S.T. Dupont Andalusia

[Bryan]

ST Dupont Andalusia

 

Length: 5 ¾ inches capped, Just under 5 ¼ inches from tip of nib to end of barrel. (I would not recommend posting this pen)

 

Weight: 1.9oz capped, 1.2oz uncapped

 

Materials used: Platinum plated metal body and cap, 3 colors Chinese lacquer, inlaid turquoise, platinum plated 18k/750 gold nib

 

Filling system: Cartridge / Converter

 

Edition size: 2,500 Fountain pens, 2,500 Pens/Pencils

 

 

The ST DuPont Andalusia is based on the art of azulejos or tiles. Around the 8th century, the Moors of Andalusia, Spain, introduced this medium in both art and architecture. Here are a couple of photos of how the azulejos were used:

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/bryan2177/06_1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/bryan2177/andalusia.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/bryan2177/06_2.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/bryan2177/azulejos.jpg

 

The body of the Andalusia is based on ST DuPont’s Orpheo. This is a large size pen. The entire body of this pen is meticulously engraved. Along with the engraving are carefully placed “azulejos”, done in ST DuPont’s famed Chinese lacquer. The 3 colors of Chinese lacquer add warmth and contrast nicely with the platinum plated metal body, forming a stunning design on both barrel and cap. One of my favorite features of this pen is the inlaid turquoise just above the grip of the pen. Turquoise has always been a favorite stone of mine that takes me back to my visits to the Indian reservations with my father. We have bought several pieces of turquoise jewelry for both us and my sister. A beautiful stone!

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/bryan2177/Andalusia017.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/bryan2177/Andalusia034.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/bryan2177/Andalusia018.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/bryan2177/Andalusia021.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/bryan2177/Andalusia023.jpg

 

Detail of grip section showing inlaid turquoise

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/bryan2177/Andalusia030.jpg

 

When I purchased the Andalusia, I had already made up my mind that I was going to use it. I had read of review on the pen prior to buying it on Stylophiles Magazine where the author stated he believed many of the pens would never see the likes of ink. Too bad, this is the smoothest writer in my collection. Nib to paper is literally like sliding on ice, no matter what paper I have used. The nib is a Broad; however I have debated sending it off to Pendemonium for a regrind to a cursive italic. They have done a great job on my other pens; however I still worry about loosing the smoothness of the nib. I have only used one ink in this pen, Private Reserve Naples Blue. The color goes great with the design of the pen, and has a good wet flow. Uncapped, the pen fit’s perfectly in my hand. The heavier weight is well balanced allowing for long periods of writing without fatigue. I can easily recommend the Andalusia as a daily writer.

 

Another important feature of this pen is the pocket clip. When I where a sports jacket, suit, or even my tux, I like to place a pen in the outer pocket where many choose to place a handkerchief. Me, I like the looks of a single fountain pen in this location. The smooth Andalusia clip is spring loaded and allows the clip to easily glide over thicker materials to hold the pen firmly in place.

 

So, would I recommend this pen? You bet! If you like the design and your budget will allow (I purchased mine at Joon for $817.00 plus shipping), you can’t go wrong with the Andalusia. It’s the complete package of good looks and great performance.

Edited March 21, 2005 by Bryan

[wimg]

Hi Bryan,

 

Thanks for the great review!

 

I have an Orpheo myself, which is, in a way, the plain version of this pen, and it is a great writng machine .

 

Considering the origins of the design of the Andalusia, you might want to try Noodler's Ottoman Azure in this pen, as the colour of the ink is based on the variations in blue of the same Moor tiles.

 

Because of the wet flow indicated, I would think you get shading which would almost cover the whole spectrum of colours employed in the patterns on the pen itself. That may well be a very pleasing combination.

 

Kind regards,

Wim

[Bryan]

Hi Bryan,

 

Considering the origins of the design of the Andalusia, you might want to try Noodler's Ottoman Azure in this pen, as the colour of the ink is  based on the variations in blue of the same Moor tiles.

 

Because of the wet flow indicated, I would think you get shading which would almost cover the whole spectrum of colours employed in the patterns on the pen itself. That may well be a very pleasing combination.

 

Kind regards,

Wim

Hello Wim,

 

I think you're right on with Noodler's Ottoman Azure. I just placed an order for a bottle. I also order a bottle of Aircorp Blue-Black. Why buy just one when you can have two!!

 

Bryan

[Maja]

Great review, Bryan! It's a gorgeous pen and it caught my eye a long time ago (as did the Visconti Alhambra limited edition....both based on Moorish designs, coincidentally...)

I think it's wonderful that you are using (and greatly enjoying) this beautiful pen. Thank you for sharing your appreciation of it with all of us

[wimg]

Hi Bryan,

 

I think you're right on with Noodler's Ottoman Azure. I just placed an order for a bottle. I also order a bottle of Aircorp Blue-Black. Why buy just one when you can have two!!

What, just two bottles?

 

Hey, as a contrast, you could get some Ottoman Rose as well...

 

Kind regards,

Wim

[Bryan]

New pictures added.

 

Enjoy,

 

Bryan

[wimg]

Thanks Bryan, very nice indeed! Thanks for sharing!

Warm regards, Wim

[Bryan]

Just an update,

 

I sent the Andalusia off to Pendemonium and had the nib reground to a cursive italic. I had mentioned in my review that I was worried that with a regrind I would loose the smoothness of the nib. Well, the nib is still very smooth and I have great line variation! I am always so amazed at how a custom regrind breath new life into a pen, I know that soon all my pens with have custom nibs, it just makes the whole writing experience that much more enjoyable!

 

I'll try to post some scans tonight showing the new line variation I'm getting with this pen.

 

Bryan

[southpaw]

Yet another one I missed when it was first done - thanks for bumping it! Nice review, and a beautiful piece of functional pocket jewelry at that!

[Plumes]

Hi All,

Would anyone have some "workshop" pictures of this pen parts ?..or any Olympio series.

I am trying to stop myself from buying yet another pen while looking for a daily writer, and the original review (March 2005 !) seems to comfort me in picking this one out of the collection. It's not a "very very" special edition of 2500 pieces (safe for its age now), and could well be unsheathed during a meeting without shouting "look at me!"...and make me feel embarrassed rather than proud...

However, there seem to be problem with the nib. It looks like it's misaligned, and the insert holding the nib in the body is moving when the body is removed. It is however well in place when the body is screwed on, because I suppose it holds the whole thing together. Not sure you se wheat I mean, but I can try to post some pictures later to help.

Taking it to a Dupont repair center would certainly be the safest option, but it may cost me an eye for something I maybe can do myself with the little help of the real experts here..

Many thanks for any input you may have.

Have a great day !

[flipper_gv]

A bit too ostentatious for me but I can definitely appreciate the craftsmanship.