I love the thrill of the pursuit when it comes to finding the next vintage fountain pen to add to my collection. Unlike some of my fellow collectors I use my vintage fountain pens on a daily basis. Considerable thought is given to which pens I will carry. I select 2 -4 pens to carry with me to work. (2 in my shirt pocket and 2 more in a vintage pen case that I bought from Gary Lehrer.) I am a creature of habit so typically I will carry 2 Parkers and 2 Sheaffers all inked up with blue Parker Quink. (I find Parker Quink to be good for vintage fountain pens and will opine on this subject in a future blog.) In a typical work week I attend numerous meetings and take notes the old fashioned way with vintage fountain pens and a Rhodia notebook. A colleague of mine who retired a couple of years ago gave me a framed reprint of a 1928 Waterman add for Christmas after we discussed my passion. (He liked to write with mechanical pencils.) Another colleague called me a pen snob! My biggest fear at work is that someone will ask me that all time dreaded question, “Can I borrow your pen?” Yikes! I must admit I keep a supply of cheap pens on my desk and in my briefcase should that horrible question arise. I do enjoy the reaction of some to my habit. Last week I was cashing a check in the bank and the teller said, “I haven’t seen one of those in years!” If you are a vintage fountain pen collector don’t be afraid to use and enjoy your pens. Just be sure to keep a couple of cheap pens on hand in case someone asks to borrow your pen. Happy collecting!
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