Buying A Duofold

[Stu L]

Folks,

 

I have a little cash built up in the pen fund and an considering picking up a Duofold. I was hunting round for a good daily writer, preferably something that punches above its price point, and I decided that might well be a Duofold (actually I'm still slightly drawn to a Platinum 3776, but anyway).

Being in the UK there seem to be plenty of examples about. Countless variations too, from modern examples way out of my price range to some pretty dog eared ones. I wondered if there's anything in particular I should be on the look out for when browsing online? Are there any particular Duofolds that you'd recommend? and... is this a good choice??

I intend to purchase from ebay to maximise that ol price to performance ratio

 

Thanks guys?

[mitto]

I got my Duofold Centennial ivory finish brand new, boxed and with paperwork for around $200 from a local young bank officer who received two as gifts from his relatives in Dubai. He still has the other one but now asks for about $250. I may still buy the second one.

 

If you like modern pens the Duofold would be an excellent choice. Go for it.

Edited December 15, 2017 by mitto

[Stu L]

My budget doesn't stretch anywhere near that much, so I'll have to keep my search to vintage models

[mitto]

Consider a Newhaven NS or AF Duofold. Or a standard (#25 nib) English aero Duofold from the 1940s-1950s era.

[amk]

The 'English duofolds' are often lovely writers, and seem to be underrated, perhaps because of their rather unassuming looks. The colours can be a bit drab, though I rather like the greenish one which I call my 'camouflage' pen; I think officially it was 'olive green'.

 

The earlier stripey Duofolds are gorgeous, but you might be stretched to find a good one within your budget.

[mitto]

Exactly. These are lovely writers. And can be found relatively cheap. I personally very much like the nibs on these.

 

As to the clours of these, these or, at lesst some of these (the AF particularly), also came in forest green or dark green color. Though that colour does not find a mention in both internet and printed Refrences. I have the AF Duofold in exactly the forest green colour that was used in the aero 51s line.

Edited December 15, 2017 by mitto

[hari317]

What is your budget?

[Stu L]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

 

Budget is around £50-60. Ideally I'd look for a fine nib as I have small writing (ef would be even better but did any have one?) It doesn't look as though the nib sizes are marked anywhere...

[corgicoupe]

Peyton Street Pens has and XF International from 1995 in mint condition. $275 is outside you budget, but it's a reasonable price; about what I paid for mine in 1992. The XF is embossed on the feed.

[hari317]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

 

Budget is around £50-60. Ideally I'd look for a fine nib as I have small writing (ef would be even better but did any have one?) It doesn't look as though the nib sizes are marked anywhere...

You should be able to buy a duofold maxima for around 65-70gbp on Ebay U.K. just bid on examples having straight nibs. There are some with bent nibs, broken clip screws, cap lip cracks which means additional expense. The pens usually just need just a good cleaning to function perfectly again.

 

For 22-30gbp you can find a nice senior.

 

Most bargains are found where the descriptions are foggy.

 

Do your research. Learn to identify the models based on foggy Ebay pics. Algabatzs site is a v good resource.

 

I also like my Afs. But more often than not, they will need a new sac and prices are increasing. I used to buy for less than 5 pounds on Ebay U.K.

 

I feel you must aim for a maxima. Wonderful pens.

Edited December 16, 2017 by hari317

[peterg]

For that money you could get a Junior or possibly Standard 'original' Duofold, most NS and AF 'Newhaven' Duofolds but they would probably need resacing. Also aeromatic Duofolds, which normally do not need resacing.

 

You will need to accept that the more desireable colours will be out of your price range.

 

In addition to the Duofolds you could add the Victory range which is just a lower grade 'Newhaven' Duofold.

 

Beyond Parker, Langs produced good looking, usable fountain pens in attractive marbles at reasonable prices. Again they will probably need resacing. Look for National Security, Stephens and Summit.

[corgicoupe]

Another alternative that I think rivals my modern [1992] Duofold is the Sheaffer Connaisseur. It uses a cartridge or converter and can be had for $150 NOS.

[inkstainedruth]

I have a couple of the Laidtone (striped) Duofolds. Both are button fillers, rather than the "Duovacs". The first one (the blue one) I got several years ago at a pen show. The price exceeded your expressed budget, Stu L, but was in working condition and has a semi-flex OF nib on it. My second one (the Dusty Rose one) I happened onto in an antiques store. It was not in great condition (and I didn't notice till I got home that it had a Sheaffer nib on it... ) but I only paid about $11 US for it (with tax), and then another $40 to get it restored. That's well within your budget -- I don't know how common those are in the UK to find, but if you're patient and willing to travel about some to check antiques stores you sometimes find some diamonds in the rough.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Stu L]

Thanks Ruth,

 

There seems to be loads of Duofolds available here in the UK - ebay is awash with them and plenty within my budget as either auctions or BIN. Most seem to be from sellers with little detail and often bad photographs - Hari317 was spot on. The most frustrating this is a lack of a nib width description. I know English pens tended to run a little wider than most and I'm really looking for a fine or EF nib.

 

Lots are sold on 'as found', so I need to presume that means a resacking at least and factor that onto the cost. If I send the pen off for repair, even the cheapest bargain becomes too much of a financial gamble for me if the nib isn't what I want. That said, I may get lucky with an aerometric....

[Stu L]

We'll success!
I put a cheeky bid on this duofold in the hope that the picture of the nib looked like a fine and the good news is it is.
It was listed as having not been used for a long time but after cleaning out the old ink it appears to be workings just fine.

Edited December 22, 2017 by Stu L

[hari317]

Congrats! We need details. . Is that a Demi? Whats the size? Any number on the nib?

[Stu L]

No number on the nib, just 14k and a N.

 

Capped length is 12.5cm and uncapped is 11.5. Not sure what that makes it but it fits my hand well.

[corgicoupe]

Looks very classy!

[Glenn Atkins]

Folks,

 

I have a little cash built up in the pen fund and an considering picking up a Duofold. I was hunting round for a good daily writer, preferably something that punches above its price point, and I decided that might well be a Duofold (actually I'm still slightly drawn to a Platinum 3776, but anyway).

Being in the UK there seem to be plenty of examples about. Countless variations too, from modern examples way out of my price range to some pretty dog eared ones. I wondered if there's anything in particular I should be on the look out for when browsing online? Are there any particular Duofolds that you'd recommend? and... is this a good choice??

I intend to purchase from ebay to maximise that ol price to performance ratio

 

Thanks guys?

 

Unless you're certain what you're looking at on EBay, be careful. Sometimes things are not what they seem to be. Plus, many times you must also consider the cost of restoration. The Platinum 3776 is a great pen.

 

Glenn

[hari317]

No number on the nib, just 14k and a N.

 

Capped length is 12.5cm and uncapped is 11.5. Not sure what that makes it but it fits my hand well.

Sounds like the Demi size. Well done.