FOUNTAIN PENS FAQ, JIM’S FOUNTAIN PEN SITE

FOUNTAIN PENS FAQ, JIM’S FOUNTAIN PEN SITE


Jim’s Fountain Pen Site
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions {FAQ}

“Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could;
Some blunders and absurdities crept in;
Forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day;
You shall begin it serenely and
With too high a spirit to be encumbered
With your old nonsense.”
– Emerson –


Should You Invest In Fountain Pens???

Should I Use My Fountain Pen or Keep It Mint???


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Listing Index Of What You Will Find On This Page…

Where Is Jim ? ? ? ? ? ?

Aikin Lambert Pen Company 1864-1932}…

Books {Reference & Price Guides}…

Carter Pen Company 1926-1931…

C. S. Classic Pens Bookstore

Choosing The Writing Instrument That Is Right For You…

Fountain Pen Nibs?…

Eversharp; What Happen To The Eversharp Pen Company?…

Nibs, the “complete story”…

Parkers Numbering Scheme?…

Pen Sacs?…

Pen Shows?…

Repair Manuals?…

Wahl Fountain Pen Company?…

Yard-o-Lead Pen Company?…


Filling Vintage Fountain Pens

Jim Pen Site


CLEANING YOUR FOUNTAIN PEN

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You should clean your fountain pen about once every three months, or whenever:

(a) the ink drys out due to non-use,

(b) the ink feed system becomes blocked

(c) a new color of ink is used or

(d) the ink flow diminishes or stops.

Clean the nib, barrel and cap with clear, cold water. Then repeat the filling procedure
with water until it runs clear.

AVOIDING LEAKS: To prevent leakage, keep you fountain pen freshly filled and
always carry it with the nib pointed upward. Condensation in the cap with some
fountain pens cannot be avoided.

Dry the nib and cap with a lint and oil free cloth only.

Other Tips…Click Here


Where Is Jim ? ? ? ? ? ?

From time to time I get a few days behind on replies to my E-Mails…thus, I thought I would share with you what I “do” for a living, and why I might be late in a reply to you.

I have been in the resort business since 1959 (Gaston’s White River Resort, click here if you wish to take a look) , we are open seven days a week, 365 days a year…employee 127 folks. Plus I a member of the Arkansas State Parks and Tourism Commission, which takes about three to four days out of each month. Then other odd jobs, like being on a bank board, etc. So, as you can see I do keep busy.

Collecting, trading, selling fountain pens and my web site are a very serious hobbies for me. Some days I will have between my fountain pen website and the resort website fifty or more E-Mails. When I do take off it is for a business meeting, pen show, or on a Jeep trip with my son or grandsons. Well, needless to say I have an “E-Mail” overload at times.

I also trade and purchase limited editions from contacts in Europe, Italy and other sources…so this takes time. This is one of the reasons that I am able to offer many of the limited editions fountain pens, at the best price you will find anywhere.

I do my very best to answer all my E-Mail everyday, normally at night…or if I can steal a few minutes during the day. So, if I am late…I sincerely hope that for the above reasons you will understand.

Oh, yes another reason, I just turned 57 and at 56 became a member of the “zipper club”
Sometimes, I simply like to take the day off and “play” with my fountain pens, or just ride around here in the Ozarks in my Jeep enjoy nature and just taking is easy for a few hours.

As Paul Harvey says “now you know the rest of the story” 🙂

Thanks! Jim…


Aikin Lambert Pen Company 1864-1932}..

Aikin Lambert Pen Company 1864-1932 Started out in 1864 in New York …initially a maker of gold dip pen nibs…offered their first fountain pens around the 1890’s…the majority of Aikin Lambert pens are of high quality. They made many very beautiful sterling silver and gold filled overlay pens. Many are very similar to the early Waterman’s, I have some very beautiful Aikin Lambert overlays in my collection. As a matter of fact A/L made many of Waterman pencils until about 1920. In 1932 A/L merged with the Waterman Pen Company…an A/L is a nice addition to your collection, and harder to fine that a Parker or Waterman of the same circa.


Books {Reference & Price Guides}..

There are a number of fountain pens books in print, which you may obtain via mail order, book stores or at some pen shops. One of the best to start with is the “Fountain Pens & Pencils” by, Fischler & Schneider…ISBN #0-88740-346-8. This book is referred to as the “blue book” among collectors, since it has a “blue hard bound cover”.

As word of caution in reference to price guides, I have found that such make very good reference books. However as price guides their value is not really worth that much. Condition of a fountain pen is *everything* as it is with any type of collectable item. Since most of the pens you will come across at antique shops, flea markets, etc. will need some type of repair or restoration work the value will be much lower than what is listed in the price guides. Where some of the price guides come up with their prices, I have no idea!

The best listing on the world wide web in reference to books in my view is Bill Acker’s site at http://www.billspens.com/BillsBooks/PENBOOKS.htm I would suggest that you check this one out…plus Bill has an EXCELLENT fountain pen site!

I would also STRONGLY suggest that you become a member of the Pen Collectors Club of America…a great resource of fountain pen information. Check them out athttp://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/P_C_A/

 

* * * Repair Manuals * * *
Parker “51” Service/Repair Manual (Reprint From Original)…
A MustFor Parker 51 Repairs…$6.25, Postpaid In U.S.
With your pen order only $4.25


Sheaffer Repair Manual #216

Sheaffer Manual No. 216 covers Sheaffer pens & pencils from the mid 1930’s to the mid 1940’s…

This is a “MUST HAVE” manual if you plan to repair your Sheaffer pens…OR…An excellent reference source for Sheaffer pens & pencils of this era.  With this manual you will know what to “look for”…

24 Pages (8 1/2 x 5 1/2) of the best information that you will find…

Click Here: For Photos and Details


Carter Pen Company, 1926-1931…

Founded by John W. Carter in Boston, Massachusetts in 1857…later became known as the Carter Ink Company.  Carter was best known for his ink products but made very nice pens during the 1920’s and 30’s.  Fountain pens were first made by Carter around 1926 with what is thought to be the patents and stock parts of the extinct Laughlin Pen Company.  Carter pens came in very unusual colors that were not used by other manufacturers, such being unusual shades of green, blue, orange, and white pearl.  The Depression made it hard for Carter to sell pens and thus he left the pen business and focused solely on ink products.

C. S. Classic Pens Bookstore

Books in reference to Fountain Pens, Pens, & Pencils
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The following is the copy that I took off Chuck’s C.S. Classic Pens Bookstore…Chuck’s site is the most complete site in reference to fountain pens, etc. books that I know of…if you are looking for a “book” I am sure that you will find this to be the “site”…

“Thank you, for visiting my Bookstore. All books on this page are purchased and shipped directly from amazon.com,
an on-line bookstore. To order, click on the title of the book and follow the instructions provided by amazon.com. I
receive a commission only from orders that actually originate from this site. If plan to purchase additional books at a
later date, please bookmark this page and return to my web site to place these orders. I have included a “Search”
at the bottom of this page, which will allow you to search for any book available through amazon.com. Prices listed
here, were current on the date this page was last updated. Prices are subject to change, so please check current
prices by following the link provided to the book you are interested in.


Choosing The Writing Instrument That Is Right For You…

Whether it’s signing a contract, writing a personal letter or initialing a memo, there are times when the writing instrument is as significant as the occasion. Some writers favor a fountain pen, others a ball pen or roller pen, and there are times when only a pencil will do. Whatever your choice, there are several key factors to consider when choosing a writing instrument.

Consider Mode…

How the writing instrument is used determines the appropriate mode…

The fountain pen is an elegant and expressive writing instrument that responds to individual writing style. The nip, or writing tip, determines smoothness and flexibility. A wide range of nib styles and sizes offers the best selection to suit individual writing preferences. Fountain pens use bottled ink or cartridges, and some are easily converted to either.

The roller ball is best suited for people who want the writing flair of a fountain pen and convenience of a ball pen. The best roller balls use a capillary ink system that will not fade or dry out. A selection of refill point sizes and ink colors should also be available.

The ball point pen, the most popular writing mode, suits all writing styles. Ball point pens are ideal for carbon copies and photocopies. A good ball point pen writes smoothly without skipping or blotting on every surface, even glossy or coated paper. Refills should be available in a variety of point sizes and ink colors.

The mechanical pencil is suited for professionals who need a precision drawing or sketching tool. A good mechanical pencil delivers a clean, consistent line. For convenience, it should offer a barrel storage chamber, and a large eraser that is easily accessible. To resist breakage, pencils should use 0.5 mm or 0.9mm HB high-polymer leads.

Consider Features…

At any cost, quality and value are important. After-sales-service and warranties are among the most important features. Choose a brand name that has a long-standing tradition of quality and a lifetime warranty. Also, make sure refills, accessories and after-sales service are readily available. If you travel outside the U.S. ask about Worldwide availability.

Consider Comfort…

Select writing instruments according to hand size and length of fingers. A person with smaller hands may be more comfortable with a slim pen while larger hands may prefer a thicker barrel.

Consider Price…

A good pen can range in price from under $10 to $10,000. Price usually depends on the casing material, craftsmanship and writing mode. Quality pen-makers offer a selection of finishes from durable stainless steel to beautiful solid gold in a wide range of prices.

There’s something wonderful about a fine pen or pencil that makes writing more enjoyable. As a gift, it can become a useful part of the recipients’ daily routine. When bought for personal use, it becomes a faithful tool and an individual statement.Used with the permission of Parker Pen Company (copyright Parker Pen)


Choosing The Fountain Pen That Is Right For You…

In today’s world of faster, cheaper, and disposable, there are some things meant to be more gracious, more refined and more traditional. A fountain pen is one. But only a properly fitted fountain pen can deliver such satisfaction. Before you make your purchase, there are several important factors to consider.

Analyze your writing style…

Consider speed, slant, size consistency, rhythm and pressure. The writing tip of the fountain pen , or nib, is designed to suit an individual writing style.

Select The Proper Nib Grade…

Nib grades range from a choice of four to 24, the choice varies company to company. The nib grade generally is relative to the size of writing; the smaller the letter , the finer the nib. Some manufacturers also offer a wide range of slanted oblique nibs and straight cut italic nibs for both left-handed and right-handed writers.

Check The Nib Quality…

The nib is what distinguishes a fine pen from an ordinary one. The best nibs will glide across the paper. Nib material ranges from stainless steel to 18K gold (A few 22kt gold are offered). Gold nibs are flexible and conform easily to individual writing styles.

Does an 18 karat nib write better than a 14 karat nib?

No…Then why is the 18 karat nib offered? In some counties “gold” has to be 18kt on better in order to “called” gold.

Review The Warranty And After Sales Service…

Warranties on fine fountain pens can vary from one year to the lifetime of the original owner. In addition, find out if service and accessories are available worldwide.

Determine Your Price Range…

The cost of a good fountain pen can go as high as $10,000. However, it is easy to find a wide selection of beautiful, affordable finishes. Consider price, durability and use before deciding which finish to select…remember there are a lot of excellent fountain pens to be found in the $75.00 to $450.00 price range.

Choose The Best Filling Method…

Some pens can be filled both from an ink bottle or by using a convenient cartridge. Some can be easily converted to either.

A fountain pen is a very personal writing instrument. With time, the nib conforms to your writing, and lending your fountain pen can alter the nib. Owning a fountain pen is not for the quick and careless. It is sensitive and responsive to the mood or personality of your writing at a given time…all of which define your style and individuality.

Fountain Pen Nibs…

John Mottishaw – Nib Repair & Customization (The Master of Nib Repair!!!) – The Anatomy of The Nib (Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Nibs)…

Standard Nibs– have a rounded writing point with sizes ranging from a fine needle point to an extra, extra bold. These nibs are suited for any writing speed. Size is largely a matter of personal preference for the lightness or darkness of writing and thickness of lines.

Oblique Nibs– are cut on an angle to provide a thick line of the downward stroke and a thin line on the upward stroke. It also is fitted with a rounded pellet for smooth writing. Oblique nibs add flair to one’s handwriting. A reverse oblique nib, which slopes to the right, often is preferred by left-handed writers.

Italic Nibs– have a precision sharp, straight cut, suited for special writing purposes, and tipped with a pellet to glide effortlessly across the page. Italic nibs, designed for slower, more methodical movement, create the crisp thick and thin stokes of formal writing.

Oblique Italic Nibs– are cut at an angle and tipped with a beveled pellet. These nibs are best suited for meticulous writers with controlled and consistent handwriting using few connecting strokes or letter combinations in one movement. A reverse oblique italic is available for left-handed writers.

Calligraphy Nibs– are crafted with a chiseled edge, without a writing pellet. Varying the direction of the nib across paper produces a distinct change in line thickness.Used with the permission of Parker Pen Company (copyright Parker Pen)


Eversharp; What Happen To The Eversharp Pen Company? – By the mid 1940’s Eversharp too was in deep financial trouble because they spent so much on emerging ballpoint pen technology.  Eversharp tried to switch back to fountain pens but by 1948 it was too late.  In 1957, Eversharp sold its pen division to Parker Pen and their assets were finally liquidated in the 1960’s.


Parkers Numbering Scheme- It’s not much of a scheme. The digit one finds on many barrels and some nibs (from the Vacs to the early 51 Aerometrics) indicates the year the part was manufactured. So the barrel of the pen above was made in (the third quarter of) ’47. The digit is often accompanied by one, two, or three dots; at the beginning of a year, dies which imprinted a number were given three dots and after each quarter, a dot was removed from the die. Thus, three dots indicates first quarter … no dots, last quarter. (Thanks to Kit Chu for clearing up my misunderstanding of the dots.)…Courtesy, of Vincent Fatica…


Pen Sacs?…

The Pen Sac Company
P.O. Box 4770
Carlsbad, CA. 92018
Phone: 619-729-6894 – Fax: 619-931-5845
Toll Free: 1-888-PENSACS image

Your Best Source – They offer all sizes of pen sacs, Vacumatic Diaphragms, Ink-Vue Sacs, & Assortments of Sacs – Also The Best “Blind Cap Tool” That Money Can By, I Have One & It Is Excellent…


Pen Shows?…

Are they worth the effort and cost to attend? YES!!!, you will meet other collectors and great to see and handle many fountain pens that you will only see in books, or Webster. Be assured that everyone is very friendly and more than happy to be of help and service. You will normally find that pens shows are a excellent source of pens for your collection. Also an excellent source of parts, reference items, etc…For a excellent listing of the upcoming pen shows check outhttp://www.billspens.com/BillsShows/BillShow.htm


Repair Manuals…

Eversharp The Finest Writing Instruments
Catalog Late 1930’s  Click Here For Details…

Parker 1937 #5115 Dealer/Repair Service Manual
(Reprint From Original)Click Here For Photos & Details…

42 Pages…147 illustrations Plus Hundreds of Parts Listings!!!

 

This an “exact” re-print of the 1934 Parker Pen Company dealer catalog.
Click Here For Photos & Details…
128 Photos & 108 Illustrations

Parker 51 service manual {reprint from the original Parker manual…a must for Parker 51 repairs…$6.25, postpaid in the U.S. -To order: Jim Gaston, Vintage Fountain Pens, 1777 River Road, Lakeview, Arkansas 72642…

Sheaffer Manual No. 216covers Sheaffer pens & pencils from the mid 1930’s to the mid 1940’s…
Click Here For Photos & Details…


Wahl Fountain Pen Company…

The Wahl Adding Machine Co. purchased the Ever-Sharp mechanical pencil company in 1914. Soon after, they began producing fountain pens under the Wahl name having purchased the Boston Pen Co.

In 1941, Wahl changed the name of the entire company to Eversharp. Eversharp found itself short of the capital needed to compete with giants Parker and Sheaffer; in 1957 it was absorbed by Parker, which continued for a time to produce pens under the Eversharp name as its economy line.

Ironically, the Wahl company still exists making barber tools.


YARD-o-LEAD…

In 1822, the first ever propelling pencil was invented and patented by Sampson Mordan. Through into the next century, the family-run business continued to develop the unique design of carrying twelve three-inch leads inside the barrel, and it is from this feature that the name evolved – Yard-o-Led.

In 1934 the Yard-o-Led Company was founded and has continued the traditions of craftsmanship and excellence established over 150 years ago.

Influenced by the original designs of the 19th and 20th centuries, the range of writing instruments has expanded to include ballpens, fountain pens and rollerball pens alongside the traditional propelling pencil, each handcrafted from hallmarked sterling silver of gold, and carrying a lifetime guarantee.


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Copyright: 10.18.97, 1998, 1999, 2000
Jim Gaston
1777 River Road
Lakeview, Arkansas 72642

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