What 100 Euro Fountain Pens?

[Darcy1978]

I am going to buy two fountain pens for two people (ie one each) as a going away present. I have a 100 euro budget for each pen and cannot exceed it. They will surely appreciate a beautiful pen, but they're not fountain pen addicts. I will most likely buy at Akkerman I the Hague and add an Akkerman ink bottle to each pen (exceeding the budget, so still 100 euro for each pen). Which pens would you get? Any advice is appreciated!

[NinthSphere]

Something from Italix (mrpen.co.uk)? The Parson's Essential gets great reviews. I can vouch for the Captain's Commission being a fantastic pen. The Commodore's Credential is on my list to pick up in a few months. All well below your limit.

[sandy101]

Yep, you could get an Italix and have their names engraved on them too.

 

That would be fun.

[Darcy1978]

Excellent suggestions; I have a Parsons essential and love it. Two problems: the pens may not arrive on time and they don't come in a fancy gift box - which may not be a big problem but for this occasion (a farewell dinner, business relationship) a nice box would be a bonus. They're teachers/principals by the way, so would actually use the pens a lot. what would you get from a brick and mortar shop? (I have considered the twsbi micarta, but decided it's too much of an acquired taste.)

[vPro]

How about Waterman? The modern Waterman pens are often overlooked, but I have never encountered a Waterman that didn't write perfectly out of the box. They come in a lovely gift box, too and are usually of high quality.

[The Blue Knight]

You should be able to buy a Diplomat Aero or Excellence for that sort of money on amazon. It would definitely have the wow factor.

[PortiaDaCosta]

I bought a Parson's Essential from Mr Pen via Amazon.co.uk and it came in a very nice presentation box. Very sturdy, with a leather type finish on the outside trimmed with a gold line. Velvet bed inside and satin lining. Very suitable for a gift, I'd say, and of course the pen is first class.

 

Edited to say... It came super quickly too, although I do live in the UK. EU postage to the Netherlands might not take very long at all.

Edited May 23, 2015 by PortiaDaCosta

[j.a.j.]

Faber Castell E Motion or Ambition? Write very nicely out of the box.

[inotrym]

Ditto for the Emotion.

 

Another choice could be a Lamy Studio, although I suggest that you try them out first so that you make sure the nib is nice, smooth and true to its size.

[bardharlock]

Quite honestly, I'd let the sales staff know exactly what you were looking for including the tastes of the recipients and your budget then let them guide you through the process. You'll be able to try out the pens and therefore eliminate any duds.

[vPro]

+1 for the E-motion. Many people claim it's a fantastic pen with a wonderful nib.

I held it once, and it is quite heavy.

[Darcy1978]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I went to Akkerman in The Hague today and got a Faber-Castell E-motion with Pear barrel, and a Lamy Studio limited edition. The Lamy comes in a nice box with ink bottle and converter and I got an ink bottle to to with the FC e-motion. Once again thanks for your ideas and here's to hoping the recipients like the pens

[Bklyn]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I went to Akkerman in The Hague today and got a Faber-Castell E-motion with Pear barrel, and a Lamy Studio limited edition. The Lamy comes in a nice box with ink bottle and converter and I got an ink bottle to to with the FC e-motion. Once again thanks for your ideas and here's to hoping the recipients like the pens

That is a beautiful presentation. If they do not like it, please ship it to my house. I will use that very pen to write you a thank you note! (If you send a Pelikan M800, I will drive to your hose and thank you in person.)