Magnusson Oblique Pen Holder

[Cryptos]

Okay, I see. For a moment there I thought there was some special performance quality of the originals that is sought after by experienced penmen.I like the design. When I write - hopelessly unskilled as I am - I try to cultivate a mindfulness of the activity. The aesthetic of the holder in this case adds to that engagement, but not the history of it - or at least not to any great degree. I mean it would be nice to find an original in good condition, but it's a long way from essential.

 

In thinking of acquiring such an instrument later this year, I have seen the Yoke Pen site and their models and prices, and their custom process: if it's not too impertinent an inquiry, how do the holders made by Mr Smith compare?

[MusinkMan]

Okay, I see. For a moment there I thought there was some special performance quality of the originals that is sought after by experienced penmen.I like the design. When I write - hopelessly unskilled as I am - I try to cultivate a mindfulness of the activity. The aesthetic of the holder in this case adds to that engagement, but not the history of it - or at least not to any great degree. I mean it would be nice to find an original in good condition, but it's a long way from essential.

 

In thinking of acquiring such an instrument later this year, I have seen the Yoke Pen site and their models and prices, and their custom process: if it's not too impertinent an inquiry, how do the holders made by Mr Smith compare?

I am Mr. Smith. LOL! I cannot comment on that on this forum because I do not want to violate any of the vending rules of the FPN. You can drop me a private message if you like, and I will be happy to answer your questions.

[supxor]

Amidst the hearty exchange that has ensued about the magnificent Magnusson holder, know that my desire to own one has not waned. Let me know if you wish to put one under my care and use!

 

As a Strad is to a violinist, a Mag is to a scripter.

[Cryptos]

Really? Perhaps you could explain to a lowly beginner such as me how exactly the Magnusson holder will enhance your writing skills compared with, say, either of the two modern makers: Yoke Pen and Mr Brian Smith?

 

I understand that in the hands of a maestro a Strad will sing more sweetly than a Stentor, and I dare say I could hear the difference myself. Would a scripter's skills be enhanced by using a Magnusson instead of a Unique Oblique?

[supxor]

Since I do not own a Mag, I cannot answer your inquiry. Once I own and script with one I shall

be better versed to answer your question, or not. It is possible that it will teach me something as the Strad does to those individuals who've purchased them.

[supxor]

In sum locate a holder that you like.

I have done such and have amassed some very nice holders, which I find are suitable for various scripting tasks. Each holder, I find, has its own personality--all of which I enjoy. Now, as a decent enough scripter I would like to get acquainted with a historically important holder, a Mag.

[Cryptos]

Okay, but if you don't mind, as none of the master scripters on FPN have come forward and expressly stated that a Magnusson holder will enhance scripting in some way, I'll have to conclude that the reasons for seeking one are more connected with the history rather than any performance issues.

[supxor]

It is nice, within our country, that we have the right to muse as we wish.

[Cryptos]

I am simply basing my musings on the information as presented. In the absence of any other information, especially qualified information, what do you expect?

[supxor]

To those of you fine folks who have contacted me privately about Mags, know of my sincere gratitude. Your notes were informative, guiding, and most kind. Especially, for the latter, receive my profound thanks.

[Cryptos]

You got one? If so then perhaps you would be so kind as to give an expert appraisal of it (now that I know who you are).

[Iso*]

He doesn't have one I think...

Owning a Magnusson is like ... owning a vintage musical instrument of a very famous composer... kind of.

Just as owning the finest power tool won't make you the finest craftsman,
Or owning the most prized piano of a famous composer won't make you a great musician,
Or using the sharpest katana ... will not make you the best samurai.

I guess my perspective is that in the beginning of any activity, hobby, or artform, the beginner starts with the most basic of tools. I have been studying one form of script - artistic writing (spencerian variant) for almost two years now before I recently decided to go mad with getting the finest quality holder... fountain pens for me are kind of a side interest, and I only use dip pens for my work. Its kind of a habituation thing, growing into the art that you have chosen, so I kinda feel that if you do end up getting a Magnusson holder, say for some astronomical price, are you really going to treasure it and use it every day, take care of it? But then again, thats how I view it... there has to be a sense of worthiness in owning such a pen holder.

(but that is beside the point, I must digress)

//

More importantly, I strongly suggest you have a talk with Brian Smith of Unique Obliques and/or Christopher Yoke of Yoke Pen Co. ... they are very knowledgeable about holders. I own a holder from both of them, and both of them have been very kind in communications. They even let you choose the woods for each pen, its shape, its nib cant angle, the nib angle elevation from the paper. I know specifically Mr. Yoke has a few interesting holders — pretty sure he has a Magnusson, and also owns three Zanerian fine art holders. You might want to also talk to them about your own custom style of how you hold the pen, how far up, how large your grip is... I just feel that you'll be more satisfied with getting a custom holder that is not only polished and new, but also customised for fitting your hand precisely.

 

(In terms of quality for both makers, Yoke and Smith, are not to be looked down upon — they are both excellent craftsman. Mr. Smith tends to be a bit more modern by creating colorful designs with exotic handwork and finials, whereas Mr. Yoke creates pens that are of the most classic designs, though if you wish, he can accept nearly any design request.)

I assure you that if you are looking for Magnusson, you are probably going to gaze on eBay for weeks on end, perhaps months to find a Magnusson holder. You will also pay a ridiculous amount because there is a rather active Yahoo Group called Ornamental Penmanship — they occasionally post updates on big ebay sales... and yes people do get highly competitive.

Edited January 18, 2015 by Iso*

[caliken]

Both scripts, Copperplate and Spencerian, in this example were written with the pen illustrated. I can gladly testify to the superb quality of Unique Oblique penholders. (no affiliation).

 

Ken

 

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd289/caliken_2007/holder900.jpg

Edited January 18, 2015 by Ken Fraser

[caliken]

Perhaps you could explain to a lowly beginner such as me how exactly the Magnusson holder will enhance your writing skills compared with, say, either of the two modern makers: Yoke Pen and Mr Brian Smith?

 

Would a scripter's skills be enhanced by using a Magnusson instead of a Unique Oblique?

In my opinion - no.

 

I don't own a Magnusson original, but having experienced first hand the very high quality of Brian Smith's work, I don't see how a vintage version would make the slightest difference to the quality of my writing. Because something is old and hard to find, doesn't necessarily make it any better and with modern methods and materials, replication must surely be entirely possible.

 

There is, of course, the whole tactile experience of owning and using such a penholder, but this has nothing to do with the practical business of writing letters.

Edited January 18, 2015 by Ken Fraser

[supxor]

Thanks, for the input, folks; my searching journey continues. As all of you who speak in support of Chris and Brian's holders, you could not speak more kindly and accurately. I join you in your avid and rightful support of their brilliant work. Do not in any way misconstrue my the onset of this thread, I own several Yoke's and one Smith, and it is my presumption that they would not be bothered, but elated to know that I as them, wish to someday own a wonderful piece of history---a Mag.

[MusinkMan]

Thanks, for the input, folks; my searching journey continues. As all of you who speak in support of Chris and Brian's holders, you could not speak more kindly and accurately. I join you in your avid and rightful support of their brilliant work. Do not in any way misconstrue my the onset of this thread, I own several Yoke's and one Smith, and it is my presumption that they would not be bothered, but elated to know that I as them, wish to someday own a wonderful piece of history---a Mag.

Thank you supxor! I did not know you owned one of my pens, but I am proud that you do! Thank you for those kind words! If you do get your hands on a Mag or other cool vintage holders, please post up some photos.

[MusinkMan]

Here are a few of my newer pen holders that I made. None of these are available, I only post them to show some of my more recent pen projects. This is not a solicitation, as I am not even accepting custom commissions at this time. (I don't want to get into a bad spot with the mods, as FPN has strict policies on conducting business on the forums).

 

 

[supxor]

Musinkman, as soon as anyone deems me a worthy puchaser and/or scripter (I am short on both ends of both sticks), and sells a Mag to me, I shall post picks. 🎅 Bring on an early Christmas present, one of you out, there in cyber/pen land.

 

Still enjoying this thread a lot.

[YokePenCo]

I was just emailed by a friend about this thread, as I'm not an active participant on here.

 

Anyhow, in regards to Magnusson Pen Holders. As Brian said, most of the desire for a Magnusson, or similar, is just like any antique with rarity and historical significance affecting the value. These were the top of the line during the golden era of penmanship, along with a few other makers. While they do write nicely, I own two five liners (they have 5 ivory accent rings) and a few with broken handles, there is no magic within them. The same goes for most pen holders that have ever been or will be made. Also Oscar Magnusson created pens for other people that were marketed under different names. I am in the process of creating an ebook (I'm about 50% complete now) on pen holders which will be free to download. Much of this information will be contained in it in greater detail along with images of the majority of the pen holder collections we know of. I expect to have this eBook completed by this spring sometime. You can signup for my newsletter on my website for the announcement.

 

A nice oblique is based upon very simple geometry. Provided the geometry is correct and the materials used are of nice quality (any decent hardwood and quality brass for the flange) there is no difference between a very plain pen holder and a very elaborately assembled and turned pen holder.

 

I think Brian would agree that 90% of what both of us do is purely cosmetic. Nothing makes one of my $60 holders perform any better than one of my $200 + holders. The difference is simply the material cost, amount of time spent to assemble, turn and finish each pen.

 

In the end, a Magnusson, Zanerian, Yoke Pen Co., Chris Held, Unique Oblique or any other high end pen will not make you write better than any other well formed pen holder. All of the intrinsic value & desire is in the construction, material cost, time, historical significance or rarity. If you want the experience of writing with one of similar design or shape to one of those vintage pen holders, you can have one made by myself or one of the modern day pensmiths. In the upcoming eBook I mentioned above, I will be sharing specifications for historically significant pens along with construction techniques so that future generations will be able to recreate the more desirable antique pen holders with a nice point of reference.

 

Christopher Yoke

www.yokepencompany.com

[YokePenCo]

I wanted to note, that when I said that Magnusson Pen Holders were top of the line in their day, that was a reference not to the performance, but to the high end materials used and cosmetic elements.