Dollar 717i Fountain Pen

[SpeedyB]

I've been keen on getting a fountain pen and unfortunately the local stationary store was sold-out of all pens in the $20-$100 range. The one pen under $100 was the Dollar 717i, which I purchased for $10 (http://evan-fountainpens.blogspot.com/2010/01/dollar-717i.html - mine's black). I also picked-up a bottle of Sheaffer Skrip black ink. Surely the pen doesn't look or feel expensive but it seems to be a good introduction to fountain pens. I look forward to getting something a bit more refined in the near future.

[brianw]

Great writing pakistani pen.... Go for a "51" when you are ready

[SpeedyB]

Great writing pakistani pen.... Go for a "51" when you are ready

Any good recommendations on which 51 or replica I should look at? I'll probably have $50 or less to spend.

[andrew98]

Just be aware that whatever 51 you get will likely be on the fine/very fine side compared to modern nibs. You can find some vintage pens here (http://www.pendemonium.com/). They also sell modern pens. This place (http://www.nibs.com/) has restored several vintage Parkers for me (excellent work!), and they sell modern pens, too. Check out the Namiki/Pilot Vanishing Point. It's expensive but really cool. Fountainpenhospital.com (http://www.fountainpenhospital.com/) has a huge selection, and sometimes they put very nice pens in their Super Special section for 50% off. I personally enjoy modern pens, and you don't have to spend much money at all to get a good one.

For inexpensive pens, I've had great luck with the Parker Frontier, but I can't find a converter to fit it. The Conklin Victory is also great. It's a replica of a 1940s military issue pen. It's discontinued, so if you find one, consider buying it. Should be something like $20, but I wouldn't pay more than that. The Hero 110 (near bottom of page) (http://www.isellpens.com/hero2.html) is a Parker 51 Chinese copy that gets good reviews. You can get a Waterman Phileas for about $25, and I've bought two Waterman Laureat pens for $30 each on everyone's favorite auction site. The Laureat is probably my favorite pen.

-Andy

[pal]

I agree with everyone about saving up and getting a Parker 51. I would suggest you get a Parker 51 "Special". It is a cheaper model of the 51 that uses the Areomatic filler. These Areomatic fillers are almost indestructible. If you get the pre 1947 1/2 Vacumatic models, say on EBay, chances are you will have to have it reconditioned which includes re-sacking. At any rate, everyone has to own at least one P51. Check out this site. http://www.parker51.com/index.html

[Gruder]

Cheaper still would be a Parker 21. +1 on these nibs being on the fine side.

Nice Dollar pen, though -- definitely a looker!

[brianw]

Only problem with the 21's is their tendency to to crack as the hood and barrel are Plastic verses the Lucite of a "51". The special is a fine pen..Octinium nib not 14k... I have all of the above... also under rated as a semi hooded is the 45. Great pen ....

[SpeedyB]

Thanks to all for the great recommendations! I have much to think about before purchasing another "writing instrument!"

[PaulL]

Another recommendation for a Parker 51, or a 51 Special. I have quite a few, you can't go wrong.

The 51 special has a steel nib and I can't tell the difference at all.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/plemay/top.jpg

[pal]

Another recommendation for a Parker 51, or a 51 Special. I have quite a few, you can't go wrong.

The 51 special has a steel nib and I can't tell the difference at all.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y271/plemay/top.jpg

Paul, nice Double Jewelled Vacumatic! What year was it produced?