Filling Mechanism: Cartridge/Converter

We aren't sure what the model name of this Pilot fountain pen is, but it appears to be in near-mint condition. We love the sparkled gold dust on blue. This slender pen also sports an 18k gold nib that you will write a nice extra-fine line with a touch of feedback. We think this pen only takes cartridges. Click the headline for close-ups. 13.3cm capped.

Overshadowed by Japanese luxury pen makers, Japan's Wancher is a worthy entry into modern pens. We believe this to be the Wancher Tree Wood pen...possibly the Sandalwood model, but we aren't certain. It comes with a box, papers and converter. However, the nicest touch on the pen is its solid sterling silver pocket clip. Based on the turn-of-the-last-century aftermarket pocket clips, it can slide on and off the cap of the pen. Click the headline for a close-up. You will see that the golden alloy nib is marked B for broad, but it writes more like an American/European medium with a little feedback. 14cm capped.

For those in the know, Namiki Falcon fountain pens are among the best of the modern flexi writers. Our preowned pen looks great with only a little wear from use. The 14k gold nib is marked "SM" for soft medium. We find it to be a bouncy semi-flex that goes from medium to 1mm wide. The pen comes with a non-original converter that works well. It also takes Namiki/Pilot cartridges. Click the headline for close-ups. 13.5cm capped.

One of the most popular pens on the market today is the Pilot Vanishing Point. This is the early version of the pen known as the Namiki Vanishing Point. Namiki is the parent company that became known as the luxury brand and Pilot was the Americanized brand of more common everyday pens. These early pens were faceted with a more streamlined and integrated clip design. Yet, their quality was just as good if not better than the more modern pens. This one comes with a Namiki converter and takes modern Pilot converters and cartridges. There is only minimal wear from use. Its 14k gold nib is marked B for broad. You will find it writes closer to an American/European medium with a little feedback. This is the burgundy model. Click the headline for close-ups. 13.7cm closed.

Many consider the Waterman C/F to be the first of the modern-era pens, although it is a classic vintage pen. Why? It was, effectively, the first pen to use disposable plastic ink cartridges. Although a success, it was short lived. The biggest problem for vintage collectors is that the Waterman C/F doesn't use any modern cartridges or converters. Waterman wasn't using standard international cartridges in the 1950s, as the concept was yet to be invented. If you find a 1950s cartridge, you can refill it with a syringe to use this pen. Unfortunately, it doesn't include an original cartridge. The pen looks great, except for that big crack in the tail visible in the photo. You will write a medium line with its 14k gold nib. There is a some feedback. 13.2cm capped.

We got this pen from a friend who loves to tinker. When we got this pen to sell, we said, "Wait a second, what's this Danitrio Brillante doing with a 14k gold Sailor nib?" Then we remembered where we got the pen. This preowned pen is a limited edition numbered 101 of 200. Given that the pen originally came with a steel nib, we think this wrong nib is an upgrade. Click the headline for a close-ups. The pen is otherwise in great shape with minimal wear. It comes with its original converter. You will write a fine line with a hint of feedback, which makes sense given it is stamped H-F. 14cm capped.

You've always wanted a Parker Snakes pen from the turn of the last century, but the $10,000 price tag has scared you off. Well, here is a larger, modern version called the Danitrio Phantas I. Filling with a standard international converter (or cartridges), this pen has a two-tone steel nib. It is marked M for medium, but we find it writes more of a nice fine line. We don't believe the filigree has any precious metal, but we still like the red glass eyes of the serpents. Light wear from use. 14cm capped.

Some pens get kinda beat up in the service of their writers. This Diplomat Attaché is structurally sound but has a pretty scratched up cap, as you see in the photo. The gold plating also is coming off the steel nib. Click the headline for photos. Otherwise, this is a normal fountain pen. It comes with a standard international converter and can use like cartridges. On like most fountain pens, this one requires a little pressure to write a smooth medium line. If you are a heavy-handed writer, this is likely better for you. 13.8cm capped.