Suggest a Delta!

[SIR]

Thinking of adding a Delta to my quiver particularly a LE at a closeout price, tempted by the Tutankhamen but would prefer a piston filler type... what do y'all Delta fans suggest?

[penwash]

I don't have a lot of experience with Delta to suggest anything.

I had recently a Delta Dolce Vita mini which I traded, I never wrote with it because it's a NOS, but I love the build quality and the size. The cap band is Sterling silver and the nib is 18K.

Moving back in time I had a Delta Vintage, which also is quite lovely, steel nib and good size and balance, also not expensive.

Moving further back in time, I had a Delta The Journal with the controversial Fusion nib. I didn't see any difference in writing experience versus steel or gold nibs (modern, not vintage).

None of the above are piston-fillers. But my impression on Deltas are positive, they don't make cheap-looking or cheap-feeling pens.

Just some data for you.

[aggoo]

I would assume closeout delta LEs aren't going to be around for much longer given Delta are no longer operating. You'd probably have to find something pretty soon.

My Delta pens are mostly main line pens, which are still interesting but not technically LEs.

I have Nautilus in vermeil and sterling silver, Profili in sterling with orange highlights and the 365 in Ice. All are beautifully made and aesthetically different and beautiful. All I can say is whichever model you choose, you'll probably be quite happy. I do find the nibs on the Nautilus and 365 much nicer than the Profili. They have the larger 18K Millenium nibs, which are both larger and a different shape but are nice and springy. The spade shaped 14K nib on the Profili (I think it's the same as the Dolce Vita line) is much firmer and has very little character.

I would assume Bryant at Chatterley's is the best place to find something unusual and piston filling, but there may be some closeouts coming through the auction channels in the next few months as other stores try to dump their stock. I know I'm keeping my eyes open

[broadoblique]

If one were to have just one Delta I'd suggest it have at some some of Delta's iconic orange. They used both resin and celluloid orange.
I'd also suggest their piston filler (labeled "stantuffo"). It's actually a large captive converter with a nice filler knob.
I'd definitely suggest an oversize with #8 nib. Delta was one of the more affordable pens that offered a lot of choices with the #8.
I'd also suggest Chatterley. Bryant Greer created a lot of wonderful specials with Delta.
Have fun!

[Freddie]

Thinking of adding a Delta to my quiver particularly a LE at a closeout price, tempted by the Tutankhamen but would prefer a piston filler type... what do y'all Delta fans suggest?

Two come to mind. For your consideration.

First a Delta LE Venezia c.1998 beautiful celluloid lever filler with matching base in .925 trim.

Nautilus very comfortable pen to write all day with in a variety of finishes c/c filler and the same outstanding 750/1000 Au nib as Venezia.

Fred

I wish everyone a healthy and productive week.....................................

[broadoblique]

If you like a pen I suggest you get it.
The Venezia is one of their nicer specials. I like that it's not just a color variant of the DV.

Delta was known for the LE of the month. Or maybe the week.
And every Delta lever I've seen has Edizione 1998 stamped on it. I think they came out with the Colosseum. I guess the quantity price break on custom levers left Delta with a lifetime supply of Edizione 1998.

[Marsilius]

I have a blue Israeli "dreidl" pen. Not a piston filler, but has a dreidl in the cap you can unscrew and use for Hanukkah. I bought in Israel so I got TWO dreidls: one that says "a great miracle was THERE" and the other that says "a great miracle was HERE". Here is a link, FYI:
https://www.ebay.com/i/380587310724?chn=ps&dispItem=1
Kind of cool. I would suggest any one that captures your fancy, because that probably will be of most value to you later (beyond the quality of the nib and body).

[SIR]

I know Chatterly's

I like this one from Peyton St though...


and this one...

[VertOlive]

I just snagged a white and orange Stantuffo to go with my other 4 Deltas, with a smooth 18kt nib.