Fountain Pens with Nib Size: B

Fans of Sailor pens know that ZOOM nibs are a special treat, and we are happy to report that this standard-size Sailor 1911 has a Zoom nib! For the uninitiated, the Zoom nib is a 14k gold broad nib. In the world of Japanese nibs, it might be considered a double or triple broad. For American and European nib enthusiasts, we dipped it and it looks mostly like a regular broad nib. Regardless, aside from a scuff on the pocket clip, this pen looks like new. It also comes complete with its original boxes and converter. 13.6cm capped.

Have you ever seen a 1930s' or '40s' steam engine that looks like this pen? There's a good reason. The Wahl-Eversharp Skyline was designed by the same guy! This fully restored vintage pen has been restored with a new ink sac. It has a burgundy barrel and top dome over its gold-filled cap. However, you might notice that the section is black. We suspect it is a bit of a marriage. The cap isn't perfect, but it still looks pretty good. There are only a couple little marks on it. We were surprised when we dip-tested the 14k gold nib. It looks like a medium point, but it writes a wet, broad line with a little feedback. 13.3cm capped.

We've been wrong before, and we'll be wrong again. BUT, we think this is an early Pelikan Souverän M400. The older Pelikans get, the screwier their numbering gets. What makes us think this is from the 1970s or a little earlier...it was made in "West Germany," it has an earlier 14k nib design and a slightly more modern feed annnnd it has the cap logo of a mama bird and two check etched and filled with green. The pen has a little wear from use. Its piston filler works well. It has an original broad nib that has both a little flex and feedback. 12.5cm capped.

Still stickered and new in the box, this Rotring Initial pen is perfect for anyone new to fountain pens or who loves modern design. There are actually two boxes that this pen comes in. The outer cardboard box is torn, but the plastic presentation box inside is still looking great. The pen is in mint condition and has never been used. Even the seal on the converter is unstained. It comes with a smooth, broad-tipped steel nib. One of Germany's lesser-known but still high-quality brands. 14.4cm capped.

Our eyes about popped out of our heads when we saw that TWISBI Ecos in transparent orange were limited editions now getting more than $230 on a famed auction site that shall not be named. We offer one such pen here that has been cleaned and readied for a new home. Only light wear on the pen and no internal staining. Click the headline for a close-up to see its "B" steel nib. You will find it to be a surprisingly smooth nib that sings a little as it glide along the page. 13.9cm capped.

If you wanted to show you were a big deal in the 1940s office environment, you'd own a Sheaffer Autograph. More than a standard high-end Triumph fountain pen, this pen came with a solid 14k gold band that was extra wide. We restored this vintage pen with a new ink sac. It was engraved with the initials B.R. A great signature pen, you will find this pen comes with a juicy, smooth broad nib made of 14k gold. No dents, cracks nor deep scratches! Just light surface wear, except for one very little circular mark just below the lip of the cap on the barrel of the pen. Click the headline for a close-up of the pen and nib. 13.5cm capped.

Parker VP meant Very Personal. The revolutionary developments for this pen included an ergonomic grip for the fountain pen and a nib and feed that could be rotated to better accommodate for the grip and getting the nib to write from any angle. These are rarer pens, as they only made VPs for a couple years. It led to the monumental success of the Parker 75. This teal colored vintage pen has a major problem in its barrel. Click the headline for a close-up to see the 1.5cm crack in the barrel where it threads into the section. Basically, the crack is bad and makes the pen unstable to write with...without making the crack worse. This is a shame, as the aerometric filler unit is in great condition. In most VPs, this is the rare part that is whole. Its 14k gold nib writes a very smooth broad line. 13.8cm capped.