Questions About Stipula Etruria ( Esp. Gallicana)

[Stipulation]

Hello everyone,

 

I have several questions regarding the Stipula Etruria Gallicana. (Here's a link to a retailer with a picture https://www.lestylographe.com/stipula/2805-stylo-plume-gallicana-terre-de-sienne.html ). It seems really attractive and well made all around, and I was really impressed when I got to (briefly) try it, especially the esthetics, the comfort and the amazing Sti-Flex nib. However, it has been produced in a very limited number (193), which means there's very little information about it on the internet. As far as I know, the Sti-Flex nib isn't available on an other model, which is why I have to get this particular Stipula Etruria.

 

First of all, I'm worried about the current state of the Stipula company : I have seen several older threads mentionning how slow their CS was, and their economic situation didn't seem great. As I intend to keep this pen all my life and make it my primary writing instrument, this worries me quite a bit. Do you know how things are now?

 

I'm also wondering about the materials used for the piston mechanism. Is it all plastic or are there brass parts as in the Pelikans M? I'm really looking for a durable pen.

 

Finally, I'd like to know if the pen is relatively easy to clean, i.e. if the filling-system is operating smoothly, if the nib unit is removable etc. I would like to be able to change ink on a (not too ) regular basis.

 

And of course, if there are other points you deem worth mentionning, feel free to do so! Thanks a lot in advance to anyone who can give me some clues on these questions. The pen really appeals to me but it's very pricey and that's a purchase I cannot make without being absolutely sure it's a good investment for my needs.

Edited January 13, 2019 by Stipulation

[fabri00]

I have a couple of old Stipula and I cannot complain.

As far as I know they had some financial difficultya couple of years ago, but then the company was sold to a new owner, which weems to be more solid.

I have seen a thread here around few days ago talking about that.

I never disassembled nibs on those Stipula and I think to remember they are friction fit.

[clear1]

As far as I know, the Sti-Flex nib isn't available on an other model, which is why I have to get this particular Stipula Etruria.

 

No, there are other models with that nib. Ask Corsani pen shop. I know their new ebonite model is fit with that nib.

Perhaps there are other models, too. Corsani will know.

[Stipulation]

 

No, there are other models with that nib. Ask Corsani pen shop. I know their new ebonite model is fit with that nib.

Perhaps there are other models, too. Corsani will know.

 

Thank you for the info! I'll look this up!

 

 

I have a couple of old Stipula and I cannot complain.

As far as I know they had some financial difficultya couple of years ago, but then the company was sold to a new owner, which weems to be more solid.

I have seen a thread here around few days ago talking about that.

I never disassembled nibs on those Stipula and I think to remember they are friction fit.

 

Thank you for these infos. I couldn't find the thread though. I did read that the nib unit was friction fit yes, thanks!

[dms525]

I second the suggestion to check with Stefano Corsani. And do look at the Etruria Limited Editions he sells.

 

I have a number of vintage Etrurias and one manufactured very recently. Assuming you are considering a current issue: The piston is plastic, I believe. However, it works smoothly and seems very reliable. Note that the direction of rotation for filling and emptying are the opposite of all other FP pistons. Of note is that the Stipula pistons clean the ink out of the barrel marvelously well. Etrurias are much easier to rinse clean than most high-end piston fillers, in my experience.

 

On the other hand, the nibs are friction fit I think. The fact that Pelikan and Aurora piston fillers have easy to unscrew nibs does give them an advantage on several scores, including cleaning.

 

I hope that helps.

 

David

[Stipulation]

I second the suggestion to check with Stefano Corsani. And do look at the Etruria Limited Editions he sells.

 

I have a number of vintage Etrurias and one manufactured very recently. Assuming you are considering a current issue: The piston is plastic, I believe. However, it works smoothly and seems very reliable. Note that the direction of rotation for filling and emptying are the opposite of all other FP pistons. Of note is that the Stipula pistons clean the ink out of the barrel marvelously well. Etrurias are much easier to rinse clean than most high-end piston fillers, in my experience.

 

On the other hand, the nibs are friction fit I think. The fact that Pelikan and Aurora piston fillers have easy to unscrew nibs does give them an advantage on several scores, including cleaning.

 

I hope that helps.

 

David

 

Again, thanks a lot for these info! You really helped me to make a decision there. You convinced me that I will be able to deal with the Stipula, even though it's a piston-filler without an easily removable nib. I just have to hope Stipula won't be out of buisiness in 10 years or so (if I'm lucky) when the pen will have to be revised. Even if it was the case and that I couldn't get it to work for more than 10 or 15 years, I really love how the pen feel on every aspect, so I still think it's a good purchase.

 

 

 

No, there are other models with that nib. Ask Corsani pen shop. I know their new ebonite model is fit with that nib.

Perhaps there are other models, too. Corsani will know.

 

I looked up the Corsani editions, sadly I don't like their design, but it's true they're more reasonably priced... oh well

 

Thanks to everyone for your help!

[aderoy]

I have the Nuda version that has been in use for over 8 years. Never a problem, grease the piston every 3-4 years use Diamine, Herbin, Pelikan inks due to being a demonstrator.

 

Same goes for the Novecento (-sp?) - non-piston (cart/conv)

 

Both nibs are soft, did not need to adjust/tune from the box.

[clear1]

 

Thanks to everyone for your help!

 

Yesterday, I had a chance to see and use the Stiflex nib in person, with FPNibs.com's semi-flex nib.

 

FPNibs' nib was way softer. Maybe you should check out their nib, too, if you want a modern semi-flex nib.

Edited January 19, 2019 by clear1

[raging.dragon]

My Stipulas (all several years old now) have the nib and feed friction fit into plastic collar that screws into the section, like standard Bock and Jowo nibs; however, the Stipula feeds and collars are proprietary and cannot be exchanged with Bock or Jowo units. I've fit standard Bock nibs to fit the Stipula feed and collar. I haven't tried putting a Jowo nib in a Stipula.

 

When swapping nibs on a Stipula it is usually easier to pull the nib an feed from the collar than to unscrew the collar. This is probably why so many believe they're friction fit.

 

I haven't had any Stipula pistons fail or even need lubrication, but I have many pens so they're all lightly used.

[OMASsimo]

I wouldn't worry too much about the piston mechanism and nib unit. The original Pelikan, the 100, had a plastic piston, so did all models till the 1980s. My Pelikans from the 30s and 40s still work fine. So do all my other vintage pens with plastic piston mechanism, meaning 99% because there hardly were any metal pistons around (exception 1950s Montblancs).

 

I don't know your particular nib but Stipula usually uses Bock nibs. I bet that in 30 years, IF fountain pens are still produced and used, Bock will be still around. And skilled repair specialists can service almost every pen regardless of age and brand. Just have a look at our member Fountainbel what amazing work he does! If the pen performs well from the beginning, I see little reason why you would need service any time soon if at all.