Dollar 717i Fountain Pen

**SpeedyB** · 02-08-2010, 05:33 PM

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.co...llar-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** · 02-08-2010, 05:40 PM

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

**SpeedyB** · 02-08-2010, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by brianw

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** · 02-09-2010, 04:57 AM

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. They also sell modern pens. This place 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 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) 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** · 02-11-2010, 07:30 PM

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** · 02-11-2010, 07:45 PM

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

Nice Dollar pen, though -- definitely a looker!

**brianw** · 02-11-2010, 07:57 PM

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** · 02-12-2010, 02:50 AM

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

**PaulL** · 02-13-2010, 02:36 PM

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.

**pal** · 02-14-2010, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

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