Fountain Pen History and Collecting
by NFP Designn on Oct 15, 2024

The history of the fountain pen has a very important place in the evolution of writing instruments. The emergence of the first fountain pens developed as a result of the need to write in ancient times without having to constantly refill the ink.
First Developments:
- **10th century BC**: There is evidence of the use of simple fountain pen-like writing instruments in ancient Egypt. These were simple structures that were used by filling a hollowed-out reed with ink.
The Birth of the Modern Fountain Pen:
- **17th century**: Although fountain pen-like devices were developed, these were not widespread and had reliability issues. There were problems, especially ink leakage.
- **1827**: French inventor **Petrache Poenaru** invented the first fountain pen with an ink reservoir and this pen was patented in France. This pen, which had a spare ink reservoir, attracted great attention as a portable writing instrument.
Developments in the 19th Century:
- **1880s**: The popularity of fountain pens increased when American inventor **Lewis Waterman** patented the fountain pen. Waterman developed a system that controlled the ink flow. This allowed the ink flow to be more regular and made fountain pens more reliable.
- **20th century**: Great advances were made in the production of fountain pens. Major fountain pen manufacturers such as Parker and Sheaffer made improvements in both design and functionality. Ink filling systems were improved and the writing comfort of fountain pens increased.
Nowadays:
Today, fountain pens continue to be a preferred writing instrument in terms of their aesthetics and writing quality. Collectors and writing enthusiasts are particularly interested in handmade and luxurious fountain pens.
Despite technological advances, the fountain pen maintains its prestigious place among traditional writing instruments.
Collecting
Fountain pen collecting stands out as a hobby that appeals to both those interested in the art of writing and those with nostalgic and aesthetic tastes. Collectors collect fountain pens of various brands and models from different periods. Here are some important points about fountain pen collecting:
1. **Brands and Models**
- **Prestigious brands such as Montblanc, Parker, Pelikan, Waterman, Eversharp, Omas, Visconti, Kaweco, Sailor, Graf Von Faber Castell, Schaffer's, Lamy** are popular among collectors. Especially limited edition or vintage models attract great attention.
- In addition to old models, modern, handmade or specially designed pens are also popular in the collections.
2. **Collector's Value**
- The rarity of the pens, the material they are made of (such as gold, silver), their history and their brand affect their collection value.
- Factors such as the filling systems of **fountain pens**, the materials used, and the details of handcrafting also increase their value.
3. **Collector Societies**
- Fountain pen collectors often gather in online communities or forums to share information about pens and to sell and trade.
- Some countries hold fountain pen fairs and meetings where collectors can examine and purchase rare pens.
4. **Pen Care**
- Fountain pens should be properly stored and cleaned regularly. Ink residue and moisture can affect the pen's performance. Special cleaning kits and methods are used.
5. **Collection Development**
- Collectors often start out with one brand or model and then start collecting different types of pens over time. Some collections can be worth thousands of dollars.
Fountain pen collecting is a hobby with aesthetic and historical significance. What is your interest in this hobby? Do you have a collection or are you thinking of starting one?