News — Vintage Fountain Pen

The odd thing about the Parker Duofold Junior is that there is nothing 'Junior' about it!  It is actually a very long pen at 16 cm., well over 6 inches when posted.  It also has a very 'grown up', distinguished appearance, it's almost as if Parker took the very 'stubby' Duofold standard and stretched it to the correct proportions.  It is even comfortable in my great lump of a hand: And here it is alongside a modern, good sized pen, the Parker sonnet, and the real 'Junior' sized Parker Lady: Apart from being well sized the Parker Junior is also a...

The Sheaffer Intrigue is a different kind of pen in terms of innovative design in structure and function: It has a filling system that could be described as a hybrid converter/cartridge affair, very well engineered and designed.  The pen is large and, whilst not being particularly long feels quite heavy and very 'chunky', a very tactile pen. You're either going to love or hate this pen, I love it. I have a Sheaffer Intrigue 616 triple set, this model, available here.

I recently restored two swan leverless pens, one an early Gold filled pen and the other a 1930s 0160.  The sac replacement is really straightforward, fully clean out old sac and fit new one with a good dusting of chalk.    The action of the system is usually described as 'twisting the sac' but I don't think that is actually what happens.  When the button is turned the bar moves in such a way that the edge of the bar presses along the length of the centre of the sac pushing air out.  When the button is tightened the bar  returns to...

Vintage Parker 51 desk sets are very difficult to find, one in brand new condition is a rarity.  This set is unused and in its original packing.  The Parker 51 pen is uninked and perfect. The 'Magnetix' base incorporates a strong magnet which allows the pen to be located smoothly to the perfect angle.  It's hard to imagine a better gift for a person who enjoys using a vintage pen on a regular basis.