Iconic pens

[penwash]

Icon: a person or thing regarded as representative of a concept, phenomenon or a category of things or persons. Obviously that includes a wide spectrum of interpretations of what's iconic.

Exactly. Somehow I can't quite see how any brand or model of a fountain pen might be considered iconic. For a long time I thought I could but the more I looked at the examples the less sure I became.

Sure it can.

Let's say Parker 51, to me, it represents the idea of "I mean business", "I'm ready to sign important documents, treaties, contracts," in other words: The concept of being official and serious, and expensive.

Contrast that with the Lamy Safari, which (again) to me says: "I'm fun, collectable, and I will cheer you up or match your mood with my colors," in other words: The concept of fun, cheerful, inspirational, and not expensive.

Am I close?