Dupont Lighter & Pelikan Fountain Pen....

[joel]

Hi All,
Got way, way, way too many toys and am trying to cut down the herd a bit, since i've completely filled up "the man room" and am half-way into filling up one of our extra bedrooms

So with a heavy heart - I part with 2 dearly beloved and treasured items, I never really used

#1 - Gold Dupont Lighter

$475 OBO (if you're a contributor you can knock $25 off the price) - This is a 100% authentic Dupont, purchased from my local authorized dealer a number of years ago and comes complete with all of its original paperwork. It needs a light polish, but otherwise is in superlative shape. It was used about 15 times, and was never carried in a pocket, jostled around with any other items, etc. Essentially the first week I went around the house driving my wife nuts with it's infamous "PIIIING" and it lived the rest of its life in its box. When used the select few times it was, it was out of the box only long enough to light a cigar, then was promptly returned to it's box. I know - I know.... pointless for me to own it, and that's why it's for sale This is an uncommon model, from the "2 line" range, and had an MSRP of $1,100 when I bought it - and I paid a shocking $900 for it.

Pics (and please excuse my fingerprints which you can see on some of the close ups)....

















SOLD! $150 ($10 off for contributors) Pelikan M400 medium nib - Similar story as the Dupont. Since i've owned this Pelikan, i've only filled it once (Noodler's) signed a few documents, and stored it in it's case in a desk drawer. It's never been carried so it's in superb condition - I can't detect any light scratches or issues of ANY kind - it's basically new. Why did I never use it? Well, I have multiple Namiki Vanishing points as well as a Lamy 2000 as my daily work horses and intended on the Pelikan being my "special occasions" pen. Unfortunately, I never really had any special occasions - and the darn thing never got used Great pen, writes smooth as butta, looks stunning and comes in mint condition with all original paperwork, box, etc. MSRP $295.





Didn't wipe the nib to show you exactly how it was when I pulled it out of the drawer (has a little bit of dried black ink which would easily wipe off)






Both items include first class shipping. Insurance is extra and is highly recommended. I am not responsible for the item during shipment if insurance is not purchased.

[jakuda]

Great deal on the Pelikan. I have a M400 in Green stripe. I would jump on this if you had a Fine nib. I'm still tempted though...

[joel]

Great deal on the Pelikan. I have a M400 in Green stripe. I would jump on this if you had a Fine nib. I'm still tempted though...

I usually like fine nibs as well - but this medium was to irresistibly smooth. Never written with a smoother nib...

[DrumDawg]

dang joel; that is a sweet pelikan; and a great price

[joel]

A bump for good measure :-)

[Bayamontate]

Great looking lighter. Mined has traveled the world three times over and looks it has but works great. Good luck with your sale.

[jakespoppy]

Very nice, Joel.

That looks like a lighter that Humphrey Bogart might have pulled out of his pocket to light Lauren Bacall's cig.

[richmondesi]

I'm not trying to be sarcastic, and please forgive me if this is inappropriate. I know that the prices aren't out of line from what the market calls for, but what is it about a lighter than makes them so valuable?

Thanks, Joel.

[Bayamontate]

I've had several Dupont's in my lifetime, starting with an original BR (pre-ligne 1 or Gatsby) and yes they are expensive but they also last forever. One can buy 10 Colibri, Lotus, Promethous or whatever lighter and they will not outlast one Dupont. Duponts start as one piece of hollowed out brass then the lighting mechanism and tank are inserted, making them extremely durable and dependable.

True story, on tour in Curacao, I dropped my current Dupont (Bought it on tour in Zurich in 1987) while on a boat in about 30 feet of water, I dove in after it and retrieved it. Dried the flint and flint wheel and immediately lit a Partagas Serie D #4. Worth every penny.

[richmondesi]

I've had several Dupont's in my lifetime, starting with an original BR (pre-ligne 1 or Gatsby) and yes they are expensive but they also last forever. One can buy 10 Colibri, Lotus, Promethous or whatever lighter and they will not outlast one Dupont. Duponts start as one piece of hollowed out brass then the lighting mechanism and tank are inserted, making them extremely durable and dependable.

True story, on tour in Curacao, I dropped my current Dupont (Bought it on tour in Zurich in 1987) while on a boat in about 30 feet of water, I dove in after it and retrieved it. Dried the flint and flint wheel and immediately lit a Partagas Serie D #4. Worth every penny.

Wow.. Cool! Thanks for sharing

[Ray-Vigo]

I have an M400 in blue stripe with both a medium and a fine nib (change depending on what I'm using it for). They smooth and reliable pens. I would consider the Pelika M series the best fountain pens currently in production. These M400 pens are the Porsche 911s of the pen world-- the design hasn't changed a whole lot in their many years, they look classic, give great performance and are reliable too. The only pens that compete in my collection are my vintage Sheaffers and Parkers, which haven't been made in decades. When I want a modern FP, I reach for my M400.

[Nobeard]

I'm an occasional cigar smoker. I have a variety of lighters. The DuPont is a masterpiece.

But in all honesty, from a man who likes nice things, the value is not in it's sturdiness or longeviety. Zippo lighters will also last more than a lifetime.

And a new bic lighter every 6 months for a lifetime won't come close to the sales tax on a DuPont lighter.

It's value comes from what it is. A DuPont lighter from Paris. It has great status and tradition in the world of lighters.

It is Rolls-Royce, McIntosh stereo components, Ferrari, Opus X cigars. All of these things cost extra because of the name attached to them.

Lighting a cigar with it will make you feel like Cary Grant. It is one of life's little pieces of heaven. A true masterpiece

[professorchaos]

That lighter is almost enough to make me start smoking again.

[kingfisher]

Great deal on the Pelikan. I have a M400 in Green stripe. I would jump on this if you had a Fine nib. I'm still tempted though...

You can get any nib size you want, from XXXF (needlepoint) to a broad stub at www.richardspens.com, and Pelikan nibs screw out, so replacing the nib is simple.

I'd jump on it myself by the 400 is way too small for my hands.

[jakuda]

You can get any nib size you want, from XXXF (needlepoint) to a broad stub at...........

I know I know. You don't have to tempt me further...

[kopio]

You can get any nib size you want, from XXXF (needlepoint) to a broad stub at www.richardspens.com, and Pelikan nibs screw out, so replacing the nib is simple.

I'd jump on it myself by the 400 is way too small for my hands.

+1 on Richard. He's top notch. I have an m400 tortoise (yeah, I know...chick stick) that I write with posted. Unposted it's definitely too small for my hands, but posted it is quite comfortable. I'm a big pen guy too (my favorite is my Aurora Talentum) so that should tell you something.

On a side note....I think it's funny that we all like straights, cigars, and fountain pens. What is it about birds of a feather......

[joel]

Wow.. Cool! Thanks for sharing

Hi Paul,
It's impossible to explain in words/text the beauty - and mystique of a Dupont. No, it's not just the name it's the item itself. Find a local Dupont dealer and check one out for chuckles an grins, and you'll be shocked. First of all - the moment you feel it, you'll be shocked..... it's really heavy - I mean the darn thing could be used as a weapon! As you push the top open, the spring takes over and you're greeted with a VERY loud (and pretentious) "PIIIIIIING" that fills a room and immediately draws everyones attention. One flick of the flint and you have a smooth, linear flame, no burping or funny business for smooth, even lights.

Again - it's hard to explain, but guaranteed, if you put one in your hand, pop it open and flick the flint, you'll never forget the dupont name, or quality again.

[kprincehouse]

Must... resist... must... save money... must... oh who am I kidding. PM en route on the pen.

[richmondesi]

Hi Paul,
It's impossible to explain in words/text the beauty - and mystique of a Dupont. No, it's not just the name it's the item itself. Find a local Dupont dealer and check one out for chuckles an grins, and you'll be shocked. First of all - the moment you feel it, you'll be shocked..... it's really heavy - I mean the darn thing could be used as a weapon! As you push the top open, the spring takes over and you're greeted with a VERY loud (and pretentious) "PIIIIIIING" that fills a room and immediately draws everyones attention. One flick of the flint and you have a smooth, linear flame, no burping or funny business for smooth, even lights.

Again - it's hard to explain, but guaranteed, if you put one in your hand, pop it open and flick the flint, you'll never forget the dupont name, or quality again.

Now I want one... and I don't even need one

[Cmaster03]

That lighter is almost enough to make me start smoking again.

What he said!