BUYERS GUIDE THE FOUNTAIN PEN
From auction to antiques fairs there are many ways to track down the perfect pen however the greater majority of dealers are now utilising the various online sites to reach the widest possible audience. All sellers listing items on the internet should provide clear and concise descriptions together with photos of the pen. Sometimes however online images and descriptions can leave a buyer wanting so here are some key questions you should ask of any seller before proceeding:
Is the barrel imprint clearly seen or does it show wear? Is there any discoloration to the barrel or cap?
Is there any wear to the gold on the clip, cap band or lever of the pen?
Are there any hairline cracks, plier marks, teeth marks or other unusual damage to the pen?
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ill have an imprint or stamp to the case and nib which tells you the manufacturer and also the model of the pen.
Take time to hold as many pens as possible. This will not only allow you to assess the quality and examine the condition but also let you feel how comfortably the pen sits in your hand. This new relationship will hopefully be a long and enjoyable one so make sure it feels right, after all you wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive.
Fountain pen collecting is a relatively small field in the collectibles world, so much so that only a handful of quality guides have been written over the years. These guides however are invaluable to the collector for their historical information as well as their pictures. Some guides also provide an approximate value for a pen.
Discoloration or ‘ambering’ is a process that occurs when the original rubber sac that holds the ink dries up and hardens. This in turn releases the sulphur in the rubber compound in the form of a gas which yellows or ‘ambers’ the area where the rubber sac is or other parts where rubber is found, unfortunately this process is irreversible.
Discoloration can vary in shading which is why some ambered pens may look yellowed while others are a deep brown. Discoloration will lower a pen's value and turn it into nothing more than a daily user, however there may be a side benefit as some rare pens that have been discoloured can be picked up at a bargain price.
Investing in a collectible fountain pen need not be expensive if you stick to a set limit and remain patient. Research is crucial for determining the age, condition and worth of a pen however by following these guidelines you will be well on the way to securing the perfect pen.
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