Collector’s guide to collectible antique writing instruments
For many collectors, antique writing instruments represent a time when even everyday things were less disposable. Today we think nothing of throwing away pens as soon as they run out of ink, but once, even cheap pens were meant to last a lifetime – and many of these antique pens still work today, making them a beautiful and functional collector’s item.
Fountain pens are by far the most popular of all the collectible antique writing instruments, so much so that many of the classic fountain pen companies are still around today, producing new fountain pens. The main era of the fountain pen was from the mid 1800s to the 1960s, with the period from the 1930s to the 1950s being the high point for most collectors. Due to new materials and manufacturing capabilities, pens of this era took on a beauty that surpassed their utility.
The early pens from the 1800s were mostly made of hard rubber, but sometimes had a metal body. Many of the hard rubber casings became brittle and cracked with age, making pens of this era rare and expensive. Also, the rubber pens were not produced in the dazzling colors and designs of the later pens. Most of the nibs (writing tips) were made of steel, and the pens were loaded with ink via a dropper.
In the 1920s and 1930s the old hard rubber pens were supplanted by plastic bodies.
Plastics were more sturdy and aged better over the years. Also, bright new colors were added as manufacturers experimented with the new medium. For example, different colors of plastic were mixed and swirled together to produce a marbled effect, glitter added a shine and sparkle to some pens, and combinations of clear and colored plastics swirled together produced stunning effects. The pen makers of this era also started to experiment with new nib materials, including precious metals. Gold in particular produces a very smooth and flexible writing nib. Also, most of the pens of this era use new inking methods. The lever-fill pens are so named for the little lever in the side of the pen. To ink a lever-fill pen, the user lowers the nib into an ink bottle and pulls the lever, which produces suction and draws the ink into a rubber bladder or sac inside the pen. Another variant are the plunger pens that had a plunger hidden in the top of the pen. Pull up the plunger and ink is drawn into the pen, much like a hypodermic needle.
Pens of the 1940s through the 1960s are not considered to be as innovative, and for the most part followed the design of the 1930s pens. Some of the later pens started using disposable ink cartridges.
Anyone interested in starting a collection of antique writing instruments, especially fountain pens, should first figure out the niche that most interests them. With many, many pen manufacturers producing pens for a period of roughly a hundred years, focus is a must. Some only collect pens from different countries. German (Pelikan, Rotring, etc.), French (Waterman and Mont Blanc), and Italian manufacturers are considered to be highly collectible. Other collectors only go for American manufacturers like Conklin and Esterbrook (originally a British company).
Some collectors only collect the high end pens with gold nibs from prestigious manufacturers (mostly from Europe). A great option for a beginning collector is to focus on pens from the 1930s through the 1950s. The so-called dollar pens and dollar-fifty pens are plentiful and very well made, and can be obtained by the collector for under $50. The sturdiness and workmanship of these “everyday” pens is most impressive, and it is not uncommon to find pens of this make that still work perfectly. Also, there are many pen restorers that deal only with these models.
There are many online auction sites for pens, and the big auction sites also have collectible-pen sections, so it is now easier than ever to begin collecting. With prices ranging from a few dollars to a few hundred, an educated collector can enjoy collecting quality antique writing instruments even on a tight budget.