Vintage Versus Modern .. What Criteria Are Relevant To The Decision To Purchase?

[Buzz_130]

When I'm in the market for new pens, I find myself consistently seeking out vintage pens unless I'm buying a modern Japanese fountain pen to fill out a specific need or part of a collection. The modern craftsmanship still present in the Japanese Big 3 (Sailor, Platinum, and Pilot) is excellent. These pens just write, and each has some excellent characteristics unique to their manufacturer. And all have a range that is in your budget.

 

But you should seriously consider a restored vintage pen. You can get a nice, restored Esterbrook J with a nib of your choice for around half of your budget. Press down firmly too often? Manifold nib. Want to play with a stub? No problem. Want an accountant's nib that exceeds the Japanese extra fine? Done. How about a reliable general purpose medium or fine? Also no problem. Like pens from the Golden Age of fountain pens, this pen is lightweight, reliable, and a perfect diameter to fit comfortably in your hand. Looking for something thinner for a comfortable grip? Parker 45 (also with a good range of nibs that you can swap in seconds). Also less than half of your budget already restored and ready to go. With some luck you can find a nice Sheaffer or perhaps a user grade Parker "51." With dozens of vintage pens in my collection of daily writers, they offer an incredible writing experience for a very reasonable cost.

 

Buzz

[jar]

Oh, pretty. I want!

[nweissma]

Parker 45 (also with a good range of nibs that you can swap in seconds). Also less than half of your budget already restored and ready to go. With some luck you can find a nice Sheaffer or perhaps a user grade Parker "51." With dozens of vintage pens in my collection of daily writers, they offer an incredible writing experience for a very reasonable cost.

 

Buzz

Please explain the term 'user grade.' as opposed to what?

Edited September 22, 2015 by nweissma

[SujiCorp12345]

Please explain the term 'user grade.' as opposed to what?

A user grade pen is a pen that is more beat up (relative to a new pen) and has clear signs of use. Typically the pen would have some plating loss, scratches, faint imprints, etc...

[mjjung3]

You also need to consider the use of the pen, your handwriting style, etc. If you want an ultra extra fine, you can get it in a Platinum 3776 Century, or as said above, in the right Esterbrook. If you want calligraphy, there are a number of both modern and vintage pens available. As far as filling systems go, it depends on your personal risk profile. If you are totally risk averse, go with cartridges, they are the least likely to make a mess. Essentially you will need to make your own decision. Read FPN, Richardspens.com, Goulet, etc. Vintage -- Parker, Esterbrook, Sheaffer, Modern -- Pilot, Platinum, Pelikan.