Collecting: Fountain Pens Have fountain pen, will it travel? Domenico Calerghi
You do not have to be a member of the Pen Collectors of America to enjoy writing with an 18-karat gold nib fountain pen.
So, what makes a fountain pen great? It's all in the design, appearance and decorative work. A great pen of simple or ornate design always is stunning. Feel how it seats in your hand. Touch its body. Sensual? Perfect. You are going to write with it for hours and hours.
Now, try writing with it. Choose a nib depending on your personality; your writing reflects it. Fine, medium, or broad? Whatever the size of the nib, the smoothness of your writing depends on its quality. An 18-karat nib is perfect. Tip the nib in an ink bottle. Remember, you will have to match the color of your ink with your stationery.
Aurora is the first name that comes to mind when you are thinking about what makes for a great pen. The Hastil model, designed by Marco Zanuso, was the first and only pen ever displayed at the MOMA in New York. Aurora has many other models in celluloid, ebonite and precious enamel. One standout model is the Afrika Fountain Pen, graced with gold plated trims and precious deep-black onyx set in the head. It may be a bit showy, but why not?
Some other fine fountain pens to consider:
Montegrappa does not make fountain pens but “ fine writing jewels,” and has since 1912.
Visconti’s pens are superb. Found the gentleman in your life a bit distant lately? Bring him back a shunga inspired by the ancient Japanese shunga panels.
Friends who are coffee drinkers? Take a look at the Moka from Mazzuoli, inspired by the Alfonso Bialetti’s coffee pot designed in the 1930s.
We haven't mentioned Montblanc until now. It’s considered one of the greatest pens in the world, and it rarely leaks. Remember that when you board a plane, piston, pump, or button, filler pens become "fountain" pens at 30,000 feet; it will get messy. Yet not having a Montblanc in your Birkin bag is like wearing your glasses and not your contacts on a first dinner with George Clooney.
Ah, Italian pens! Next time you're in Milan after a weekend at Lake Como take a stroll to:
Ercolessi- Corso Magenta, 25 Carte e Penna- Via Torino, 60 Pineider- Corso Europa, 13 Cremonesi- Corso Garibaldi, 2
Choose from an extensive selection of Italian fountain pens. They are as beautiful and eye catching as a Ferrari, and so enjoyable to use.
You may also like to read:
-From the Archive- Art and Design: Gehry for Heller
Deconstructivism and never an artistic compromise.
PRINT
EMAIL
