A box of pens

[chojo]

I looked in my loft, mouse droppings and dead spiders, oh well. Alan I hope you enjoy your stay.

[nico]

Wow, what a wonderful start. You are lucky boy, Alan.

[Alanc]

Hi,

This is my first attempt at posting photos. My digital camera is a rangefinder and not much use for close up photography, so found an old Panasonic for these shots.
There is a little dust on the pens from lining in the the new case. The pens themselves are unmarked. I have included the ball pens and pencils that came with the "attic" find.
The Conways, Montblanc 142 and 144, Parker 51 and the Pelikan 100, 400 and 400NN have all been acquired within the past week or so.

Cheers Alan

[sgtstretch]

Those are some beautiful pens!

[cwent2]

Have to agree with sgtstretch - Nice indeed!

[Alanc]

I forgot to include this lovely old box with my last post.
The box was found as is, would love to know which pen was originally placed in it.

Cheers

Alan

[sgtstretch]

Hmm, that looks like a J.Herbin ink bottle. I wonder if Pelikan makes J.Herbin ink, or vice versa?

[Jon Szanto]

Good grief, what an already great collection of pens - stunning stuff!

That's an ink bottle design that Pelikan has been making for a while, but it does have similarities to the J. Herbin bottles (of similar design).

[Alanc]

Close up of the ink bottle, has not been opened I guess it is about 25 years old.

Cheers

Alan

[Jon Szanto]

I'm sorry, Alan, but that stripey Montblanc looks out-of-place, I'm afraid you'll have to hand it over. Same with that Cracked Ice Conway-Stewart. It would be best if you just rid yourself of those outliers before they pollute the pristine collection. PM me for my address, I'll cover the postage.

[tandaina]

Those are *unremarkable?* Heavens. No, those are beautiful, and by any standards a lovely, lovely start to a collection. Most people will never *see* a stripped Montblanc in the flesh, to say nothing of *owning* one. The Pelikans are just lovely as well.

[Alanc]

Hi Jon,

Thanks for the offer! They do look nice.

My interest in fountain pens started 21st Feb a few weeks ago. Although I am still "geek Lite" I have jumped in the deep end. The Montblanc is an early 50's 142 with a cork piston as I am sure you already know. It is fully restored and is in superb condition, I am early 1950's vintage it is in far better condition than me!
The Montblanc to the right of the 142 is a late 50's 144 with a Kugel nib ( I am starting to get geeky) again a wonderful restoration. The Conway "cracked ice is a No 58 from the mid 50's beautifully restored.

Many of the pens/pencils pictured above have been acquired by happenstance. Funds permitting I hope to acquire a few more 50's Montblancs, 50's Pelicans and 50's Conways.
Funds and hope being the appropriate words

Cheers

Alan

[Jon Szanto]

Alan, you've already got a collection that many people might take years to acquire. My hat's off to you!

[Alanc]

Thank you Jon,

I have a current favourite, it's the Pelican 100 produced during WW2 with the original chromium/nickel nib, this pen looks a though it has just left the factory.

Cheers Alan

[cwent2]

All I can only say is wow

[Alanc]

I have just ordered another five 1950's Montblancs.

I can't justify the expense, but hey it's my birthday at the end on the month and my shares have been doing well.
I am fortunate that the Lady in my life "gets it" where fountain pens are concerned.

This will give me (all 1950's) - 142 Grey Striated, 142 Black Celluloid, 144 Black Celluloid, 244 Black Celluloid, 252 Black Celluloid, 254 Black Celluloid, 264 Black Celluloid.
Plus a 1980's 144/classic. All overhauled and as near mint 1950's pens can be.

May receive them on Friday, can barely wait.
This is not meant to be a brag, just that I am really fired up just now.

Cheers

Alan

[Jon Szanto]

Ok, Alan, you're going to have to leave now. This is too depressing.

(just kidding)

[Alanc]

Hi Jon,

I have been an keen stamp collector for a number of years now mainly 1840/41 Victorian Penny Blacks/Reds and Twopenny Blues, I have this on hold now.The prices now demanded by the very best stamps make fine old Fountain Pens seem "almost" affordable.
I believe that I have discovered a new (to me) hobby, that involves the thrill of the hunt, detective work (loved poking around the history of the Pelikan 100) and an aesthetic quality, they are beautiful objects.

I have always bought the very best that I can afford, as I believe W.O.Bentley said "The quality remains long after the price has been forgotten".

Now for the 146 and 149 (just kidding).

Cheers

Alan

[Laura N]

Jon tipped me off to this thread. Wow, what beautiful pens. Thanks for sharing them.

[bluefeathers]

Wow, Alan you're on a roll! Those Pelikans you inherited via your girlfriend look pristine, what luck!! I have the same tastes as you--love Montblanc, Pelikan, and Conway Stewart too
hats off to you!