Fountain Pens with Nib Size: F

Some vintage pens work perfectly well, but their cosmetics turn-off some collectors. This is one of those pens in a Parker 51. The cap is dented, rusted, stained and imperfect. The fountain pen still works well with its original "pli-glass" ink sac. The hood and barrel have some wear and scratches. There's a little rust staining where the cap rested against the barrel. Clearly, this pen can survive Hell, and it is still ready to write. You'll write a firm, fine line with a little feedback using its 14k gold nib. 13.7cm capped.

We got this pen from a friend who loves to tinker. When we got this pen to sell, we said, "Wait a second, what's this Danitrio Brillante doing with a 14k gold Sailor nib?" Then we remembered where we got the pen. This preowned pen is a limited edition numbered 101 of 200. Given that the pen originally came with a steel nib, we think this wrong nib is an upgrade. Click the headline for a close-ups. The pen is otherwise in great shape with minimal wear. It comes with its original converter. You will write a fine line with a hint of feedback, which makes sense given it is stamped H-F. 14cm capped.

You've always wanted a Parker Snakes pen from the turn of the last century, but the $10,000 price tag has scared you off. Well, here is a larger, modern version called the Danitrio Phantas I. Filling with a standard international converter (or cartridges), this pen has a two-tone steel nib. It is marked M for medium, but we find it writes more of a nice fine line. We don't believe the filigree has any precious metal, but we still like the red glass eyes of the serpents. Light wear from use. 14cm capped.

The German luxury pen market is rather flooded, and Xezo is frequently overlooked. Nevertheless, this is a really handsome pen with platinum-plated trim and a mother-of-pearl design. It is numbered 204, but we don't know how many were made. You'll fine its two-tone steel nib writes a smooth line that we think is closer to medium, though the nib says it is a fine point. It comes with a Limited Edition box, although we aren't certain it is the correct box. It also comes with a converter and polishing cloth. Minimal wear from use. 14.4cm capped.

The original Sheaffer Valiant came with a vacuum-fil filler system. The color is a rarer umber brown. There is a little light wear from use. There is no brassing, no cracks or deep scratches. You can see in the photo that the cap pushed a little of the softer barrel plastic back where it closes. This vintage pen was restored by the great Sherrell Tyree, who is a renowned Sheaffer expert. You will write a smooth fine-medium line with its two-tone 14k gold Triumph nib. Oh, and it has nice ink-view window clarity. Click the headline for close-ups. Wide bodied and 13.3cm capped.

We don't often get excited about ringtop fountain pens, but this Parker Lady Duofold is something else. It is pretty close to mint for a 100-year-old pen. Really crisp milling on the top of the cap and blind cap. Deep, sharp imprint that is kinda uncommon for Lady Duofolds. Our vintage pen has been fully restored with a new ink sac. The only real imperfection with the pen is that the cap is several shades lighter than the barrel. Yet, it has a raised cap band, which is often desired. Click the headline for close-ups. Its 14k gold nib writes a smooth fine line with a hint of feedback. It has a "Christmas tree" inkfeed. No brassing. 12cm capped.

Needing a quality pen that was also affordable to help get through the Great Depression, Parker developed the Challenger line. Our Parker Deluxe Challenger is a handsome green marble with the older Duofold-style button filler. It is an average sized pen with a small 14k gold nib. You will write a nice, firm fine line with it. A lower-tier pen they did some cheap plating over a steel clip. Most of the plating has worn away. No cracks, but the pen does have wear from use. Fully restored with a fresh ink sac. It is a nice vintage pen daily driver. 12.7cm capped.

Now if you really like Parker pens, this early Parker 20 made between 1906 and 1910 out to be the pen for you. It is a mottled hard rubber design with super crisp imprints. You won't find many pens this nice from this long ago. It is an eyedropper pen with its original "Lucky Curve" inkfeed intact. Click the headline and you can see its cap imprint and nib. No cracks. Museum worthy. We haven't dipped the nib, as we don't know who would actually want to write with such a pristine early Parker. Using the thumb-nail test, the nib separates easily from the feed meaning it loses inkflow. The feed can be heated to get tighter against the nib, but, again, this is so old and nice, why risk doing damage? 13.6cm capped.