Hi. I'm from Pennsylvania and have been collecting fountain pens (and pens in general) for about 6 or 7 years. At first, I merely acquired pens for their appearance, with little concern for their writing qualities. In the past year or so that has changed. My collection is mostly American pens, about 75% vintage and 25% new. I am particularly partial to vintage Parkers, especially the Parker 51.

I found this forum while researching the Sheaffer Snorkel on Pen Hero. I was drawn to the Cross section because I think it is a great American brand which seems to be often ignored on other boards.

As always, I hope to pick up a little fresh knowledge about pens and perhaps share some of my knowledge as well.

Hello and welcome to this little electronic pen lovers land.What part of Pa do you hale from? I've lived South east and North west. But now live outside of New Orleans.



Kurt H

Hi, Kurt. I live in western PA, near Pittsburgh. I guess I need to put together a profile.

greetings.

Glad you found us. Jim and his site are wonderful.

we always like to hear about what pens you have and inks and papers and...

so i look forward to reading more from you.

Welcome to FPN!
K

Thanks, KCat. I love to talk pens, so you're sure to hear from me in the future.

Greetings and welcome, Dry, from another PA boy. Until we moved out here 16+ years ago, to retire, my wife and I were lifelong from midway between Allentown and Philadelphia.

FPs are a recent interest for me, so I'll learn more from you that the other way around.

Hi DRY,

Welcome to the nuthouse!

Like Roger, I think I'll learn from you too, especially since you have about 6 to 7 more years of experience than me.

Welcome to FPN!

Incidentally, where do you usually get good 51s? I'm on the lookout for one and would be curious as to where they are easiest to find.

Thanks for the welcome, Jeff. One of the reasons I like Parker 51's (beyond the fact that they are very dependable writers), is that they are fairly easy to find. Parker made them for about 30 years, totaling in the millions. And there is enough variation to make a collection interesting. Best of all, 51's can often be found fairly inexpensively (although some styles are very rare and priced accordingly). I tend to find most of mine at flea markets. Last Sunday I bought a demi-sized black aerometric with lustraloy cap for $6.00 at an antiques fair. After flushing and a little light polish, it looks and writes like new. Good luck with your search!

Welcome aboard, DRY. It's always great to have another fp addict around, especially one with knowledge to share! I've been into fps since April, so I'm very much the newbie. Question about your name, Dry, is that a comment on your fp ink flow preference, sense of humor, or something else (feel free not to answer if I'm being too nosy - just curious)? See you around the boards!

I spent a few years in Morgantwon WV and always passed through iron city on my way north to parents.


Kurt H

Hi Dry,

welcome to FPN. Enjoy the ride !

Denis.

Hi DRY,

You know official initiation to FPN requires new members from Pittsburg to scream..... "EAGLES"

Welcome to FPN.

AZ

Thanks to all for the warm welcome! To answer Southpaw's question, I wish my forum name, DRY, was something witty or profound. In reality, it is just my initials--something easy to remember (although I enjoy a fine dry wine now and then). AZ, you'll never get a true Steelers' fan like me to scream, "Eagles," but I will rave about the cheesesteaks!

Wow, this sounds just like me....

Welcome to FPN, DRY!

Nice to have you on board. Great find at the flea market, by the way!

Hi DRY,

Welcome to our little haven for slightly nutty pen enthousiasts (but then, aren't all enthousiast slightly nutty? ).

Please do share your knowledge, or just ask questions. Either way, we all learn...

Warm regards, Wim