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London Pen Show


cobalt

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I'd never been to a pen show, and this was my first, held 4 October 2015 in London. Three large spaces with a wide range of pens and paraphrenalia on offer. Sellers from UK, Rest of Europe and US and I suspect elsewhere. I got there at 1000 and it was already pretty packed. I'm a pen user, not a collector, so my eyes did glaze over a bit at the vast trays of pens that all sort of looked alike. All in all, a worthwhile experience -- to learn to appreciate what I did not fully understand. Meeting new pen dealers was good as I've expanded the list of people I can contact when I am in a buying mood.

 

Some highlights for me included: (and please, there were many who also deserve mention, but this is my shortlist)

  • Meeting someone who likes Wahl/Eversharps as much as I do and hoping he can source a Gen1 Symphony as he said he had lots!
  • Seeing Auroras, lovely pens and history of innovation.
  • Picking up the no-name pen from Vintage Fountain Pens, that I'd sent for some TLC and getting it back with a working Eversharp nib; it was not possible to rip out the vandalism done by the previous owner who allegedly 'restored' the ink feed. Oh well, got to be more careful on ebay....
  • Meeting the owner of Von Moos pens and trying them out: so smooth! The nibs are superbe.
  • Worcester Pens were there and I honestly forgot to go back and buy the pen I'd held and liked.
  • Bought a leathercase for 12 pens (from Vince), getting home and finding out I have more than 12 pens. I had no idea that FPs reproduce in the dark.
  • Seeing all the new Conklin's in one place; I own a Duragraph which writes really well and is one of my workhorse pens.
  • Conid Pens were there from Antwerp, Belgium with their incredible designs. Apparently they don't do flex, oh well. They were displaying Akkermann ink. Another voyage of discovery, but one must watch postage costs within Europe as these can be scandalously high. Glass marbles in bottles are called Codd Stoppers by the way (look for old soda bottles at flea markets).
  • And of course all the collectors and sellers with their specialties and expertise, too many and too much to take in completely, but exhilerating nonetheless.

Anyone else there?

 

...be like the ocean...

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There is a thread in the 'Clubs, meetings & events' forum, with people reporting in from this post: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/289405-writing-equipment-show-london-2015/?p=3469170

 

I wasn't able to go - having had a stall at at a craft fair the day before, and 2 days off in a single weekend is a bit unfair on my wife.

 

Regards,

 

Richard

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Wish I was there. Sounds like you had a GRAND time.

Anyone like Ray Bradbury? Please read "The Laurel and Hardy Love Affair" if you have about 12 minutes.

 

You will not forget this wonderful gem that is largely obscure and sadly, forgotten. http://bit.ly/1DZtL4g

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It was my first pen show too. To be candid I did not know what to expect.

 

I went to see if I could pick up a Rotring 600…and I ended up buying a Conklin Crescent filler, a beautiful mint Omas Paragon 557/f from the 1990s, a bottle of Iroshizuku ink (tsuyu kusa) and a cartridge filling kit (syringe, bottle etc.). I took in £250 and spent it…and got out of the place, before I spent anymore!

 

I am not yet at a stage in my FP obsession that I collect one brand. I am quite catholic in my tastes at the moment and I have price ceilings I would be uncomfortable at breaking. However, a lot of people at the show appear to focus in on particular models, editions or series and are very knowledgeable and are clearly prepared to pay up for special models. Some tables had thousands and thousands of pounds worth of pens on display. There are also some very affordable bargains to be had, so it was not all high-end gear.

 

I kept my credit card to my wallet otherwise, there was a fluted Sheaffer Targa in beautiful condition I really liked. Some beautiful Parkers Vacumatics. I liked the look of the state of the art Conid, the new Lamy Imporium looked great. I could go on…there was so much to covet.

 

The lesson I also learned was if you see it and like it buy it, before someone else does. I saw a Pilot 95 Justus in a tray for sale at £95. I ‘ummed’ and ‘arrhed’ and walked on. I then thought I should get it: and it was gone: he who hesitates loses the prized object.

 

I also did not allow myself enough time to get dealers details and really drill in to what was on display.

 

So as Arnie said, I will be back. If you can make a show like that and you have the addiction go along.

 

My one beef was I did not see that Rotring 600 I want. Back to EBay!

 

F

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