Old fountain pens

Types of Old Fountain Pens

• Plunger Fill Fountain Pens

  Old plunger fill fountain pens have a mechanism that fills the ink reservoir through a plunger in the barrel. When the pen's nib is in contact with an ink supply, pushing the ink is done by pressing on the plunger. These pens made it possible to refill ink easily compared to other methods since their design ensured a greater ink capacity.

• Lever Fill Fountain Pens

  The old lever fill fountain pens are known to be fitted with a small lever on the barrel that helps in ink filling. To fill the pen, the user had to pull the lever in such a way that it was parallel to the barrel; this compressed the ink sack. When the lever was pushed back, it had a tendency to suck ink into the reservoir. A very vintage fountain pen with a lever and fountain pen enthusiasts favored this type because it offered good ink compression and control.

• Button Fill Fountain Pens

  Similar to pens that came before it, the old button fill fountain pens came with a button at the end of the pen's barrel. To fill the pen, the user had to press the button, which compressed the ink sack. Releasing the button allowed the sack to expand again, pulling ink into the pen. This simple construction makes the button-fill pens very reliable and easy to use.

• Screw Fill Fountain Pens

  Old screw-fill fountain pens were designed in such a way that they could be filled with ink through a screw mechanism. This type is somewhat similar to other types of filling systems. In this type, a screw is employed to compress an ink sac, thus allowing the ink to fill the reservoir. Because of this dependable filling method, screw-fill pens were sought after by many.

• Slip Fill Fountain Pens

  Slip-fill fountain pens possess a siphon mechanism similar to mechanical filling. These pens use a small rod to pull ink into the pen; the rod is pulled up and down to force ink into the fountain pen's nib and feed. This simple and compact fill-filling method made slip-filling pens popular with many.

Design of Old Fountain Pens

The antique fountain pen comes with a distinctive design that includes some elements of construction and beauty. These pens were meticulously made; every part played a very important function and contributed to the pen's general aesthetics.

• Nib

  The adorned nib is a fountain pen's most important aspect of good writing. In the earlier eras, fountain pen nibs were made from gold, steel, or a mixture of several metals. Gold-nibs are very flexible and corrosion-resistant, though they are quite narrow; thus, gold nibs are for preferred luxury pens. Steel nibs, on the other hand, are tougher and less expensive considerably with a more durable writing surface. Nibs also had different grades, and in those days, there were often numbers stamped on the nib, which indicated the size or grade of the nib, i.e., 14K or 18K for gold nibs. Various fountain pen brands, such as Waterman and Parker, inscribed their names or logos on the nib, which distinguished the brand from the others.

• Body

  Fountain pens were made from various materials, and in design, the body contributed much. Mostly the bodies were made of brass, celluloid, and hard rubber. Brass pens contributed to the longevity of the pen, while celluloid offered vibrant color variations through many intricate patterns. Hard rubber made the pen moisture resistant and very durable. The outer design of the fountain pen can be plain, for example, the kind with smooth surfaces and a solid body, or it can be elaborate and decorated with intricate motifs and designs, amongst several kinds of mina work. Some of these old fountain pens had metal overlays, which were hand-tooled and were made of silver or gold, thus giving them an extra dimension and beauty.

• Capping Mechanism

  Old fountain pens had different mechanisms to prevent the nib from drying; these mechanisms were the screw-in cap, slip-on cap, and twist cap. The screw-in cap was quite tight and offered good protection to the nib. Twist caps and slip-on caps were easier to use, although they offered less protection, but the former two were found in vintage pens that required frequent usage.

• Filling Mechanism

  Writing instruments of this type generally incorporated different filling mechanisms, mostly lever-fill, button-fill, and eye-dropper pens in the earlier days. Levers and buttons were external filling mechanisms that the user operated by pulling or pressing to fill the pen with ink. Eye-dropper pens had a simple ink delivery system. As the name suggests, the ink was filled using an eye dropper from the top of the pen. This early filling mechanism did not have any external features, so it appeared very plain and simple.

Scenarios of Old Fountain Pens

Old fountain pens were cherished and elegant writing instruments that many people used in some situations. Each of these pens was valued for the artistry of its craftsmanship. Here is how Old Fountain pens were used in the past:

• Professional Use

  Old fountain pens were used as professional writing instruments in offices and workplaces. They were considered essential for signing documents, writing formal letters, and maintaining business correspondence. The pen's reliable ink flow and elegant appearance made it a preferred choice for professionals who valued quality and presentation in their work.

• Personal Correspondence

  Before the age of digital communication, people used old fountain pens to write letters and cards to friends and family. Special occasions like birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries deserved an exquisite letter, and nothing could deliver like a fountain pen. The ink's flowing and the pen's ability to create beautiful handwriting made personal correspondence something very special and appreciated, with each writing being a piece of art.

• Academic Writing

  Students and scholars favorably used old fountain pens for their studies. Writing with a fountain pen was considered a disciplined approach to writing. Many schools required students to use fountain pens so the students could learn good handwriting. In the academic circles, old fountain pens were used for important academic activities like note-taking, essay writing, and exam tasks.

• Artistic Calligraphy

  Old fountain pens could serve as writing instruments for calligraphers and artists. The varying ink flow and nib width made these pens ideal for creating different letter forms. Skilled calligraphers used fountain pens to make invitations, greeting cards, and other decorative pieces. Many of these craftsmen preferred using old and vintage fountain pens for their calligraphy work based on its historical and aesthetic value.

• Collecting and Gifting

  Antique fountain pens were highly valued among collectors in the past. Antique fountain pens, distinguished by their beautiful craftsmanship and unique characteristics, are highly prized by collectors. These pens, apart from being valuable, are collected and displayed in many people's collections. They are often given as gifts on special occasions because of their historical significance, beauty, and potential for hard bargains.

Specification & Maintenance of Old Fountain Pens

To appreciate the Old fountain pen and its functioning, one must first know the details of the pen and some maintenance tips. These writing instruments have their unique features. They require proper maintenance to continue functioning well. Below is some information and tips for maintaining your old fountain pen:

• Material

  Old fountain pens were made from various materials, and each had its advantages. Gold pens are soft and highly valued, making them pliable and easy to work with. A user can easily distinguish these types of pens because of their shiny and golden appearance. Steel pens were harder and cheaper, offering better durability and more rigid writing lines. Old fountain pens were also commonly constructed with brass, celluloid, and hard rubber, extensively used due to their strength and ability to create intricate designs. Celluloid plastic included beautiful color patterns, while metal overlays, made from silver or gold, increased their aesthetic value.

• Ink Reservoir

  The ink reservoir in the old fountain pens comes in various sizes, depending on the filling mechanism employed. Generally speaking, lever-fill and button-fill pens have larger reservoirs than eye dropper pens because of the complexity in the filling mechanism. The ink level in the reservoir should always be monitored and the pen filled regularly for optimal performance.

• Filling Mechanism

  Antique fountain pens had different ink-filling mechanisms, such as lever-fill, button-fill, and eye dropper. Lever-fill and button-fill pens have levers or buttons that need to be pulled or pressed to fill the pen with ink. Eye dropper pens had a simple filling mechanism that required a dropper to fill the ink directly into the reservoir. Understanding the filling mechanism is crucial for proper maintenance and ensuring the pen functions properly.

• Nib Size

  Old fountain pen nibs came in different sizes and were marked on the nib itself. Thin nibs are most appropriate for small writing, while broad nibs can produce big, more prominent writing. There were also stub and music nibs that are suitable for calligraphy because they give ink flow a good, even balance. Gold nibs can have various blends, with 14K and 18K being common, thus determining their flexibility and quality.

• Cleaning

  Cleaning the pen on time is very important to avoid ink clogging in the nib and feed system. Wash the pen by taking the nib and feed out, then running the hot water through it until clear ink comes out. Avoid using chemicals or inks, which may damage the parts.

• Storage

  Old fountain pens must be stored properly so as not to get damaged. More so, these pens should be kept in a case or with a cover in order not to dry out the nib. Store the pen, holding it in a position so that the ink won't gather at the nib's end, thus preventing its drying up.

• Ink Selection

  Always use high-quality inks for cleaning and using old fountain pens. Inks that are suitable for fountain pens are to be used since other types of inks cause clogging and damage to the pen. Vintage ink is the best choice for old fountain pens; these inks are gentle on the pen.

Q & A

Q1: Can any ink be used in old fountain pens?

A1: No, fountain pen-safe ink should only be used. Using other types of ink can cause damage.

Q2: How often should old fountain pens be cleaned?

A2: It is advisable to clean the fountain pen every time the ink is changed or every few weeks, depending on usage.

Q3: Why do vintage fountain pens have various filling mechanisms?

A3: The various ink filling systems were developed as people experimented with different kinds of ink and made them more accessible.

Q4: Are gold nibs better than steel nibs?

A4: Gold nibs are more flexible and corrosion-resistant, while steel nibs are more rigid and durable. Both have their advantages, depending on user preference.

Q5: How can the value of an antique fountain pen be increased?

A5: The value can increase by keeping the pen in good condition and using it with the original parts and packaging.