that pic irritates my memory ... walked over that bridge, but can't remember those hills ... but to all the others: the locals there normally do not (try) to comunicate in Italian

[TheNobleSavage]

That is a really a pretty pen!!! Unfortunatly I only own 1 OMAS pen and it is the D-Day 50th Anniversary pen in a broad nib. That happens to be one of my favorite pens in my collection. One of the pens that are on my "Lust List" is the OMAS Paragon ARCO. I think the Celluloid pens that OMAS does are completely mindblowing!!! I really dig your review, you did a wonderful job!!! I really like your pen!!!

 

One think I noticed on my OMAS d-day pen is the Feed is ebonite and the nib is 18kt gold mono tone. I found that this nib is very stiff, which was very suprising. But as it being a broad nib, this lays down a wonderful juicy line of ink!!!

 

TNS

[wimg]

Hi saintsimon,

Hmm, that pic irritates my memory ... walked over that bridge, but can't remember those hills   

That pic nust have been taken with a very long telelens, from the edge of the hills on the other side, on some early summer morning about 30 years (maybe more) ago... You don't easily see the hills, when walking on the bridge, or in town, that's for sure...

... but to all the others: the locals there normally do not  (try) to comunicate in Italian 

No, they don't, not even in the local pizzerias . Many call it a form of Chinese, though .

 

Warm regards, Wim

[wimg]

Hi Hans,

Grande!!

Dovrò venire alla città più bella nel sud molto molto presto.

http://www.kiwanis.it/sitok05/K2005/convention/SKYLINE%20MAASTRICHT.JPG

I really wonder how you managed to find this pic. It is an old one, taken from the edge of the hill at Cadier en Keer, or Bemelen, with an extremely long lens .

Mi assicurerò voi sapere a tempo, in modo da potete verificare l'azionamento la macchina

del espresso a qualità adeguata del caffè.

I don't use it a lot, lately, so that would be a good idea . Need to get some fresh roast, too.

Inoltre avete biscotti? 

You dare ask for biscuits in "vlaai"-country?

Arrivederci,

- Hans.

Ci vediamo!

Ciao, Geo (my nick name in Italy - long story)

[Flere-Imsaho]

I used Google to find it. In the mean time I have also asked my parents-in-law, who are born, raised in Maastricht, and who still live there, whether this picture is in any way doctored with. The mountain on the left is definitely St.Pietersberg, and I think the mountains on the middle and right are now fully covered with city and would be Biesland and Wolder.

 

Anyway, this conversation is probably not so interesting for our fountain pen friend from far away

 

So, to comfort them an additional Omas picture below.

 

http://home.planet.nl/~flere-imsaho/omaspbrcgt/OMAS%20Arte%20Italiane%20Paragon%20Celluloid%20BlueRoyale%2016.jpg

 

Groet,

-Hans.

(Wonder whether anybody knows which book the pen is lying on.)

[Maja]

I'm a little late in chiming in but....what a great pen and what a wonderful review, Hans! Such lovely photos... Congratulations on acquiring the Paragon. It does remind me of the Wahl-Eversharp Dorics...and that ain't a bad look! Oh, and I applaud your use of the Parker Blue-Black ink; it's in my top 3 inks...

[Flere-Imsaho]

After using the pen for 2 days I can add now that the inkflow is very consistent. And the pen writes allways, even when left uncapped for a longer time. I never before had a pen perform this good!

This for sure is my new favourite, surpassing my Stipula Nettuno Idra and Waterman Liaison with broad strokes . The pen is certainly not cheap, but then I got a lot of value for the money. Wonderfull shape and material, perfect craftmanship, superb ebonite feed and a great performing nib.

Ciao,

-Hans.