Collecting Vintage Fountain Pens

In this age of the word processor we have completely lost the art of producing hand written notes and therefore have little use for fountain pens. If we do hand-write anything we tend to use a cheap ball point rather than a fountain pen.

It is not surprising therefore that collecting vintage fountain pens is becoming extremely popular. Not only do you have a nice collectable that can be displayed to best advantage in a handsome cabinet, but you can also use it on a daily basis. If you don't have much money you can start collecting the cheaper pens which would start around £20, but you can spend about £500 if you have the cash.

Major brands, such as Parker, Waterman, Mont blanc and Conway Stewart are still among the most popular and hold their value well. Brands like Sheaffer, which are currently not fashionable can be acquired quite cheaply. If you want to become a collecter you should pay attention to the following:

Firstly, you should consider the materials of which the pens are made. Until the 1920s most pens were made of black, hard rubber and some were engraved or decorated with metal overlays. By the 1920s the pens were much more flamboyant with some wonderful designs, as the new plastics became available.

The forerunner was Waterman's Ripple series and you would have to pay between £80 - £200 if you could find one. Parker, Sheaffer and Swan all made pens from jazzy plastic, and Parker's Art Deco inspired Vacumatic, launched in 1934, was particularly fine. An example in a standard size would cost £50 - £80, but collectors should look for the larger 'Maxima' which could set you back £200 - £300. Examine the pen carefully before you buy as Vacumatics are expensive to restore.

Secondly, the nibs of fountain pens come in different thicknesses or grades, from neelepoint fine to bold broad. Prices range from £10 to £100 for a 14ct gold nib. As broad nibs are rare they are naturally more expensive. Be sure that the nib of the pen is by the same maker as then pen, if it is not, it will lower the value of the pen. There is also variation in the flexibility of the nib, the more flexible it is the greater the variety of line you can create while writing. Also the more pressure you apply the broader the line will be.

Thirdly you should consider the age of the pen. Here the shape of the pen should help you to date it.Those with flat ends like the iconic orange Parker Duofold are typical of a 1920s pen. During the 1930s shapes became more tapered leading to the torpedo form which became very popular in the 1950s.

One of the most famous examples is the Parker 51, first brought out in 1941. It was said to be the world's most reliable pen and was certainly the most revolutionary. It was shaped like a rocket with a hooded nip and a unique, quick-drying ink. The public liked it and it sold over 41 million until it was withdrawn from sale in the 1970s.

Production in numbers as large as that means that it is not particularly valuable. A black, blue or burgundy example with a gold-plated or stainless steel cap, in used condition can be had for around £20 - £40, rising to around £200 if you can find one in mint condition. Unusual barrel colours such as Forest Green or Plum would cost aroun £80 - £120 and £100 - £150 respectively. The real money is in rare cap designs, such as the Empire State which would be worth around £400 - £600. If you can find an 18ct gold Presidential you would have to part with in excess of £1,000.

A pen's size increases the value and as most pen collectors are men the larger sizes seem to be more sought after and therefore more valuable. The smaller ladies pens tend to be cheaper and this could be an affordable way to start a collection.

Pens to look out for

The Parker Duofold: 1950s model would cost £10 - £30, the 1922 'Big Red' Duofold would cost around £100 - £150, while the 1990s relauch of the Duofold, after a 30 year break would set you back £150 - £300.

If you are seriously rich you might want to consider the Japanese Namiki, the 1935 model decorated with kingfishers - it has been valued at £2,500 - £3,000.

As a collector two things usually play a part - nostalgia and quality. Both can be found in Conway Stewart pens. The company was founded in London in 1905 and became widely known during the 1920s and 1930s for its well-made, bright coloured pens. By the 1950s and 1960s many schoolchildren were using them. The brand was re-launched in the 1990s to a whole new generation. This prices are rising but it is still possible to get a bargain, with 1950s models costing as little as £20 - £40. Collectors should look out for the dramatic 'cracked ice' model, but you would need to pay £120 - £180.