6 Of The Most Iconic Fountain Pens Of The 20th Century! | Kirby Allison
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- Опубликовано: 15 июл 2024
- In today's video Kirby Allison reviews 6 Of The Most Iconic Fountain Pens Of The 20th Century!
For those who enjoy writing by hand, there is a particular elegance and satisfaction to be found in writing with a good fountain pen. One of the few accessories that a gentleman can collect and use daily, a great fountain pen really does enhance the pleasure of writing. Not only that, but a vintage fountain pen is also a small piece of history in your hand!
Originally developed by the Waterman company in 1884, there have been a number of incredible fountain pens through the years. So in today's video Kirby talks through 6 examples that he believe are some of the most iconic fountain pens to have been made in the 20th Century.
See more of Aiden Chou's pen collection in his Instagram:
@vintagepenco_usa
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6 Of The Most Iconic Fountain Pens Of The 20th Century!
00:00 Introduction
02:20 History of the fountain pen
03:25 6 of the most iconic pens
04:03 Pen 1 - Waterman 52
04:56 Pen 2 - Sheaffer Balance
06:32 Pen 3 - Eversharp Skyline
08:23 Pen 4 - Parker Vacumatic
10:33 Pen 5 - Parker 51
11:56 Pen 6 - Sheaffer Snorkel
13:31 The romance
14:51 The writing experience
15:14 The nib
15:42 Inks
17:07 Conclusion
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My father was born in Malaysia. When he came back to mainland China in the 50s, he brought a Parker 51 with him. He used it everyday for almost thirty years, and I borrowed it for homework during my high school time. He lent this pen to me when I took the college entrance exam, and when I got into the university, he officially gave this pen to me. I have owned this beautiful piece of art for almost forty years now. The nib is retipped, other than that it functions beautifully. It has been with my family for almost seventy years now. Someday I am going to pass it to my little daughter. It is a pen that comes all all the way with my family history. I like the part of your mention this beautiful pen in your video, and Thank You!
Hi Daniel who did the retipping of your nib? Thanks
@@mindpoacher4732 It was about forty years ago, my father sent it to a nibmiester in Hreo Company, and had the nib re-tipped and grinded.
❤
As a vintage pen enthusiast myself I have literally been patiently waiting for Kirby to put out content on vintage pens as I knew he would eventually delve into this category of quality, craftsmanship and tradition! Thank you Kirby and Aidan!
I inherited the Parker 51 from my grandfather. He had bought in 1952 and had never used it. I only use this pen for my most important signatures , like when I purchased my first property. Thank you for the memories.
I found a parker 51 in a second hand shop and I use it for everything! Sometimes just scribbles because I love using it so much lol
A great overview of some of the most interesting writing instruments in 20th century: as a collector of fountain pens I appreciate very much! I inherited from my family a 1920s gold Waterman with retractable nib and a 1970s 146 (West Germany) Montblanc: two fine instruments I love to write with even nowadays. For a contemporary fountain pen with vintage feeling I use the Montblanc 1912 Heritage Collection: such an elegant, smooth and perfectly balanced writing instrument.
Greetings from Italy! 🇮🇹
Kirby, as if I couldn't enjoy your channel more with the greater increase in quality you've put over the past few years, you now add a great video of my favorite hobby!
I use a disposable fountain pen when travelling. Saves me from travelling with my cherished pen (and ink). A fountain pen always raises interest when checking into a hotel or signing invoices - and on one occasion got me a free room upgrade. The hotel manager was a fellow pen aficionado.
wow!
Fountain pens as a left-handed person are a source of equal pleasure and frustration. My love for well made notebooks with quality papers has convinced me to try again over the years. There is a simple pleasure in using a fountain pen that I do not find with ballpoint pens. I own a wooden fountain pen made by a local artisan, but for daily use I prefer the very modern grip fountain pens from Faber-Castell, with ink converters. I find their medium nib agrees well with my writing habits. I use the royal blue ink from the brand (it is a washable blue) as well as a lovely black ink called Perle noire from Jacques Herbin.I tried the left-handed nib from Lamy, alas with no success. I systematically use blotting papers, a vintage touch as they seem to be vastly underrated.
What a subject, Kirby! I was lucky enough to inherit my Great Uncle’s Parker 51 which takes my collection of 51s to 3. I also got my wife the lady’s version of the 51 when she qualified as an Architect. I also love the fact that the Sheaffer /snorkel is definitely over engineered! The Parker 61 is also a favourite of mine, particularly the self filler version.
Thanks Kirby! Such a pleasure putting this video together with you. Looking forward to helping the community grow their fountain pen collections!
Would love to see you put up your own channel, Aidan.
I agree with Jacob M!
I have been using fountain pens for over 40 years! Vintage and new. Repairing old pens is also a fun hobby and easier than you might think.
Now in an era of emails and text messages, a typed letter with a hand-written note on the bottom in liquid ink guarantees a read!
I have tried many inks and have now been using exclusively pilot inks. The color variations are dramatic and yet unique, much like Seiko watch dials. The Japanese culture seems to embrace this type of beauty and subtlety…
I bought a Sheaffer PFM over 50 years ago, & it is still working perfectly. Burgundy colour with gold trim & gold nib. Love my fountain pen
Big into fountain pens myself, glad to see you introduce more of this to the channel.
More on the way, my friend!
Kirby,
Would you mind sharing your thoughts on Mont Blanc fountain pens in regards to their quality? Have you ever considered a Mont Blanc fountain pen?
As a lover and collector of fountain pens, I appreciate this video. Thank you, Kirby!
Great vintage picks Kirby. I also recommend a Lamy 2000, released in 1966 that is still being manufactured today.
I remember hearing a long time ago that it is on a permanent display in the Museum of Modern Art but Lamy does not seem to make any note of it being true or not..
@@bradle4162 it’s true
Surprised not to see the Montblanc 149
Truth be told, the 149 is vastly overrated. It's more of a status symbol than a brilliant writer. Pen geeks go to the Japanese pen makers like Pilot, Namiki, and Sailor for the best writing experience. It's all in the nib!
@@bobford7366 Concur, but the piece is on "Iconic Fountain Pens" My list would include:
Parker 51
Montblanc 149
Pelikan 1000 &/or 800
Esterbrook dollar
Schaefer PFM
Waterman BCHR
@@rangervapes571 Good point. The 149 reigns supreme for the laymen.
@@rangervapes571 The Montblanc and the Pelikan wouldn't be on my list due to them having serious issues in quality control and overall value but other than that, you've pretty much got it spot on. In place of those pens, I would personally put a Pilot Myu and Vintage Pilot Capless/Vanishing Point.
The ingenuity behind the filling mechanisms is extraordinary. The snorkel is a great design, which I've not seen before.
Great Video! I missed my favorites Montblanc Meisterstück and Pelikan M1000 😊
The waterman displayed in this video is either an 0452 if it’s just silver overlay or a 452 if it’s sterling silver overlay, the 52 is the numbering for a non overlay hard rubber pen
Thank you for this beautiful video, Kirby.
Well now I have something to look for at antique stores. I remember my grandmother had fountain pens the cases of which actually silver.
Hi Kirby ... my first visit ... as a later in life beginning collector, I recently acquired a beautiful Waterman's 512V Rose striated fountain pen and mechanical pencil set at my neighborhood flea market for just a few dollars ... an exciting and very satisfying vintage find ... ... really enjoyed your recommendations and will watch regularly ... best wishes for success in your own collecting.
Fountain pens are the greatest! I used to loose ball point pens almost as soon as I got them, but not fountain pens. I’ve had them now for years! I get compliments and also people who are confused when they see it. I love seeing those faces.
You know, a pen and a human, that write something or sign, can make history.
Kirby, I don't know how you do it. But everything in interested in.. you cover exactly what I'm looking for. I just bought two new fountain pens earlier this week!
The snorkel has always been one of my favorites, but the great shame of vintage pens for me has always been how small they are. As someone who wears a size 12 glove, it's Pelikan M1000 and Pilot Custom Urushi for me.
Love it! Great episode.
Good seeing Kirby at the Chicago airport.
I'll be in London later this week and I've got an appointment at Trufit and Hill thanks to you and I'll be at Davidoff the same day and I am taking a friend to Hornets... Hope to find a smoking jacket
Kirby your the man
No
Best dressed man
It is good to see that you worked with my friend, Aidan. I am a fountain pen lover as well and even have my own little RUclips channel on them. I have all of the pens you have featured here. You have some great selections. I have my personal favorite vintage pens and you have included ones here such as the Skyline, Waterman 52, Snorkel, and Balance. I think that as much as I like the Sheaffer Balance, I like its predecessors in celluloid flat tops just a bit better. Other brands I have absolutely enjoyed are Conklin crescent fillers and Endura models and perhaps one of my all time favorites is the Wahl Eversharp Decoband. Thanks for sharing.
What would you recommend for a military officer interested in an instrument with rich military history? Parker 51 caught my attention.
@@jhawk3910 Perhaps a Sheaffer Tuckaway with a military clip would suit your criteria. The clip was made so as to not show while in a military uniform shirt pocket.
Thank you. I love the brief history of fountain pens.
my father has a Parker 51 which he got for his 21st birthday - 67 years ago. A lovey pen to write with!
I adore using a fountain pen. It makes writing so smooth and effortless and they have such a great history and variety of styles.
It is so wonderful seeing you make more fountain pen content! I have personally realized the joy of vintage pens; I am confident my trusty Esterbrook will never fail me.
Thanks for sharing!!
Great video Kirby. Have enjoyed writing with fountain pens for many years, but new and mainly Montblanc. Now very tempted to start a vintage collection. Also love the idea of matching inks and, as a committed cigar smoker, now on the hunt for the Purdey cigar scented inks. 18:14
The Parker Vacuumatic celluloid is such an iconic look. They're such eye-catching pens.
I love you posts very much mr Allison.
First, may I say thank you for how your products helped me to restore my wife's wedding shoes (fine suede). She was absolutely over the moon! Second, Kirby, you have stumbled upon my personal passion - the fountain pen! I see your beautiful collection, but with your daring love of bespoke, I would say you need to reach out to one David Oscarson. Many blessings to you sir, and I look forward to your next video series involving the Sahakians and the Foulkes.
Really enjoyable presentation. Thank you very much as this was a superb trip down USA fountain pen history. I would have liked to have seen a Montblanc for balance but still a great collection was on display. I have the Sheaffer Snorkel and also a Montblanc Meisterstuck. Both dating to circa 1959. Great pens. I only use Montblanc ink currently but will check out your other recommendations especially the Sailor range.
Thank you Mr Kirby!
completely agree with this list, truly iconic pens.
Beautiful vintage pens!
Wonderfully interesting video
RS
Canada
I love pens. I've practised calligraphy since high school and was the only pupil to get a O LEVEL in Calligraphy. I still practice it and put it to good use. I've also had nibs and pens passed onto me and have quite a number now including dip pen nibs. My favourite pen is a Parker Pen, in a maroon colour. Thank you for all the info.
Great video Kirby! I’m an illustrator and have been using fountain pens for years! Great review of the history of these amazing instruments!
Great overview of vintage fountain pens, and more importantly, the joyful experience of writing with such a piece of history. I would encourage you and others to check out Conway Stewart fountain pens, especially the Churchill pen (my personal favorite). And I would be remiss if I did not thank you for the wonderful ties and braces you have provided me over the years!
I have several fountain pens, my favourite is a Parker pen however as I'm left-handed, fountain, as well as ink pens are a no-no. Mine are purely for asthetic purposes (until someone can invent an ink that dries immediately. P.s. love your channel
I'm a leftie too, and with good ink/paper choices, using a fountain pen is fine
Kirby I've been looking forward to this video since you mentioned it on a livestream before thanksgiving lol. I was given my first fountain pen at the age of 12 by my grandmother's employer, I'll spare you the incredibly long story but through googling I would later find out that what I had been given was a Montblanc Boheme. I still have it nearly 15 years later and while it is one of my favorites I unfortunately do not use it all too often due to it being a cartridge only pen. In my college years I went through a phase where I loved waterman, namely the Gentleman and Le Man 200 lines. Over the past year or so I've fallen in love with the S.T. Dupont Line-D, I find that they write beautifully and I'm hoping that they only get better with age.
Great video! I've never heard or some of those pens. Thank you for introducing them to me! I would love to know your thoughts on Montblanc pens as well.
I own the Eversharp Skyline and owned, (gave it to my daughter,) the Parker 51. I also have a Minerva lever filler in gray celluloid. Minerva was a sub brand of OMAS in the 1930s.
I am a pen snob; Japan has some of the best. Platinum fountain pen cleaner is the best out there. Pilot has some of the best colors in the business. When you draft the old traditional way, great pens are a must, then color, and last, a great way of cleaning your pens for a new task.
Impeccable Presentation, Kirby 🖋
Nice
I enjoy every single video you do Kirby, please could you a video of the best ballpoint pens, please.
Huge fan of my vintage Parker Duofold, sometimes the old ways are still the best!
1950s and 60s had the wildest designs
Desde España solo puedo decir que gracias Mr Allison. Cualquier faceta de la vida la enfoca de una manera sencilla y ejemplar
My go-to daily pen is a Parker 51. Love it. Love vintage pens but there are also individual penmakers out there who are artisans. Consider getting a bespoke pen. Would make a good video.
That would be fun! Also filmed an update on my current collection we’ll release soon!
🤩 This was enjoyable!
I'm into dip pens and vintage nibs; but I like fountain pens for outside my home. I'd like to own a Schaeffer Snorkel one day. So cool!
I'm also learning to make ink and I'm totally into the J. Herbin Heritage collections which are shimmery.
I hope you do videos on stationery and papermaking one day. That world is so interesting too. There are very few papermillers that handmake papers that are nib friendly.
Peace.
I appreciate you going the extra mile and do an in depth vintage fountain pen video. So much more interesting than claiming Mont Blanc should be the best fountain pen since sliced bread and calling it a day.
We picked some very special pens for Kirby!
@@aidanchao6544 Maybe it needs a follow up for gentleman that don’t want to dive into the deep vintage end and want something classy nonetheless. Pilot 923, Faber Castell Ondoro or Ambition and Lamy 2000 comes to mind.
Great presentation of some choice and truly classic vintage fountain pens. I endorse the beauty and excellence of them all. I own them all. As for the snorkel, I just love the Sheaffer PFMs best.
And oh, the only gripe I have against this video is the sad, inexplicable omission of the peerless (and my own favorite) vintage Aurora 88.
I really enjoyed that. I particularly liked the part about matching the ink with the colour of the pen itself. I was once on holiday in New Zealand when the ink in my Waterman Carène Marine Amber ran out. I tried my luck in the city of Dunedin where I chanced upon a small bookshop/stationer's where the proprietor told me he wasn't often asked for bottled fountain pen ink, let alone in the colour brown, which I had been using for my Carène. He rummaged in some drawers under the counter and came up with what he said was probably the only bottle of brown ink on the South Island. When I also laid eyes on a most wonderful book about "The History of Life in New Zealand", my day was made. I have become an expert at judging books by the cover and I knew instantly I had to have this book. But I digress. The ink was chocolate scented and I was completely happy with it. When I left New Zealand a couple of weeks later, the slightly leathery smell of my diary had taken on a note of sweet chocolate. That fragrance is gone now, but the brown writing hasn't faded one bit. And I still have the bottle, so opening it makes me reminisce about that memorable upside-down holiday.
Great video Kirby. I love the process of writing with a fountain pen. I have recently started using a Monteverde and find them wonderful. I agree with you on the Montblanc ink, it is one of the best going around...being quick dry is also important to avoid smudging your writing.
What type of gsm paper have you found works best with your fountain pens?
WELL SAID KIRBY!!
You’ve opened the floodgates here. I love my snorkel pen. I use it with Noodlers ink. Being from the UK I have some great Mabie Todd and Conway Stewart’s. They have massive character. As you say, these 100 year old pens have so much to say.
Don’t forget our German friends, Pelikans and Geha’s (the Goldwing in particular. I like the 60s style for these so that includes a Montblanc 225 amongst others.
Hi Kirby!
I enjoyed your video on six great historical fountain pens. I handed over my mother’s college graduation Eversharp Skyline fountain pen to my eldest daughter for Christmas. It is gold filled and was made in 1941. It has mother’s initials engraved on the cap. My daughter is very pleased to have such a wonderful family heirloom to sign documents with in her work. I gave my younger daughter a very nice Parker 51 pen for her desk at work. She signs lots of government documents. They’d flipped a coin to see who would have their grandmother’s pen. I hope they’ll enjoy their vintage writing instruments.
Kirby? No Montblanc 149?? That's THE vintage fountain pen my friend. Anywho... check out the offerings of Montegrappa, Italian... simply the finest pen I own..
One of your better videos. Missed the Parker Duofold!!
Good video Kirby, I have used fountain pens mainly for 4 decades or more now.
Kirby: First, it was a pleasure to meet you yesterday. The pen is an important part of my business persona and I have several fountain pens including Dupont, Parker, and Mont Blanc. My "go to" supplier is Fountain Pen Hospital in NYC. Besides new pens, they have several premium brands of used pens available in the "back room" section along with the "vintage pens" section of their website. Speaking with them in person or by phone, they can be a bit gruff and disinterested but they know their stuff and can be a reliable source of information. Good luck for the future.
Brilliant Kirby... As usual.
I collect fountain pens and try to write will all of them during the year. The combination of pen, ink and paper is always unique and has a big influence on how the writing experience is and thus what you write. When I write letters to my wife or friends I always include a section listing pen, ink and paper type for reference.
my grandfather got me into fonts and script writing back in the mid 70s when i was just a boy.
I have two 51, one P Vacumatic, and one S snorkel. They're simply amazing! 😊
Wonderful
I have several fountain pens. Love them. I have a Waterman, and Sheafer, Parker and several made by local artisans. Lovelly.
Great video Kirby
I really like this video ! I own myself a few foutain pens (Pelikan, Dupont and Parker) ; my Parker, in gold, must be around 70 years old.
Thanks Kirby, I’m surprised you didn’t include the Parker Duofold. My favorite writing implement 😎
Sincere Thanks, but what about Conway Stewarts?
Thank you Kirby, for the great videos. What is the name of the piece of music in the background please?
I am a huge fan of parker 51 fountain pen. I simply love it. For this love I bought a new Parker 51 (2021) midnight blue (m - nib). I know that it can't be compared with the vintage one but still the love of this Parker 51 I did this purchase.
Yes, I have the Sheaffer Targa in gold guilloche, lovely writer on coated paper having a fine nib.
excellent video
I do have a Montblanc one dating back in the 60s but unfortunetly my tip got bent and due to ist age there are no replacement tips around anymore
I wonder if Montblanc would service it themselves. Considering a lot of hand work still goes into their nibs, they might be able and willing to repair or make a new nib for a legacy pen.
Heresy, but I'm a rollerball fan. My daily (at the moment) is a Pelikan Souverain 800 Stresemann . Is fantastic every time I lift it.
Next up, Kirby, should be notebooks. I cannot better the Clairefontaine 90gsm. If anyone can better that book I want to hear.
Super video.
There's a type of spirit that inhabits tools that are over 100 years old.
Great vid ! Love the channel. I own a MB 149, and several TWSBI's. All custom grinds. Looking for a vintage fp as we speak. Thanks.
By the by Kirby, as these are sac pens that you are using, do just make sure that the inks you use are safe. Modern inks including Montblancs aren't always safe for sac pens. Just make sure to check with anyone who has used that ink before and determine if they've had experience using them with sacs. Cheers and enjoy!
P.S. The Skyline, Vac, and Balance have been integral parts of my collection over the years. I'm very happy to see them receiving the much-deserved spotlight.
Montblanc inks (at least their normal ones, idk about the special ones he showed in the video) are generally vintage safe.
However that sailor ink is almost certainly NOT vintage safe. Japanese inks tend to stain celluloid as well.
IAM A BIG PEN COLLECTOR. WELL PUT VIDEO THANKS
Dad left me his fountain pen in 1988. He bought it in Japan in the 50’s I can’t see any marking’s because the nib has gone. Looks lovely but where do you go to get it fixed ?
I love and have a small collection of fountain pens, but when I go out without my field/messenger bag, I carry a good ball point. Many types of paper you encounter at cash registers or reception stations are not fountain pen compatible. If I plan to use my own notebook/stationary (or I have my bag) I carry a fountain pen as my primary pen plus some other styles to cover the bases.
Collection of iconic Fountain Pen of the 20th Century can never leave out the Piston filling Pelikan
My first fountain pen belong to my grandfather, a Sheaffer PFM I that he purchased in 1959. I had it restored to perfect working order and I keep it inked and use daily. It led me on a long journey down the fountain pen trail. I have a few vintage pens that include a Waterman 52, a Conklin Crescent Filler made in 1916, two Parker 51s (grandfather and uncle), a Pilot MYU, and a Sheaffer balance with a military clip. Vintage fountain pens are addicting, even worse than modern pens.
Would love to see how a lever mechanism works
Nice video with interesting history. Hard to imagine this list would exclude the Lamy 2000, however.
Wowww!!
kirby you should do a review of Barbour jackets
My grandad had an Eversharp Skyline,as well as a beautiful Pelikan he picked up in Germany before the war
Ever since i was 12 i used fountain pens
When you finally make it to Japan, you'll have to visit a workshop specializing in Urushi Lacquer pens!