Before starting medical school this summer, I will be going through most of Western Europe for 5 weeks. I already have my journal, and now I'm looking for the perfect pen. I want it to be something more than a Lamy Safari, which I think is too bland for my task (In all fairness, it is an amazing pen for the money). It must also be under $50 and very practical. I guess something vintage would be perfect for the task. I'm guessing a Parker 51, which I assume is really good based on the reviews but I have never owned one. Any ideas?


Also, I will be traveling in the following cities: Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich, Luxembourg City, Paris, Nice, Barcelona, Seville, Cordoba, Toledo, Madrid, and Lisbon. Does anybody know any good fountain pen shops in these areas that sell vintage pens at good prices? I would get something vintage because I feel its more unique, as opposed to modern pens that can be bought where I live.


Thanks for any help!

I am afraid that you will be very lucky to get anything reasonable in Europe for $50. You have a big shock coming and the price of things here. I can normally buy a vintage "51" in the US cheaper that here in the UK/EU, even when you account for the postage cost.

If you want a "51" get it before you go. The best place in London is the Antique Market on the Portobello Road early on a Saturday morning, doubt that you will find any real bargains, but go for the atmosphere.

Portobello Road Market

Oh no I didn't mean to buy the $50 and under pen in Europe. That was a separate question. I want to buy a pen here for the journal, and then go pen shopping in Europe for other pens (which may be over $50, if it is expensive, I will ship it home).

I agree, fountain pens are quite expensive in Europe. In Madrid you can visit "El Rastro", a big flee market, nto that you will find bargains, but... is interesting. The FP shop of http://www.tradeart.es/ is worth visiting, is like visiting Mr. Binder's shop. But I would buy the pen in the US and the paper over here (MiquelRius, Galgo, Conqueror, Clairefontaine, etc). You will find a lot of inspiration at Toledo!. Is a fairy tale place.
And congratulations on getting into Med School. Not easy, I know it in first person.
I would suggest you take your Safary, the truth. If not, go for a Waterman Charleston, or a Pelikan any model. Have a nice trip!

I think a 51 in good writing shape would make an excellent "beat around" travel pen, which will also be worthy of some emotional attachment as your trusty travel companion of years gone by...

if you are in Paris, visit Mora stylos http://www.morastylos.com. Drop me a pm if you want so I can advise you some good other pen shops to see.

Greetings

You can get Parker 45's new for under $50.00. Also consider Waterman Phileas or Ici et la, Sheaffer Agio or Javelin, and Pilot/Namiki Knight. These pens look good and write well. If you shop around they can all be had for under $50.00 and you will not be heart broken if you loose it along the way for they can be easily gotten again.

On the off-chance you, like me, prefer to keep your pen in a shirt pocket (if not, you can stop reading now...), the pen should be light, preferably not more than 5" long and have a tight clip. Lots of vintage pens fit that description, but you probably won't find many in good working order for under $50. Esterbrooks should fit into that category, but you may not find one with a tight enough clip. I don't much like the look of Parker 51s, but they're certainly practical, and a demi is exactly the right size. I think I've seen some offered here and at Pentrace for not much more than $50.

Another practical consideration: will you want to carry a bottle of ink around with you? You should be able to pack it so it won't leak, but if you think cartridges would be easier to deal with, that rules out vintage pens....

Simon

I'm a big fan of the Safari - but I understand.

How about the Waterman Phileas? It's a splendid writer.

Congrats on Med School. That's a huge deal. And you are correct in saying that your journey is about to begin. You will find yourself changed at the end of this four year gauntlet.

Since you are backpacking across Western Europe, why not buy a flagship pen from one of the premier European pen companies, and why not buy the pen either at the factory itself, or at the company's flagship store?

Waterman in Paris (maybe an Edson Black Diamond)
ST Dupont in Paris
Montblanc in Hamburg (maybe another 149 in a different nib size and style)
Pelikan in Hanover (maybe an 800 or a Majesty)

I frankly don't know whether these companies all allow tours, or whether they sell their pens in a shop on the factory campus, but a little due dilligence on your part should sort that out.

How cool would it be to see your pen manufactured, have a nice cursive italic nib ground, and have a photo taken with the craftsmen who created your new toy?

Pelikan Level 1 or Level 5. HUGE ink capacity and a compact refill bottle that would be no muss, no fuss. A good travel pen.

If you want vintage I say Esterbrook J with a 9314F or 9314M stub nib with Diamine Prussion Blue ink. You can get a J in great working order for less than $50. Durable classic celluloid. The only draw back will be the amount of ink it holds versus say a Pelikan.

Thanks for the suggestions. It looks like the 51 isn't such a great idea after all. I'll probably end up taking my Phileas. I have two of them and I wouldn't be upset if I lost it.

Thanks for the good advice!