This pen has too many lovers to ignore. It also appears there are different versions and I'd like to know if they are all piston fillers? And, which models are the larger (Pelikan M800) size? As I search to buy one is there anything I should know about the history of the pen...how long has it been made? Which are the most reasonably priced models? I generally rotate pens when I write so typcially I buy left obliques or round bold's that I have customized. Which Etruria nibs might be best...although after hearing the girls giggle about Big Italics I might just be tempted to try. Finally, how much "flex" is typically built into the various nibs....never have been a flex person due to my hand pressure in writing.
ADDED: How are the nibs in this pen inserted? Can they be changed by the user, ala Aurora and Pelikan?
Thanks in advance....this should be fun.
Randy in Florida
Full Version: Stipula Etruria
the one to ask would be Wim. But as far as i know,the models available had either a dedicated piston fill or a combination piston/cartridge/converter option all in one.Thats the one i own.I have only used the piston though.The nib on mine is a twisted in nib cartridge.Very well made.I must add my Etruria is the older model and not the current offering. I really like the furniture and silver work on the older model better.If i could find another like it i might buy one.
You cannot go wrong with this pen.It is one of the best out there in my opinion.Not too many disagree either from what i have read.
Jim
You cannot go wrong with this pen.It is one of the best out there in my opinion.Not too many disagree either from what i have read.
Jim
now Jim....if you could find another one you'd let me get my first before your second, wouldn't you? 
Randy
Randy
QUOTE (handlebar @ Aug 14 2008, 09:44 AM) 
the one to ask would be Wim. But as far as i know,the models available had either a dedicated piston fill or a combination piston/cartridge/converter option all in one.Thats the one i own.I have only used the piston though.The nib on mine is a twisted in nib cartridge.Very well made.I must add my Etruria is the older model and not the current offering. I really like the furniture and silver work on the older model better.If i could find another like it i might buy one.
You cannot go wrong with this pen.It is one of the best out there in my opinion.Not too many disagree either from what i have read.
Jim
You cannot go wrong with this pen.It is one of the best out there in my opinion.Not too many disagree either from what i have read.
Jim
Hi Randy!
I have two Etruria's and they are both integral piston-fill models. I have large hands, and these models fit well in my grip. One model I have is the black acrylic. It is very nice, but I also have the Alter Ego model, which is made from celluloid, and I have to say it not only looks better, but it has a wonderful feel to it. Denser. Whatever it is, it is a pure joy to use! I opted for the 1.1 Italic on the black one, and the 0.9 Italic on the Alter Ego. For everyday writing I like the 0.9 better, but for signing and writing with a flourish, the 1.1 is very nice! I don't perceive the nibs as being particularly flexible, but I wouldn't describe them as "nails" either. They have a nice springiness that is very nice to write with.
Wim is the one to give you more background on Etrurias. But I would be surprised if you did not truly enjoy using one of these wonderful pens! Good Luck on your decision.
Scott.
I have two Etruria's and they are both integral piston-fill models. I have large hands, and these models fit well in my grip. One model I have is the black acrylic. It is very nice, but I also have the Alter Ego model, which is made from celluloid, and I have to say it not only looks better, but it has a wonderful feel to it. Denser. Whatever it is, it is a pure joy to use! I opted for the 1.1 Italic on the black one, and the 0.9 Italic on the Alter Ego. For everyday writing I like the 0.9 better, but for signing and writing with a flourish, the 1.1 is very nice! I don't perceive the nibs as being particularly flexible, but I wouldn't describe them as "nails" either. They have a nice springiness that is very nice to write with.
Wim is the one to give you more background on Etrurias. But I would be surprised if you did not truly enjoy using one of these wonderful pens! Good Luck on your decision.
Scott.
There are both piston fillers and c/c fillers, sometimes for the same color.
If you want a piston filler, avoid the Gaudis, because they're c/c only. Also note that some people don't specify; you can order the piston fillers at Swisher or FPH (and probably special-order them elsewhere). Currently, they come in three colors: black, alter ego and amber.
They have a slight springiness to the nib, but not flex per se.
Given the pens I have with me (two Stipulas, one of them an Etruria):
More springiness than a Retro51 or Aurora, but not gobs more. Just a bit of give.
Less than an Ancora (which makes sense, because that's what Ancora's known for).
If you want a piston filler, avoid the Gaudis, because they're c/c only. Also note that some people don't specify; you can order the piston fillers at Swisher or FPH (and probably special-order them elsewhere). Currently, they come in three colors: black, alter ego and amber.
They have a slight springiness to the nib, but not flex per se.
Given the pens I have with me (two Stipulas, one of them an Etruria):
More springiness than a Retro51 or Aurora, but not gobs more. Just a bit of give.
Less than an Ancora (which makes sense, because that's what Ancora's known for).
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