Molteni is eBay seller outletline's house brand, and it's manufactured by Bexley. I obtained an Antonella late last year. Other models available are the Cilicia, Curukova, and Celestial. I liked the looks of the Antonella - it is streamlined without being too simple, and the flat top, roller clip and gold bands give the pen the looks of an updated classic. I have always liked ebonite, and green, and the two together clinched the deal.

The cap takes about three turns to open. I need to be careful about not closing it too tightly because it became stuck when I did, and the threaded section of the barrel came off rather than the cap. (I don't see why there is a need for the extra threaded section - see the picture attached - but perhaps enlightenment will come one day.)

The nib is a Bexley fine, and it writes with medium wetness. There is no flex to speak of, unlike the nibs I usually prefer. Still, this nib has its own merits. It is very smooth, and the line it puts down is consistent. I rotate my nib once in a while, and it doesn't seem to drag or "bite" into the paper when I do.

It's a light pen, easy to use for an hour's worth of meeting notes and doodles.

All in all, a good pen for the price (USD 250 before shipping, which was an offer I made on a BIN IIRC). If you're looking for even more bang for the buck, though, I think a vintage pen for the same money (or even less) is a better option. I just happen to like green very, very much.



In lieu of the usual photos, I hereby supply a one-page Comic Life autobiography.

Is that an accurate pic of the pen's green?

It looks greenier than this Danitrio I just got:

I think compressing the file into a jpeg made everything look greener! Your pic of the Danitrio Tosca is close to this green, but the Molteni's green is a tad deeper. Let me color-correct and upload another picture.

Darn -- I was hoping I'd discovered a new green to buy.

Leigh,

I love your idea of using Comic Life for the pen photos and review. If stealing an idea is indeed flattery, prepare to be complimented.

Jon

Thanks for this interesting review. I like hard rubber too and the coloration looks very nice. Can you tell us what the section material is? Sounds like HR as well.

Here, this image shows the color much more accurately! Taken in regular daylight beside a Tibaldi Iride.

Jon, Comic Life rocks. I use it for everything, even storyboards. Skitch, too.
Brian, the section material is also HR.

It's a very pretty pen, thanks for the second pic. It definitely has better lines than the Danitrio Tosca.