Thursday, September 30, 2010

Antique Fountain Pens

The first practical fountain pen was patented by Lewis Waterman in 1884. Fountain pens were the first kind of pens to be used by men. However, the oldest surviving fountain pen belonged to a Frenchman named M.Bion dated to 1702. Antique fountain pens are prized possessions and are collector's items as they are extremely unique. Most of the antique pens are very expensive as they are very rare and are not easily available in the market. Antique fountain pens as a result of their age need special care and handling techniques. These pens usually have ink filling mechanisms and differ greatly from the modern fountain pens.

The cost of these antique fountain pens depends greatly on whom they belonged to and what material they are made up of. Other factors like the quality of the nib and the material used for the nib also help determine the price. In case, the nib is made of gold or silver, the prices automatically rises up a great deal. As most of these vintage pens have a history behind them, their prices rise accordingly as the demand becomes too high. In spite of being expensive, these pens are very popular amongst people who enjoy writing with fine pens and who have a passion for collecting pens belonging to different periods. The prices of these pens also depend on the case in which they are kept. If the cases are made of gold or silver or some high quality metal and are hand crafted, then the prices tend to be quite high.

These rare fountain pens are not sold at wholesale outlets and are usually found in flea markets or old curio shops. One can purchase antique fountain pens through the special dealers dealing in antique pieces. Various websites also offer a range of vintage antique fountain pens and through a good search; one can purchase them at strikingly low prices.

No comments:

Post a Comment