Pens, again.

Arrowhead

Arrowhead

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Location
West Yorkshire
Anybody out there up for a bit more pen porn? Thought so.

Ty-Phoo Tea promotional pen, c.1920s. I've posted this one before.

Typhoo1.jpg


Typhoo3.jpg


Waterman Champion 501, 1955.

Waterman1.jpg


Waterman4.jpg


Waterman5.jpg


Mabie Todd Swan Self Filler, c.1940s. Pretty ...

Swan1.jpg


Swan3.jpg


Swan5.jpg


Swan7.jpg


All have semi to fully flexible nibs, which was the point really.
 
Ooh! nice little collection there.
I've got some old material just like on the Mabie Todd,,I feel a nice FP coming on.
regards, beejay
 
Andy, Bill, Steve

How do these vintage pens actually write?

I've never had one, only have few modern ones in the collection.

Are they smooth writers? Do they differ considerably compared to modern nibs?
 
The Vacumatic I have writes with a smooth, medium to broad wet line dependant on how you use it. It has a very flexable nib. I have not written with a modern pen since I was at school.............so I guess that would be vintage now.......)))
 
Some nice looking pens there. Fountain pens are my other "weakness" when it comes to collecting. I have about 35 right now, nothing too fancy mostly under £30 per pen. It can be a much more expensive habit, but I think I reached my limit and haven't felt the need to get any more.
 
N_Architect said:
How do these vintage pens actually write? Are they smooth writers? Do they differ considerably compared to modern nibs?
Click to expand...

Those three are quite different to most modern pens Konstantinos. If you've used a current high end Pelikan they are supposed to have a touch of flex, but some of these older pens give quite a lot of line width variation. You'd probably have to pay out a lot to get a similar writing action on a modern pen, probably to a specialist nib grinder. They're certainly smooth on account of having been well worn in, and benefit from a light touch. One other thing to note is that the Swan and the Waterman in particular seem tiny compared to the majority of pens on the market today, so if big Montblancs and the suchlike are what you're used to, that might come as quite a surprise.
 
Its possible to get very good nibs today but usually on quite expensive pens. Once they've sttled in they'll be as good as any of the top quality old nibs but the old ones I've used always feel more controllable somehow.
An old pen with a good nib is a 'treasure' in my mind and one that you should use as often as possible.
Writing is good, writing is fun, keep a journal/day book and use your favourite pen with a good ink every day:icon_razz:
And to think that some schools are all for dropping writing lessons!!!
Rant over.
regards, beejay
 
beejay said:
And to think that some schools are all for dropping writing lessons!!!
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Really, Bill? :icon_rolleyes:

I've no idea how handwriting is taught these days, but I can't see myself approving. My primary school taught the Marion Richardson style (a lot of people here will remember that no doubt) which isn't especially attractive but certainly provides a rock solid basis for a legible hand, especially when it's ruthlessly drummed into you.

What I wound up with though is my dad's handwriting - it's hard to tell his and mine apart - which is the turn of the century business hand he was taught in the 30s. Nearly all of the older members of my family have really strong confident and attractive handwriting, probably resulting from many hours of enforced practice at an early age. Harsh by modern standards no doubt, but it sets you up for life.
 
The six year old in the house has to do joined up handwriting at school. I didn't start that till 9 or 10! He can produce some good work but has to concentrate and really take his time. He is still at an age where he gets his letter b and d the wrong way round so must be hard for him, but good that they encourage this level of attention and pride in his work. If he is pleased with it he is always keen to show me, as long as mum approves of the standard first!
 
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