Greetings to the Forum,

First time poster with a question.

For the record - coming back to fountain pens. A FP was my first ink device when I move from pencil to pen in the 60's. Have a Cr... er.. different brand pen now, but I like old school stuff.

Picked this up on Ebay this week:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...em=330233402113

Bidding was pretty high when I threw my bid in, hope I didn't pay TOO much extra.

Ad says never inked, so I take that to mean never used.

I want to start using this pen - what would you recommend?

Many thanks.

GeneF

The first thing to consider is what happens if you ink it and it does not work? You might have a hard time convincing the seller to refund your payment! Since the seller says that the pen is in working order you should try to draw water with the snorkel. Even though the pen works, it does have its original sac and it might need to be replaced. Those things don't last forever!

I was watching that go - considered bidding against you at one point!

I've had some really good eBay experiences. If there is a mis-listing, most people will offer returns or a discount to cover the cost of repair. Obviously don't bid when there are outright lies, but generally sellers are OK.

I got my Parker 51 uninked, and considered not using it, but I'm so glad I did - I now use it almost every day and love every minute of it. I hope you like the Snorkel - I've never seen one in the flesh, but I've got my eye on one...

Having had another read of your post, I wonder what level you're asking on - Do you have a bottle of ink? You can get one for 5 dollars or so from a stationary store - if you're looking to start with a really great ink, have a look at the Ink Reviews subforum.

Also, a lot of office paper tends to be low-quality, and this can lead to slow drying and bleeding (ink spreading everywhere). Some really bad stuff can even clog the pen's nib sometimes. For best results, use nice paper!

Other things that are useful but not essential are blotting paper, and a leather for your pen (to stop it getting scratched in your pocket). Also, if you're reading around here you're likely to catch the collecting bug pretty quickly, so buy a nice display box, set aside a cupboard for all the inks you're about to buy, and sell your car.


- Tris

That's happened to me before - I bought a nice razor, and within an hour learned that a member of the Shave My Face Forum had actually bid against me, but let it go.

That Snorkel really has me curious!

GeneF

To the replies so far --

I thought about pulling water in - so if I do: how do I get it back out?

I am new to the idea of a pen with a sac. Been using my current FP with cartridges.

Will want a decent ink, so I will head over to check out some reviews.

Don't want a huge supply of pens. Maybe I can keep my mania down to a low roar?

Gene --

I'll try to answer your questions as best I am able ..................

I thought about pulling water in - so if I do: how do I get it back out?
The same way you draw in the ink. Just hold the pen over a sink so the water will have someplace to go. Be aware that the water may go in directions which will surprise you so do this fairly slowly the first time.

I am new to the idea of a pen with a sac. Been using my current FP with cartridges.
There are a lot of advantages to a sac. The big advantage is that you can buy literally hundreds of different inks, in all different colors and offering all different special attributes (waterproof, etc.) The big disadvantage is that you can buy literally hundreds of different inks. You may get hooked on different inks -- which is cheaper than buying all manner of different pens.

Will want a decent ink, so I will head over to check out some reviews.
Excellent idea.

Don't want a huge supply of pens. Maybe I can keep my mania down to a low roar?
Don't hold your breath. You'll probably become like the rest of us and see a pen then want to buy it. Not a bad idea to set a budget for yourself and just buy one on special occasions such as the second Thursday of the month.

Best wishes

David

Hi Gene
Welcome top the slippery slope of vintage pens.

I've done a bit of business with this seller.
He is very accomodating. Ask him these questions.
FYI he is the former grandson of the Wearever pen co founder.

I'm sure he'll work with you.

Steve