Lamy Collection

[Jon Szanto]

Some day, there will come a time when I will understand why people acquire many examples of a pen that all look exactly the same, but today is not that day.

[Bogon07]

Some day, there will come a time when I will understand why people acquire many examples of a pen that all look exactly the same, but today is not that day.

Simple, because they are different colours & different nibs.

[whych]

Part of the reason the manufacturers make minor changes to the pen: colour, clip, etc is to get the purist collector who wants a complete collection of all the models to buy another pen.

[Sailor Kenshin]

Color color color!

Nexx:
Pink cap, F
Coral cap, M

AlStar:
Blue, M
Pearl, B (I thinnnkkk?)

Safari:
NOS pikachu yellow/black, M
Blue, M
Red, F
Modern Yellow, XF
Charcoal, 1.1
Pink, M
Aquamarine, B
Apple Green, B
Neon Yellow, M (reaaallly shoulda been a 1.1 but this'll change)

Want:
Coffee alStar
Silver Green AlStar
Terracotta Safari
Savannah Safari

And maybe a black 2000. I dunno.

[Tony Rex]

Safari:
NOS pikachu yellow/black, M

Tony

[Jon Szanto]

Some day, there will come a time when I will understand why people acquire many examples of a pen that all look exactly the same, but today is not that day.

Simple, because they are different colours & different nibs.

Uh, yeah, I know that. That is the easy part to figure.

But your "different" color looks like everyone else's. Unlike celluloid pens - an easy example would be Esterbrooks, another cheap and easily collected pen - there is no variation in looks. Every red Esterbrook J looks different, is unique in some fashion.

This must be more like when people collected Beanie Babies, or Cabbage Patch dolls, being manipulated by the manufacturers...

[whych]

But your "different" color looks like everyone else's. Unlike celluloid pens - an easy example would be Esterbrooks, another cheap and easily collected pen - there is no variation in looks. Every red Esterbrook J looks different, is unique in some fashion.

Whereas the celluloid differences were a result of the processing in that no two were exactly the same, with Lamy the changes are deliberate.

The car manufacturers do the same over the lifetime of a model - little changes that make people want the latest model.
I should imagine that collecting Lamys is not a bad way to go since they are reasonably cheap to buy new. Some of the more unusual models from a couple of years ago are now worth more than a current new one.

[Sailor Kenshin]

Some day, there will come a time when I will understand why people acquire many examples of a pen that all look exactly the same, but today is not that day.

Simple, because they are different colours & different nibs.

Uh, yeah, I know that. That is the easy part to figure.

But your "different" color looks like everyone else's. Unlike celluloid pens - an easy example would be Esterbrooks, another cheap and easily collected pen - there is no variation in looks. Every red Esterbrook J looks different, is unique in some fashion.

This must be more like when people collected Beanie Babies, or Cabbage Patch dolls, being manipulated by the manufacturers...

I never collected either one. I am not being 'manipulated,' lol. I like the colors. I like the many nibs. I like the look of the pen.

Simply because people like different things does not mean we are glazed-eyed zombies going, 'Yesssss, Massasterrrr.'

[Jon Szanto]

Whereas the celluloid differences were a result of the processing in that no two were exactly the same, with Lamy the changes are deliberate.

Yes, understood. This would be very similar to the use of colored plastics in 1950's-60's era Sheaffers, and the Parker 51.

The car manufacturers do the same over the lifetime of a model - little changes that make people want the latest model.
I should imagine that collecting Lamys is not a bad way to go since they are reasonably cheap to buy new. Some of the more unusual models from a couple of years ago are now worth more than a current new one.

Well, the bolded part is what I referred to: manipulation. I do realize there are a few models that have gained value, as any collectible will (like Barbies).

I never collected either one. I am not being 'manipulated,' lol.

So say you.

I like the colors. I like the many nibs. I like the look of the pen.

Fair enough. Horses for courses, and all that.

Simply because people like different things does not mean we are glazed-eyed zombies going, 'Yesssss, Massasterrrr.'

Liking different things is not the issue. Well, maybe it is, when you people like the same exact thing, over and over. Take note when they offer a new Safari that differs only in color, and each and every one will look the same.

I understand it is an aesthetic sweet spot for people, many really *do* love this pen. I'm just trying to understand the many aspects of collecting, this niche being one of them. I don't think there is anything wrong with any of this, because there is obvious joy in it.

[whych]

Of course it's manipulation - it's easier and cheaper to make little changes than it is to design a new pen.
Of course, if you want to get even more picky about the 'manipulation' bit, why do people want to buy the modern nail nib MB when a Lamy or other cheap pen will perform the same.
In the one instance the manipulation is from the manufacturer and in the other by our peers for the status symbol.

[Bogon07]

Some day, there will come a time when I will understand why people acquire many examples of a pen that all look exactly the same, but today is not that day.

Simple, because they are different colours & different nibs.

Uh, yeah, I know that. That is the easy part to figure.

But your "different" color looks like everyone else's. Unlike celluloid pens - an easy example would be Esterbrooks, another cheap and easily collected pen - there is no variation in looks. Every red Esterbrook J looks different, is unique in some fashion.

This must be more like when people collected Beanie Babies, or Cabbage Patch dolls, being manipulated by the manufacturers...

I think we could start up a whole topic of pen collecting philosophy in the broader sense under the general pen forum.
Every person on this forum will have their own set of reasons for owning more than one pen.

I have only my own frame of reference on collecting Lamy Safari & Al-Star pens.
I like the basic shape of the pens, they are comfortable, fairly robust and will write in a consistant way that I like.
They have a range of interchangable nibs. And I realised that I can order a whole Safari pen with a converter from overseas at a similar price to a nib here in Australia so this is part of the reason for having a bunch of them.
I like the idea of having easily colour identifiable pens loaded with different inks.
I find the Lamy colour range interesting.
Collecting the new LE editions gives me something to look forward to. Along with the fun of wondering what the next colour it will be.
Like some animals they look better in a herd.

I don't care that my red or green pen is the same as the one everybody else as I'm not trying to amass a unique or elite collection.
In fact the beauty of these Lamy is that they are uniform, unlike the celluliod patterned pens where due to a random event in the manufacturing process you could get a fantastic looking pen or a very ordinary one.

Doesn't just about every other manufacturer ofter the same pen in different colour variations or the same black pen in size variations.

[woosang]

Ken summed it up for beautifully. I will shorten it to "because I want to" I will never understand paying >$250 for a pen but if you want to and I see something you have been looking for, I would happily tell you. Why do I collect ink? I enjoy it. Just because it makes me happy.

[Sailor Kenshin]

OT! Sorta, but I changed my first Lamy nib yesterday! I am soooo excited!

[jacksterp]

Ken summed it up for beautifully. I will shorten it to "because I want to" I will never understand paying >$250 for a pen but if you want to and I see something you have been looking for, I would happily tell you. Why do I collect ink? I enjoy it. Just because it makes me happy.

Pens and inks make me happy as well.

Thanks for reminding me!

[brandonh]

I picked up this fun one on eBay this week. Original Lamy Safari packaging from the early 80s when it was launched. For white pens, the plastic end pieces where white. Same pen/packaging matching with green and orange.


Interior shot...


Two-fer! Original box, plus a promo pen. This specimen is a rollerball.


First time I've seen the W. Germany stamp on the barrel of the Safari...


…usually it is just on the end cap.

[jacksterp]

The packaging alone is worth the price of admission. A remarkable find.

[PenSilvania]

Hi I´ve seen some nice Lamy

http://www.ebay.de/itm/330948594615?...84.m1558.l2649
http://www.ebay.de/itm/330948595315?...84.m1558.l2649
http://www.ebay.de/itm/330948595984?...84.m1558.l2649

[Bogon07]

Brandonh, that is very Safari packaging .
What is the pen made of ? It appears a silver grey in some photos and black in others.

Hi I´ve seen some nice Lamy
http://www.ebay.de/itm/330948594615?...84.m1558.l2649
http://www.ebay.de/itm/330948595315?...84.m1558.l2649
http://www.ebay.de/itm/330948595984?...84.m1558.l2649

Interesting, the 2nd one looks like a Charcoal rather than shiny Black.

[Toffer]

Hi guys, haven't been on here for a while! Has anyone else seen the pink safari is bring re-released?

[brandonh]

I don't feel compelled to buy every last piece of Lamy ephemera I see, but this was just too bad to let go. I mean, who thought this was a good sticker idea? Those early-mid-90s were wild times.



Just terrible.