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 DUKE Fountain Pen Calligraphy Pen Set Two Nib Exchangeable High Shine S Steel $9.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 17h 44m |
 Picasso Fountain Pen PS907 MONTMARTRE Red and Black NEW $16.90 Time Remaining: 26d 11h 51m Buy It Now for only: $16.90 |
 Sheaffer Fountain Pen Classic Ink Cartridges Black $5.00 Time Remaining: 20h 53m |
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 VINTAGE KEY CHAIN FOUNTAIN PEN $5.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 10h 6m |
 Fountain Pen Calligraphy Pen Replace High Shine Steel $14.90 Time Remaining: 18d 13h 21m Buy It Now for only: $14.90 |
 LEVENGER DECATHLON FOUNTAIN PEN SHIRAZ MEDIUM REFURBISHED $72.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 1d 12h 36m |
 4X Hero Fountain Pen Matt Black Barrel Extra Fine Nib $17.90 Time Remaining: 21d 1h 3m Buy It Now for only: $17.90 |
 LEVENGER CHESTERTON ESPRESSO FOUNTAIN PEN MEDIUM REFURBISHED $54.95 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 37m |
 5 PACK Pilot Varsity Fountain Pen Black FAST SHIP $12.00 Time Remaining: 11h 41m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 |
 LEVENGER VERONA ll FOUNTAIN PEN TEAL MEDIUM NEW $59.95 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 52m |
 LEVENGER VERONA ll FOUNTAIN PEN TEAL MEDIUM NEW $59.95 Time Remaining: 2d 12h 23m |
 2 PCS Pilot con 50 converter for fountain pen brand new $7.99 Time Remaining: 22d 18h 16m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 LEVENGER VERONA ll FOUNTAIN PEN TEAL MEDIUM NEW $59.95 Time Remaining: 2d 12h 50m |
 LAMY New Safari Green Fountain Pen 2012 Limited Edition $19.65 Time Remaining: 26d 1h 57m Buy It Now for only: $19.65 |
 GUCCI ACCESSORY COLLECTION Italian VINTAGE 80s Fountain Pen MINT $120.00 Time Remaining: 3d 10h 4m |
 ANJ79 JINHAO 750 MILK WHITE IVORY WHITE MEDIUM NIB FOUNTAIN PEN $7.30 Time Remaining: 25d 20h 18m Buy It Now for only: $7.30 |
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 HERO LISEUR 913 Fountain Pen Extra Fine Nib Hooded Nibs Lacquered Black GT NEW $14.90 Time Remaining: 15d 12h 44m Buy It Now for only: $14.90 |
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 So Lifelike Crocodile Fountain Pens Two Crystals Eyes Extra Fine Hooded Nib Blue $6.90 Time Remaining: 3d 14h 19m |
 DUKE Fountain Pen Lacquered Black CT Weighty F Nib NEW $17.90 Time Remaining: 6d 8h 8m Buy It Now for only: $17.90 |
 LEVENGER KAWECO CLASSIC SPORT FOUNTAIN PEN BLACK REFURBISHED $17.95 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 14m |
 HERO Calligraphy Pen Lacquered Black Famous Painting On $14.90 Time Remaining: 22d 9h 57m Buy It Now for only: $14.90 |
 Pen Ink Sketch Fountain Pen Set with 3 Ink Converter Suede Wrap Fine Point $12.00 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 37m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 |
 Pen Ink Fountain Pen Sketch Set Fine Point $20.82 Time Remaining: 29d 8h 7m Buy It Now for only: $20.82 |
 Parker Royal Challenger Fountain Pen 1939 Golden Herringbone Finish $19.95 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 14h 27m |
 HERO Fountain Pens 616 Regular Fountain Pen BLACK New $5.90 Time Remaining: 20d 17h 44m Buy It Now for only: $5.90 |
 Parker 1930s Mechanical Pencil For Vaccumatic Set Red Marble Finish Good Cond $19.95 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 35m |
 4 Pack 20pcs Hero Fountain Pen Ink Refill Pen Cartridges Standard Blue Ink NEW $5.90 Time Remaining: 13d 12h 39m Buy It Now for only: $5.90 |
 Vintage Wahl Eversharp Silver Plated Mechanical Pencil Works good $19.95 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 40m |
 Sheaffer Gold Filled Vintage Mechanical Pencil Works good $19.95 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 46m |
 DUKE Fountain Pen 2009 Charlie Chaplin Collection Commemorative Vividly Molded $29.90 Time Remaining: 28d 11h 45m Buy It Now for only: $29.90 |
 Scripto Mechanical Pencil Works good $9.95 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 52m |
 HERO 6116 Fountain Pen Extra Fine Nib Accounting Pen A Small Portable Tin Box $8.90 Time Remaining: 15d 12h 46m Buy It Now for only: $8.90 |
 HERO 152 Fountain Pen Vintage Design Patterned Barrel Black Fine Nib Early Pens $7.80 Time Remaining: 4d 16h 39m |
 HERO 7032 Fountain Pen Lacquered Black GT Fine Nib A Small Portable Box NEW $8.90 Time Remaining: 15d 12h 45m Buy It Now for only: $8.90 |
 Lot of vintage fountain pens Jumbo Peter Pan $5.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 17h 1m |
 Fountain Pen Ink Bottle Ink 60ml Black Or Blue Bottle Ink Writing Bottle Ink New $6.27 Time Remaining: 18d 5h 14m Buy It Now for only: $6.27 |
 PARKER VECTOR FOUNTAIN PEN BLACK NEW MEDIUM POINT FILLS W CARTRIDGE CONVERTER $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5d 11h 10m |
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 Picasso Accounting Pen 919 BAROQUE Laquer Hooded Nib EF $28.90 Time Remaining: 24d 11h 36m Buy It Now for only: $28.90 |
 PARKER IM SHINY CHROME FOUNTAIN PEN IN BOX MEDIUM POINT $0.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 5d 12h 52m |
 Picasso Fountain Pen PS908 CENTURY PIONEER Lacquered F $19.90 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 7m Buy It Now for only: $19.90 |
 KOH I NOOR RAPIDOGRAPH SL Fountain Calligraphy Pen Number 2 $9.99 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 28m |
 LAMY Safari Matt Grey Fountain Pen $27.50 Time Remaining: 24d 11h 56m Buy It Now for only: $27.50 |
 Vintage KOH I NOOR Artpen 3050 Fountain Pen Cartoon Art Drawing $66.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 19h 37m |
 Pilot ink 30 for fountain pen black ink $6.99 Time Remaining: 28d 8h 27m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 |
 Vintage Lot of 4 KOH I NOOR RAPIDOGRAPH Fountain Pens 03 2 000 0 Germany $59.99 Time Remaining: 5d 19h 43m |
 JINHAO X750 DELUXE BLACK 18KGP FOUNTAIN PEN MB NIB W SOLID CHROME ACCENTS $11.99 Time Remaining: 9d 23h 9m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 NEW Bazic Fountain Pen Ink Cartridge Refill 1730 12 Per Pack 5 Packs $9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 7h 44m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 SHEAFFER BLACK MATTE AWARD FOUNTAIN PEN 142 NEW $7.00 Time Remaining: 6d 15h 15m |
 FREE SHIPPING 22K NIB PILOT FOUNTAIN pen 78G black $9.99 Time Remaining: 20d 20h 35m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 SHEAFFER BLUE MATTE AWARD FOUNTAIN PEN 142 NEW $7.00 Time Remaining: 6d 15h 15m |
 JINHAO X750 CHESSBOARD PATTERN 18KGP FOUNTAIN PEN GREY SILVER W BLACK M B NIP $10.00 Time Remaining: 13d 20h 30m Buy It Now for only: $10.00 |
 SHEAFFER YELLOW MATTE AWARD FOUNTAIN PEN 143 NEW $7.00 Time Remaining: 6d 15h 16m |
 HERO 51A Fountain Pen Lacquered Black Extra Fine Nib $14.90 Time Remaining: 24d 10h 22m Buy It Now for only: $14.90 |
 Pilot The Falcon Flexible Nib Fountain Pen Sapphire Metal Barrel 60671 $119.95 Time Remaining: 6d 23h 41m Buy It Now for only: $159.95 |
 Lot 3 Pack 15pcs Parker Quink Ink Refilsl Fountain Pen Cartridges BLACK NEW $12.00 Time Remaining: 25d 12h 49m Buy It Now for only: $12.00 |
 JINHAO X750 EXECUTIVE RED MAGMA B NIB FOUNTAIN PEN NEW IN GIFT BOX $12.56 Time Remaining: 13h 5m |
 JINHAO X450 SCARLET TWIST CARVED B NIB EXECUTIVE FOUNTAIN PEN NEW IN BOX $12.56 Time Remaining: 13h 5m |
 Picasso 917 EMOTION OF ROMAN Fountain Pens Lacquered Barrel Black Gold Trims NEW $24.90 Time Remaining: 6d 14h 45m Buy It Now for only: $24.90 |
 JINHAO X450 BLUE TWIST CARVED B NIB EXECUTIVE FOUNTAIN PEN NEW IN BOX $12.56 Time Remaining: 13h 5m |
 Picasso Fountain Pen PS901 AMOROUS FEELING OF PARIS NEW $35.90 Time Remaining: 9d 9h 42m Buy It Now for only: $35.90 |
 JINHAO X750 SHIMMERING SANDS B NIB EXECUTIVE FOUNTAIN PEN NEW IN GIFT BOX $12.56 Time Remaining: 13h 5m |
 DUKE LEONARDO DE VINCI SERIES CARBON FIBRE RED BLUE YELLOW FOUNTAIN PEN M B NIB $12.99 Time Remaining: 23d 22h 1m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 JINHAO X750 EXECUTIVE IVORY WHITE FOUNTAIN PEN Med NIB NEW IN GIFT BOX $12.56 Time Remaining: 13h 5m |
 Rotring Initial Silver Fine Point Fountain Pen $26.99 Time Remaining: 21d 12h 53m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 JINHAO X750 EXECUTIVE STEEL ARGENT FOUNTAIN PEN M NIB New in gift box $12.56 Time Remaining: 13h 5m |
 Vintage HERO 616 Regular Fountain Pen Burgundy Barrel $5.90 Time Remaining: 20d 17h 44m Buy It Now for only: $5.90 |
 New Red Metal Wood Writing Fountain Pen Pencil Ink Re $1.80 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 15h 17m |
 JINHAO GOLDEN ABSTRACT PATTERN MED NIB EXECUTIVE FOUNTAIN PEN NEW IN BOX $10.99 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 8m |
 NEW PILOT VARSITY FOUNTAIN PEN BLACK INK FREE SHIPPING $2.75 Time Remaining: 18d 19h 10m Buy It Now for only: $2.75 |
 JINHAO 11 BLACK Stylish Fountain Pen Medium 18KGP Nib NEW IN GIFT BOX $10.99 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 9m |
 DUKE THE PRIEST SERIES 150 BLACK W RED CHECK CARBON FIBRE FOUNTAIN PEN M B NIB $12.99 Time Remaining: 12d 3h 59m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 JINHAO 250 GOLD ABSTRACT PATTERN CARBON FOUNTAIN PEN NEW IN GIFT BOX $10.99 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 9m |
 Picasso 907 Montmartre Black Fountain Pen Red Ring PI001 $15.99 Time Remaining: 2d 21h 28m Buy It Now for only: $15.99 |
 LEVENGER TRUE WRITER SEA GLASS FOUNTAIN PEN BROAD NEW $48.95 Time Remaining: 2d 11h 57m |
 4X Hero Fountain Pen Ideal Financial Pen Extra Fine Nib $17.90 Time Remaining: 21d 1h 2m Buy It Now for only: $17.90 |
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 Pilot 22K Gold 78G Fountain pen Teal 3 cartridges F M B $9.99 Time Remaining: 28d 10h 3m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 LEVENGER TRUE WRITER SEA GLASS FOUNTAIN PEN MEDIUM NEW $48.95 Time Remaining: 3d 12h 11m |
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 MontBlanc Meisterstuck Classique Fountain Pen Gold Collectabe Fathers Day Gift $98.95 Time Remaining: 3d 13h 14m |
 PENTEL Tradio Stylo Refillable Fountain Pen TRJ50A Black Color Made in Japan $6.50 Time Remaining: 23d 9h 18m Buy It Now for only: $6.50 |
 LEVENGER TRUE WRITER SEA GLASS FOUNTAIN PEN BROAD NEW $48.95 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 1m |
 10X HERO Fountain Pen 616 Regular Vintage Style 3 Color $19.90 Time Remaining: 9h 55m Buy It Now for only: $19.90 |
 LEVENGER TRUE WRITER SEA GLASS FOUNTAIN PEN BROAD NEW $48.95 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 7m |
 10PCS Pilot con 20 converter for fountain pen brand new $29.99 Time Remaining: 16d 11h 1m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 LEVENGER TRUE WRITER SEA GLASS FOUNTAIN PEN MEDIUM NEW $48.95 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 9m |
 LAMY New Studio Matt Blue Fountain Pen Medium Nib $47.13 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 56m |
 Hero 110 Fountain Pen 12K Gold Nib Vintage Style Black $29.90 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 53m Buy It Now for only: $29.90 |
 LAMY New Dialog 3 Fountain Pen Medium Nib $157.14 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 19h 21m |
 12 Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain pen Black 90010 $23.99 Time Remaining: 8d 16h 32m Buy It Now for only: $23.99 |
 BAOER SHIMMERING SANDS FOUNTAIN PEN BLACK GOLD F NIB NEW IN GIFT BOX $12.56 Time Remaining: 6d 15h 34m |
 32 Montblanc Fountain Pen Cartridges Royal Blue 106944 $11.99 Time Remaining: 8d 15h 58m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 HANDMADE FIDDLE BACK MAPLE 10k GOLD FOUNTAIN GENTLEMENS PEN $49.95 Time Remaining: 6d 22h 52m |
 Picasso Fountain Pen PS908 CENTURY PIONEER Fine Orange $19.90 Time Remaining: 26d 22h 53m Buy It Now for only: $19.90 |
 SHEAFFER WHITE DOTHAND SETFOUNTAIN PEN SET14K GOLD TIPMARBLE BASELIFE GUARN $29.95 Time Remaining: 9d 20h 49m |
Fountain Pen
The Evolution Of The Fountain Pen
The very first fountain pens were invented around 1564, along with pencils in an areas near Keswick, England. The fountain pen was created to fulfil a very simple need. Prior to their creation, quill pens were used which required among other things a pot containing ink and a duck willing to give up tail feathers regularly. Quill pens wore out very quickly which did not allow for consistent writing as a new quill had to be created and by the time the pen became comfortable for the user it was worn out.
The original fountain pens were handcrafted and created in a very personalised way. These pens usually were engraved and were owned by individuals who held high positions in the community or government. Many of the pens were created to look like the old quill pens but had compartments that held ink which was drawn from an ink pot. As the world became more industrialised, fountain pens and their use evolved dramatically.
The early fountain pens were prone to leaking and did not have an effective mechanism to keep the ink from drying or leaking when the pen was in a pocket or other upright position. This created the need to further experiment and evolve the techniques for creating ink cartridges that would withstand the rigors of daily use as well as keep the ink soluble within the cylinder of the fountain pen. This need was the impetus of today's ink cartridges.
Originally, an individual was required to fill their fountain pen with ink from a pot which still required the presence of a pot of ink. The ink was drawn into the cylinder of the fountain pen and the "cartridge" was what the interior of the fountain pen cylinder was referred to. It was not removable, nor was it a separate piece of the fountain pen. As they evolved, ink cartridges became products that were self contained ink pots held within the cylinder of the fountain pen.
This eventually evolved into the manufacture of ink cartridges which could be purchased to fit the individual fountain pen that was being used. The ink cartridges were expensive because they weren't mass produced and there were many individual shapes and sizes of fountain pen handcrafted. When someone wished to buy ink cartridges, it was necessary to go to a specialty shop that dealt with the specific fountain pen type that was being refilled.
As fountain pens evolved and became ball point pens, rollerball pens and specialty fountain pens, ink cartridges also began to be mass produced. It was possible to buy ink cartridges by the package, or in bulk, which decreased the price of ink cartridges throughout the world. Today, ink cartridges are available in multiple colours and, because fountain pen cylinders are a standard size, most ink cartridges will fit a standard fountain pen.
When an individual buys an antique fountain pen, it is important to remember that a standard ink cartridge will probably not fit the fountain pen. There are antique fountain pens that require the use of an ink pot just as they did when they were first made. For this reason, there are some specialty shops that provide the old ink in ink pots specifically for this type of fountain pen.
About the Author
Writing implements come in many forms and styles and fountain pens were always regarded as both a luxury item and a more stylish version of other writing tools. In this pen review Mark looks at the history of the fountain pen, its origin and development. More information about fountain pens and other types of pens is available at the sources referred to by Mark in this review.
Where can I buy fountain pen cartridges in bulk?
Whenever I draw, I like to ink it in with a fountain pen. The only problem is that fountain pen cartridges run out quickly and it's annoying to have to buy new ones every four days. Where can I buy them in big quantities and (hopefully) cheaply?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A7OPGS?ie=UTF8&tag=icandifashion-20
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TISN2K?ie=UTF8&tag=icandifashion-20
Test driving a wet noodle Swan 4500 fountain pen