In Search Of Exceptional Fountain Pen

[Stazy]

To commemorate a special event that took place this year, I've been given $2500 to purchase an item that will help preserve the spirit of the occasion. The best idea I've come up with is a fountain pen. It is something that can be passed on to future generations and it will also be used frequently enough to keep the memory "alive".

That being said, I haven't a clue where to purchase a $2500 writing instrument, nor do I know which brands to consider. I'm looking for something that writes exceptionally well, but also has a touch of extravagance.

Thank you for your assistance

 

[faustian bargain]

fountain pen hospital might be a good place to start.

www.fountainpenhospital.com

 

[Lamo]

The lacquered Namiki's are gorgeous, should be in your price range.

 

[Nantucket Red]

I agree with Lamo. The lacquered Namikis are among the best fountain pens made. I would also recommend Omas.

In that price range, I would seriously consider the Namiki Yukari collection or an Omas Lucens set.

My most expensive pen is a Namiki Urushi Emperor. The Emperor is the largest pen made, harking back to the Parker Black Giant and the Waterman's #20 of the 1910s and 20s. Like them it is an eyedropper-filled pen. The ones with elaborate designs go for from $4000-$6000. I got a maroon urushi Emperor because I actually planned to use it. It's an unbelievable pleasure to write with too. Somewhat quixotically, I used mine to write my classical Japanese assignments during college.

 

[Stazy]

After browsing through www.fountainpenhospital.com I found the pen pictured below (Pelikan - Blue Planet - 2006). It really looks amazing and only 540 were made. Can anyone comment on the quality of Pelikan products?

 

[Nantucket Red]

Pelikan pens are excellent. I would rate Pelikan above Montblanc as far as German makers go.

One word of advice about buying a fountain pen: The heart of the pen is the nib. You should try writing with several grades of nibs from various pen makers to determine what works for you. Nibs can be customized to some extent, but it's important to narrow down your preferences before buying. You might end up eliminating a candidate based on the nib alone.

 

[LabelKing]

I think you should get a vintage Dunhill by Namiki fountain pen.

 

[Lamo]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I think you should get a vintage Dunhill by Namiki fountain pen.

aren't those rather expensive?

 

[Nantucket Red]

Personally, my choice would be a Namiki Emperor Nightline.

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by Nantucket Red

Personally, my choice would be a Namiki Emperor Nightline.
Holy crap that's expensive...! Jon.

 

[Nantucket Red]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

Holy crap that's expensive...!

Jon.

Dude, it's only 6 grand.

 

[Lamo]

these are a little more immoderate.

 

[cmeisenzahl]

along w/ Pelikan, Conway-Stewart, Lamy, and Omas imho.

 

[Dormouse]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I think you should get a vintage Dunhill by Namiki fountain pen.

Those are exquisite pens, but inanely expensive.

 

[GQgeek]

I'd spend 6 grand on a lot of questionable things, but for a pen? Damn that's expensive. Then there's the 50k dunhill pen... Someone really needs to explain the pricing to me ;p