Some time ago, I bought some Conte no 1775 pen holders in Paris. I have been using them almost exclusively ever since, and can't speak highly enough of them. The nib is clamped firmly into place by lowering a lever which is built into the underside of the holder. As illustrated, even very small nibs are held perfectly in position.
I can find no trace of these holders, which seem to be out of production. Although they aren't much to look at, they are tremendous value for money.
Although it is a very limited market, I find it hard to believe, that such a great idea hasn't been taken up by some other manufacturer, perhaps in a more attractive finish.

I would be very interested to hear if anyone else knows of these holders or if they know of a more aesthetically pleasing alternative of a similar design.

Wow! That's cool. I browse dip pens on ebay all the time and have never seen one like that. I'll keep an eye out for them now.

I have one of these that I've had for at least 25 or 30 years. I've learned to be careful with it, since it is possible to damage (bend, break, crack, I've done all three) the part of the nib that goes into that clutch. But done correctly, it does grip a nib tighter than anything else I have.

On counting back, I realise that, like you, I must have had these for at least 25 years. I use them in rotation, so they have survived without any problems.

I find it incredible that anything, in constant use, can last that long!

I considered buying some of those a few months ago but not having any information about them I decided not to but I will do after these recommendations. Blotspens sell them but only in limited finishes http://www.blotspens.co.uk/acatalog/Clip_Penholders.html .

Thank you Lozzic! This is exactly the information I was hoping for!

The nib is held as firmly as if it were welded to the holder!


Another advantage which I forgot to mention - at the end of a writing session, if you hold the penholder over a container of water and lift the clip, the nib releases instantly and drops into the water with no stains on the fingers!

Please post again once you've tried them - I'd be very interested in your opinion.

I just contacted Blotspens and was informed that these are not the Conte pens but in fact are made in Austria by a company that probably supplied Conte.

Thanks, Playpen
I think that they seem to be better finished than the original Conte pens.

I've just ordered a set!