Fountain Pen Hospital

[HesNot]

So I took everyone's advice and strolled over to FPH on Monday afternoon while in NYC (very convenient, only about 5 blocks from the hotel where the conference was being held). Kind of tucked away in typical NY fashion - but the front window ... oh my. I spent some time soaking in the window display, which seemed to be one of just about every brand I could think of, as well as some lovely "51" sets, vacs, balances, flat tops, etc....

 

And then I walked inside. Holy guacamole. It was just overwhelming. I live in a city where at least I have a couple brick and mortar shops that sell pens and decent ink (Waterman and PR) - but nothing even remotely close to this. The vintage display was impressive and the folks there (very friendly staff) indicated that was only a small percentage of what they have - if I was interested in something specific let them know, but there was at least one azure blue vac in stunning condition that made me . In fact, I felt like I needed a bib walking around that place. I almost pulled the trigger on a sweet Balance set but having just picked up a "51" the prior week it was not to be... Some very nicely colored jade Sheaffers, etc... etc...

 

And the new pens, well, it was quite interesting to see first hand a whole range of pens that I'd never seen in person before. Some were less interesting than I expected, and some were a lot more interesting in person (the Visconti Wall Street, for example, is a really nice looking pen in person and the pictures don't really do it justice). And about half a wall of ink. About every color of PR, Noodlers and everything else. I didn't have checked luggage so I did not have room in my carry on for any more liquids but I was very tempted by the FPH special Banknote Green Noodlers.

 

The best part of all was the very friendly staff who were more than happy to humour me for the better part of an hour and sell me some vanishing point cartridges (something I really needed and was happy to buy without shipping charges). Great shop and if anyone is in NY I highly recommend stopping in - just a shrine to pens! :bunny1:

Edited November 15, 2006 by HesNot

[sonia_simone]

Great report! I've had a grand time poking around for hours in FPH.

 

I agree about the Visconti Wall Street--what a knockout. I didn't know that FPH had a special green--is it about the color of American paper money, or is that just a charming name?

[HesNot]

Sonia - the banknote green is by appearances (from the writing sample) pretty darn close to the green on US currency - so not just a fancy name. And it is one of Noodler's permanent inks as well! They also have an exclusive permanent black that is supposed to be darker than the regular black. I don't know if anyone has it and can post a writing sample.

[Bill_D]

You bring back memories. I used to work in the World Trade Center, a few blocks from the Fountain Pen Hospital. I would go over about once a month and look around. The staff was always very friendly -- not a common quality in New York salespeople -- and would show me new items even though they knew I was just looking. After September 11, I went out of my way to buy things from them because I know their business took take quite a hit when so many companies were forced to vacate after the terrorist attacks. I got an insurance check that included payment for four pens that were in my desk that day, and I made sure to get the replacements from FPH rather than bargain hunting elsewhere. It seems like they are like the rest of New York -- back up to full strength. I need to find an excuse to get back to NYC.

Edited November 15, 2006 by Bill_D

[HesNot]

Bill - your story is amazing for all the things you did and did not say... salud. While I was at the FPH the foot traffic wasn't particularly high but it was late on a rainy monday. However, the phone was ringing off the hook it seemed. And it was nice to see the areas around the WTC really by all appearances thriving.

[Nibble]

I love the FPH too.

 

I bought my first VP there. They let me try several nibs so I could be sure I was pleased with my purchase.

 

I also bought my first Noodlers there: Black and Red-Black.

 

(I think I need to save up and cross the water again for some greenback ink. And maybe a nice Sheaffer Ballance, and maybe... Oh stop it.)

 

I have happy memories.

[aunt rebecca]

hi,

 

i work about 5 blocks away from fph. although i do not buy big ticket items there, the staff never fails to greet and help me each and every time i go into the store.

 

ed fingerman (the tall guy) is very knowledgeable. steve blond-brownish wavy hair is one of the owners and he does the repoairs. he showed me how to resac an esterbrook and i was able to talk elaine thru her first resac.

 

any fpner can email me when they are going to to fph and i might be able to meet them. oops, i'm retiring in 70 days--so i won't be that close anymore. yay!!

Edited November 16, 2006 by aunt rebecca

[mysta rave]

Nice Post! I'll be over there in the near future...after I sell my Sailor 1911m so I have money to get something.

[jay23]

I was on the FPH website a couple weeks back and found that they send you their yearly catalog for free if you just put in your address. Of course I did and I got it a few days ago. Although I live in Toronto and won't be going there anytime soon just looking at all the pens makes me drool. Too bad I can't go and see them in person, but the next time I go to NYC hopefully this Christmas I will make sure to drop by and buy myself a little present.

[Maja]

Glad you had such a nice experience there, Phil!

Did you make it out to see Berliner Pen by the Flatiron building, or Art Brown?

 

My husband and I made the obligatory trip to FPH in late 2003 and I bought my copy of the (so-called) "blue book" by Schneider and Fischler and a book on ballpoints there. Neat store!

[HesNot]

Maja - sadly I was on a tight schedule so I could only make one visit. Next time I'll try to make it to Art Brown's and perhaps Berliner as well. FPH was just the closest to my location and was more or less on my way to dinner that night.

[Maja]

Maja - sadly I was on a tight schedule so I could only make one visit. Next time I'll try to make it to Art Brown's and perhaps Berliner as well. FPH was just the closest to my location and was more or less on my way to dinner that night.

Oh, that's too bad... Still, it's better to have had the chance to see one pen shop in NYC than none at all! As I tell my husband, we'll have to go back to visit all three Joon stores on our next trip there

[Jonathan]

I agree, great store and great people. You dont get the high profile jewelery store feeling you get at Joon's for instance. I real pen shop.

 

I like Harvey I have bought stuff from him many times and he is always a gentleman. Even though I have family on the wrong side of the river I still havent been back in a couple years. I hope he is doing good. I bought a neat Omas Europa Rollerball from him some years back...rare nice roller from Omas.

[Viseguy]

Anyone planning to go to FPH's Winter Expo, Nov. 30 - Dec. 2? I hope to be there on Thursday the 30th, 1:00-ish. Would enjoy saying hello to any FPNers who are there!

[Sonnet]

So I've been up to NYC about 3 times in the past year for day-trips... and each time, I haven't been able to squeeze in a trip to Fountain Pen Hospital