[image from Giardino Italiano]

Several weeks ago I purchased the most glorious and expensive pen I've ever owned or desired: the Viscotni Taj Mahal, from FPN member cakibler. The pen is mint, NOS c. 1996, produced in a limited edition of 888. Carl had kept it in pristine boxed condition and had never inked it prior to selling it to me. The pen is waiting for me in the US and I have yet to experience its ownership, but the mysterious forcefield around it reaches out to me even across the seas:

I have spoken to several people now, who have said that, after purchasing this pen, they were too in awe of it to ink it, and found themselves behaving like "collectors" rather than users whether they wanted to or not. In fact, that is the reason often cited for selling this pen. I have never heard from anyone who has actually inked it up, let alone used it as a writer.

Does anyone here own this pen?.. And do you use it, even occasionally? I know that some criticise the design of the Taj Mahal as being not "pen-like" enough, but to me it is perfect just the way it is. And the silver-wire filigree makes it, in my opinion, the most unique overlay pen in modern commercial production.

In any case, I would like to hear from people who have an pinion about this pen.

Below are some images (of my pen) from cakibler for reference:

For some reason the wire didn't appeal to me after I saw the black and silver Romanica. However, if someone wants to send one my way, I'll be more than happy to ink it and enjoy.

Funny, is the exact opposite with me: I would have wanted the Romatica, had I never seen this pen. But in comparison to the Taj Mahal, most other overlays just fade to black in my eyes. Still, I wouldn't exactly reject the Romantica, the Ripple, or the Ultima Lira. (Come to think of it, Visconti has a great many unique overlays...)

First off all, I'm not in LE pens, I must use my pens, and my most expensive pen is a plain sterling silver Cross. I'm not usually amazed by italian pens or by heavily engraved pens. Moreover, I always write with posted pens, to the point I'm planning to swap nibs between my AlStar and my Joy (calligraphy pen, cannot be posted).
But I stared to the pictures of your pen for a good ten minutes, believe me or not. I imagined that engraved cap resting on a desk like a miniature monument, while the pen was writing. This is an incredible work and I can understand people treasuring it. My compliments for such a wonderful purchase.

My Taj Mahal is the only pen I've ever owned that I have not inked. I guess that's why I'm trying to sell it, even though it's exquisite.

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...mp;hl=Taj+Mahal