All Pens and Ephemera

Sheaffer Imperial pens were the last of the company's golden era pens meant for daily use. Our Sheaffer Imperial II appears to be new old stock with its original pricing "chalk" marks on the barrel. We restored it with a fresh ink sac and O-ring, but we did not write with it. When we tested it to see if it filled with water, no old ink appeared on the nib or feed. The vintage pen is marked as an extra-fine nib. Click the headline for close-ups. We aren't sure if it is a steel nib or "palladium silver." There are no cracks. While we are fairly sure it is NOS, it also has some shop wear from where ever it rattled around for the past 50+ years. 13.5cm capped.

One of the most attractive designs for the Parker Duofold Centennial pens is the black-and-pearl motif. Black veins cut through the shimmering, shifting pearl white cap and barrel. It is gorgeous. Our preowned luxury pen is an MK II model with a 1999 date code. This pen has a little wear on the black tail where the cap posted. You also can see some wear on the section. We aren't sure anyone will notice such wear on a passing glance or casual inspection. The inkfeed is stamped to say the nib is a fine point. We find the two-tone 18k gold nib to write a smooth medium line. Includes a working Parker converter. 13.5cm capped.

In 1987 modern Parker struck gold with its Parker Duofold Centennial pen line to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Parker Pen Company in 1988. In many respects, this pen revitalized the company as a luxury brand. Plus, by basing the new design on vintage Parker Duofolds, it was the perfect touchstone for vintage and modern pen collectors. This marble blue pen is a Parker Duofold Centennial MKI. It likely isn't the 1988 model, as only 50 were made and given to notable individuals. However, it was a very early one as evidenced by its short pocket clip and 18k gold nib markings on the nib. Under the nib is an 83 on the feed, which means this was a medium nib. Click the headline for close-ups. Only light surface wear from use. Includes converter. You will write an insanely smooth medium line. 13.5cm capped.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Waterman unleashed a flurry of new luxury pens that were fairly similar in skinny design. Handsome and elegant they still make for great pens at work and at home. Our rollerball Waterman Exclusive comes with a fresh refill. It has some light wear but nothing a client will see from across a desk or table. 14.2cm capped.

Trying hard to stay afloat during the Great Depression, the Parker company wisely diversified its offerings to more affordable options for the cash-strapped public. Enter the Parkette Deluxe. It sported a handsome art deco design and a two-tone 14k gold nib with a cheaper material used for the cap, barrel and lever filler. Nevertheless, it writes like a Parker! We restored this vintage pen with a new ink sac. It has some wear and a lot of brassing. No cracks. You will write a nice, wet fine line. It is smooth when you find the sweet spot on the nib. Click the headline for close-ups. 12.6cm capped.

For the past several decades Parker Sonnets have been the company's old reliable for everyday writing. Some models get a little special extra treatment. This is a Chinese lacquered model that was only released for a limited time. We find it especially attractive. This one appears to be new old stock. No ink on the nib or in the converter. Minimal if any wear from sitting around for the past couple decades. It comes with a box and papers. We haven't written with its 18k gold nib, but it is marked "M" for medium. Click the headline for close-ups. 13.3cm capped.

Some fountain pen marriages are a very happy and blessed event. This Parker 75 cap and barrel have an earlier Parker Premier section and nib. This 1970s/early '80s variant of the Premier was to replace the 75 and only really barely updated the design. What we find especially remarkable about this barely vintage pen is its factory stub nib! We like the way it writes with good line variation. It comes with a modern Parker converter. You also can use Parker cartridges. The silver cap and barrel are free of dents. Made in France. Click the headline for close-ups. 12.8cm capped.

Everybody lusts after the Omas Arco pens, but don't overlook the simple gem that is the Omas Milord in black with gold-plated trim. Facets make for a distinct style, while the Greek-key triple cap band adds a touch of class. We find its piston-filler still works well. There is hardly a trace of wear on the pre-owned luxury pen that comes with its original boxes and papers. We all know that heart-and-soul of any pen is its nib. Well, this 18k beauty is as smooth as it comes while writing a nice medium line. Lucky you, we don't think anyone ever really broke in this nib. So the honor is all yours. Click the headline for close-ups. 13.5cm capped.