Molteni Antonella

[Leigh R]

Molteni is eBay seller outletline's house brand, and it's manufactured by Bexley. I obtained an Antonella late last year. Other models available are the Cilicia, Curukova, and Celestial. I liked the looks of the Antonella - it is streamlined without being too simple, and the flat top, roller clip and gold bands give the pen the looks of an updated classic. I have always liked ebonite, and green, and the two together clinched the deal.

 

The cap takes about three turns to open. I need to be careful about not closing it too tightly because it became stuck when I did, and the threaded section of the barrel came off rather than the cap. (I don't see why there is a need for the extra threaded section - see the picture attached - but perhaps enlightenment will come one day.)

 

The nib is a Bexley fine, and it writes with medium wetness. There is no flex to speak of, unlike the nibs I usually prefer. Still, this nib has its own merits. It is very smooth, and the line it puts down is consistent. I rotate my nib once in a while, and it doesn't seem to drag or "bite" into the paper when I do.

 

It's a light pen, easy to use for an hour's worth of meeting notes and doodles.

 

All in all, a good pen for the price (USD 250 before shipping, which was an offer I made on a BIN IIRC). If you're looking for even more bang for the buck, though, I think a vintage pen for the same money (or even less) is a better option. I just happen to like green very, very much.

 

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/leighpod/Page_1-1.jpg

 

In lieu of the usual photos, I hereby supply a one-page Comic Life autobiography.

[Deirdre]

Is that an accurate pic of the pen's green?

 

It looks greenier than this Danitrio I just got:

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2161/2149205469_0ddebb3395_o.png

[Leigh R]

Is that an accurate pic of the pen's green?

 

It looks greenier than this Danitrio I just got:

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2161/2149205469_0ddebb3395_o.png

 

I think compressing the file into a jpeg made everything look greener! Your pic of the Danitrio Tosca is close to this green, but the Molteni's green is a tad deeper. Let me color-correct and upload another picture.

[Deirdre]

Darn -- I was hoping I'd discovered a new green to buy.

[jonro]

Leigh,

 

I love your idea of using Comic Life for the pen photos and review. If stealing an idea is indeed flattery, prepare to be complimented.

 

Jon

[Brian]

Thanks for this interesting review. I like hard rubber too and the coloration looks very nice. Can you tell us what the section material is? Sounds like HR as well.

[Leigh R]

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/leighpod/tibaldimolteni2.jpg

 

Here, this image shows the color much more accurately! Taken in regular daylight beside a Tibaldi Iride.

 

Jon, Comic Life rocks. I use it for everything, even storyboards. Skitch, too.

Brian, the section material is also HR.

[Deirdre]

It's a very pretty pen, thanks for the second pic. It definitely has better lines than the Danitrio Tosca.