I am looking for a Vintage every day writer

[Ron Z]

13 hours ago, VacNut said:

The 21 is also bulletproof,

 

Some of us disagree with that idea.  The plastic is not nearly as good as that of a 51, not nearly as thick,  and can be very brittle.

[Karmachanic]

2 hours ago, Ron Z said:

 

Some of us disagree with that idea.  The plastic is not nearly as good as that of a 51, not nearly as thick,  and can be very brittle.

 

Precious resin, Lucite, Perspex, Acrylic, no?

[VacNut]

The 21 has its faults, but at the price point it functions as well as a 51 for $20-$30 less. The hood and barrel parts are readily available. The postage will cost more than the parts.

[Ron Z]

2 hours ago, Karmachanic said:

 

Precious resin, Lucite, Perspex, Acrylic, no?

 

I have no idea what the plastic is.  I like to say that they crack if you sneeze in the same room.  The ones with the fat feed especially.  

 

[knarflj]

22 hours ago, Vcasa said:

Yes I am still reading.  I am in Southeast Michigan.  No brick and mortar shops here I am afraid.

 

This is sadly true (I am also in SE MI).  But if you're not in a hurry to find the pen, there is also the Detroit Pen show in the fall, where many of the vendors will have vintage pens.  It's a much smaller show than Ohio, but it's local.   And it's usually just a little before Ohio, so if you don't find something you love in MI, you still have the option to look at Columbus.

https://detroitpenshow.com

 

There is also a brick & mortar art supply shop in Lansing that sells some modern pens and inks.  Haven't been there yet myself, but have talked to a couple of folks who have.

https://oddnodd.com/collections/fountain-pens-and-inks

[Vcasa]

On 3/24/2026 at 3:46 PM, kazoolaw said:

Do you want a modern vintage pen, or a vintage modern pen?  
Without any guidance you’ll get the favorites of the responders, not something matching your preferences.

This is all very new to me.  I really would like a durable pen.  The thought of a classic vintage pen is great but I really know very little about repair and such thus I am also open to modern vintage as well.  I guess durability is my priority. It is still fun to see everyone’s favorites too.

[Karmachanic]

Pelikan 100N, Pelikan 400N.

[VacNut]

On 3/26/2026 at 8:56 PM, Vcasa said:

This is all very new to me.  I really would like a durable pen.  The thought of a classic vintage pen is great but I really know very little about repair and such thus I am also open to modern vintage as well.  I guess durability is my priority. It is still fun to see everyone’s favorites too.

That question is similar to a common question asked by other collectors: “ I would like to buy an inexpensive pen.” It is a subjective question. Is a pen that is already 80 years old, but functional considered durable or at the end of its life? Who knows? A roller ball pen will last maybe a few months with use. There is no guarantee that a new, modern pen will write at all, or to your preferences.

It’s a pen. There is little to no risk. Go buy one. Buy another if you like it.

[VacNut]

I guess I’ve been very lucky with all my 21’s…

[lamarax]

10 hours ago, Karmachanic said:

Pelikan 100N, Pelikan 400N.

 

This. Thread closed  

[MarcoA63]

IMO all pens are durable. Between vintage and modern pens only the materials and nib quality have evolved. Somebody suggested the Ohio pen show, if you can go, look, try and buy! 👍🏻

[Vcasa]

Thanks to everyone. Hope to find my pen at a show.

[Chris1]

Good luck, but this is only the beginning 😀

 

 

[inkstainedruth]

Oh absolutely!  I ended up diving head first down the "vintage pen" rabbit hole.  And never looked back (although my 2 most expensive pens are modern Pelikan M405s).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[Ambien]

On 3/28/2026 at 9:37 AM, Vcasa said:

Thanks to everyone. Hope to find my pen at a show.

Sounds like a good idea, and I'd start to think of a list of vintage brands and a budget before the show so you can be prepared, since the pen show vendors are always much more expensive than online shops. 

[inkstainedruth]

Maybe, but the advantage to shows is that you can deal with the vendors directly (face to face) and easily ask questions and maybe even test the pens.  And (at least the ones I've been to) there will be repair people and people who do nib work, as well.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth