How Good Is A Vintage Sheaffer No Nonsense Pen?

[Pchi]

Harlequin, I know it's a bit off-topic, but is probably worth knowing...

 

I don't write music so forgot it would be the calligraphy nibs (I taught myself to play the recorder backwards, so it's probably a good thing!) but in terms of fountain calligraphy pens it's worth keeping an eye out for the old Osmiroid series. I've done calligraphy for years and these are the sharpest, best calligraphic nibs I have ever had. They don't have the slightly smoothed edges of all calligraphic nibs now and they're as crisp as a dip pen. I've used just about everything else out there, including having all-new Manuscript and Rotring calligraphy nibs and I still keep going back to the Osmiroid.

 

There were a few generations; I have one from the 60's which are interchangeable with Esterbrook, then two "quick change" sets which include a mad copperplate nib (in sets that cost about £8 for pen and six nibs in the 80's!). The later ones are called "Rollatip" and I believe aren't as good, but the quick-change series I use and use and use. And they take standard cartridges, although if you buy a syringe for specialist cartridges don't buy an ink syringe - I got five from a medical supply company for 99p. Don't believe the hype; it's a blunt syringe, end of story. Although shooting up Quink isn't much of a blast...

 

Everyone will have favourites, but many people rate these Osmiroids. Mine aren't being pried from my cold dead hands, but they come up on eBay fairly regularly. My Sheaffers are my fave for writing, but in calligraphic terms they don't touch the Osmiroid.

Edited April 11, 2013 by Pchi