I recently registered OMAS society and was offered this "Club Pen" at around $300. Considering that this is a full size piston filler with silver body, this pen is really cheap (at least for an OMAS).

Has anyone bought this pen before? How does this pen compared to a full sized paragon in terms of writing/balance?

Thanks!

I bought this pen, and I can tell you it is gorgeous.

It is heavier than a celulloid Paragon, but not too heavy. Just the perfect heft for a pen this size (slightly thicker and bigger than a full size Paragon).

The piston is smooth and the nib is beautifully engraved with the "distinguished couple".

I had to pay heavy taxes for it, and still is a great value pen in my collection.

By the way, Omas Society services are excellent!

Alejandro

Hey Alejandro-

Do you have a picture of your pen? I can't seem to get a good idea of the pen from the pictures in the OMAS Society site or mailer.

Nice buttery smooth med nib for mine and full hallmarked sterling.
The trim is plated over bronze IIRC. You can probably read the specs from the OMAS web site.



Close up of the etching (2nd pen from left):

KCkc-

Thanks for the pictures! I do like the non-metal section on that pen... It's on my list

Here are a couple of comparison pictures of the OMAS Society pen and a Waterman Sterling Edson.





More and larger pictures are available here.

Do yourself a favour: BUY THIS PEN! I have one and it's a beauty. The price is probably half of what you would pay if this was on the open market, so don't miss this opportunity.

Thank you guys for your posts.

This pen sure looks nice. And it's so cheap, even cheaper than the plastic paragon...

Now I am very tempted.

A questions for collectors: do you actually use this pen? I am a user who immediately ink the pen the moment I buy it. My last silver pens was a MB Solitaire 146 (which was my favorite for note taking for a while) and it's now full of scratches after some extensive use...

Don't if I should let a limited edition pen share the same fate. Is it better to buy a B point and restrain my use of this pen to signature only? I guess no one stopping me from ordering two...

I have 21 fountain pens, mostly quite expensive ones, some extremely expensive. Do I use them all? Certainly not. Infact, I hardly use any! Most of my writing is done with a Uniball Jetstream rollerball and a Pilot V4 disposable fountain pen.

I consider my pen collection precisely that: a pen collection. I have used a few of these at various times, but very occasionally. I want to preserve the condition of the pens as much as possible, as one day I will sell most of them when I need the cash.

marklavar, I must say I am very impressed with your self control... I think one of the reasons I don't buy collector edition pens (although some of my daily pen cost just as much) is that I use them all. On the other hand, using fountain pens is cheaper than most other stuff...

I would love to buy pens for investment purpose. But I have yet to convince myself to do that. It seems that fountains are not very liqud (therefore somewhat higher risk). The rate of return is not as high as stocks...

Use it, it is a very nice pen, surprisingly light and wet smooth writer.
The cotton resin cedar-bluish section is nice.

I do not see this as an investment pen, in fact none of my pens are considered as such no matter what the LE size or price is. Pens are made to be used.

Besides, I doubt the "collectiblility factor" of this OMAS when it is just mid-range in their offering evn though I am an owner myself. I bought it more for the feel and looks. I have this pen and I use it.

Lex just mentioned on YB that if you want investment, fill up your gas tank, the price will go up almost immediately or at least by tomorrow ; )

So buy and use in peace

I wouldn't say I buy pens as investments. Not at all infact, I'm sorry if I gave that impression.

The pens I buy are objects of beauty, and I derive as much pleasure simply to hold and look at them as I would by actually using them. In some ways I feel like an oriental sultan in a harem: I could make love to all of my wives, but sometimes I just want to look at them and talk to them, to appreciate their beauty, not necessarily to deflower them. It's a similar feeling when you have really stunning pens, as I have (thank God).

Does anybody else experience this emotion?

I feel that when I see some really expensive pens with a lot of art work on it... then you sort of know that it's meant to to displayed rather than to be used. I can appreciate what you said.

To me, it's more about having a nice tool to use than an art piece for display...

I guess one day I will start collecting pens. As for now, the club pens looks like a good writer for my daily work.

Now I just hope I don't have to send it to the shop for polishing too often like I did for my other metal pens...

Is this pen sterling silver?

Yes, the pen is Sterling as it is hallmarked on the cap and barrel. The clip, however, is not so marked and I guess it is some sort of white metal.

Alriel

Ounce for an Ounce a great pen with all the nice stuff found in higher price pens e.g. ebonite feed, Sterling body/cap

From OMAS web site :
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION


Material: 925% sterling Silver with horizontal guilloche Blue cotton resin

Finishings: in 925% Sterling Silver

Clip: Silver plated phosphorous bronze

Refilling system: Piston filled

Loading capacity: 1,75 ml

Fountain pen feeder: Model in ebonite ø 6,5mm with 2 capillaries

Nib: 18K rhodium-plated gold nib with the Omas institutional image carved on

Available nibs: EF – F – M – B

Length: 137,40 mm (closed pen)

Diameter: ø 15,40 mm

Packaging: Collector’s item
· “In order not to damage the silver, the cap was appropriately produced to not be put on top of the barrel; therefore, we kindly suggest you not to try to post the cap on the pen”

Wow, what very helpful information. Thank you Kc. I wonder which nib I would like the best since this baby is definitely going to be used ten gazillion times.....