To many, a fountain pen is nothing special and just a fancy way to write the same way that every other pen writes. But to a collector, fountain pens are something extravagant and wonderful, allowing a hobbyist to express themselves in a unique way with their own collection of fountain pens. From the pen itself, to the ink you use, as well as the width of the nib or the style of the tip, everything is important to a collector and user of fountain pens.
Getting started with collecting fountain pens is quite simple, you can start with some more common brands like Lamy, Kaweco, or Faber Castell. Finding the right tip for your needs is important as well. When I first started getting interested in fountain pens, the look and feel of the Lamy Safari looked like a good choice to me because I wanted to use it for art. However the size of it was just too much for me to keep in my art box or in my pocket, so I ended up going with a couple Kaweco Sport fountain pens, one with a fine tip and one with a medium tip. The size of these pens was beneficial to me because I wanted to keep one in my pocket throughout the day if I needed a pen for whatever reason. I then chose the ink I wanted to fill my pen with and bought a converter so I could fill the pen using a plunger. Every step of the fountain pen process is a part of expressing yourself through your pen. Choosing a fountain pen that expresses who you are and the right color ink for your personality is the most important thing when it comes to collecting fountain pens, it’s all about expressing oneself. On the other hand, however, collecting fountain pens and going to pen shows could also be a good hobby to profit from.
Contrary to what one might believe, seeking out and collecting rare fountain pens could allow someone to turn this hobby into a fun way to turn some profit. A lot of people might have grandparents who had very nice pens that they used to sign important documents or acted as family heirlooms, and they might be worth some serious money. Brands like Montblanc, Caran d’Ache, and Visconti are examples of some of the brands that have created luxury fountain pens that have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Now, no regular person would most likely have a pen that would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, however finding a fountain pen that can be worth a few hundred or a couple thousand dollars isn’t unlikely. Going to pen shows, trading pens with other collectors, and building up your collection of fountain pens can all be ways to get your hands on some rare and sought after pens. From there, it’s just a matter of appraising them and finding the true value of the item you have on hand.
The hobby of fountain pens is one of expression and individuality. Finding your pen that expresses your particular personality allows you to find fun and enjoyment in some of life’s more mundane tasks, such as paperwork. Working through your day with a nice fountain pen in hand exudes confidence and generally just makes you a more interesting person, acting as a potential conversation starter. From your first fountain pen, to the one you’ve been seeking out for years, every step of the way is a part of your journey of expression, and one that will surely pay off if you put in the effort.
