As my collecting has changed I'm focused on pens that I will USE rather than pens that simply look good. Don't get me wrong...they all look good, but the also write (see my Signature for current holdings). I just bought my first Italian, an Aurora Optima, and am interested in getting recommendations for more Italians.

I'm looking for pens that approximate the size, weight and balance of my all-time favorite Pelikan M800. I really don't need larger. Since I write all day long I want pens with piston filler ink capacity. No cartridges and all converters I've used have only .9 - 1.1 ml of ink...just not enough. I'm really not a "flex" nib person and tend to dislike too much flex since I use greater than average writing pressure. I want quality nibs but am willing, if absolutely necessary, to have my favorite nibmeister get my nibs where I want them. I'd prefer interchangeable nibs, like Aurora and Pelikan, so I can have different pens all in one, but this is not critical since I have enough pens/nibs now to accomodate my different writing situations.

My budget is up to $500 but would prefer the $350 to $450 range....and I don't mind waiting for more expensive pens in good used condition here in the Marketplace or on Green Board. No matter how nice the pen it WILL get used....carefully....but no box beauties for me . Specific models are appreciated so I can be on the look-out. And, if you have the particular model you recommend in your collection and would consider selling it just let me know by PM.

I look foward to the community's suggestions.

Randy in Florida

Stipula Etruria

I like all my Italians, old and new, better than my Pelikan 800, even though it's excellent in every way. Of current models, I especially recommend OMAS's Paragon (which now comes in multiple sizes and models--I like the new models, but still prefer the older ones, which are plentiful) and Ogiva Guilloche. For lots of money, you could get a celluloid OMAS. Or you could buy a handful of moderately-priced Filcaos with steel nibs and decide what you like best.

Go with Stipula. The Etruria if the price is right, otherwise try the Puccini, a converter, but also an eyedropper - lots of capacity and writes veeery smoothly.

Erick

Stipula Etruria in alter ego or amber celluloid. It is a great pen and it's always nice to support a small family business.

I second the Etruria. Lovely pen. I have it in Amber and the colour is so beautiful and it's such a great writer. Nice solid pen without being to heavy.

Hi Randy!

I posted on your other thread about the Etrurias. And don't get me wrong, I love my Etrurias! But I thought I'd mention here another option. I recently came by a Visconti Divina Maxi, and I would heartily recommend it to you! There are so many really cool things about this pen! Mine has the piston-fill mechanism, and it holds a respectable amount of ink. It feels really good in the hand. It is just a really excellent example of Italian penmaking. It may be at the high end of your limit, but watch carefully and you may be able to acquire one. Good Luck!

Scott.

From the list of nice pens you have already, I'd suggest something like a Visconti or Omas.

If cartridge/converters are not preferred, then maybe a Visconti Wall Street or Divina, or maybe Omas Paragon. Stipula Etruria has also been recommended by a few already.

The Stipula Etruria has a great nib. (But I think its a tad heavy for your reqmts)

secondly, the Omas 360. for size and lightness perhaps?

I can think of one other alternative and thats the Danitrio Densho Raw Ebonite. Its light. Has a great nib which is also large. and largish sized like the M800. Its an eyedropper and has a HUGE ink capacity. I can't remember if its still in production.

(seeing the no. of Pels you have, looks like you will eventually gravitate back to your Pels.... )

Well, there is definitely an echo in here. I am going to say the Stipula Etruria also. If I had to choose a favorite Italian pen, it would be the O/S Etruria. It has an ergonomic feel that is wonderful, and it is a relaible, fun writer. I have several and I love them all.

Thanks, Frank....now all i need to do is find someone willing to sell one! I've posted in Marketplace, Green Board and Zoss but without success so far. You'all keep your ears to the ground.

Thanks

Try Mel of MelPens.

I have bought quite a few FPs from her, including two Stips.