My Humble Beginnings

The purpose of this blog is to discuss pen related topics with other collectors.

  I have been collecting pens for over 20 years and have learned a lot along the way.  I will share some past pen experiences and, hopefully some future pen discoveries as they happen.

I started collecting pens in 1990 when I stumbled upon a Waterman 452 filigree in a Saratoga, New York consignment shop.  The price was $15 and I had no idea what I was actually buying but it looked nice...so I bought it.  And, that was it.  I was hooked.  I took the pen to the Fountain Pen Hospital in NYC and had it restored to usable condition.  While at FPH, I picked up a copy of Pen World magazine (with a Doctor's desk and Sheaffer 14KT trim flat top on the cover).  I also rejected an offer to sell the pen to FPH for $125!

When I met my wife Marushka in 1991, I started accompanying her to flea markets and antique shows.  She likes collecting pottery and costume jewelry.  I was prowling around the market on Columbus Avenue and spotted a discolored Moderne Pearl and Black Duofold.  I thought that the ambered color was quite pretty and was not aware that this was a poor example of the model.  

My first pen show was the 1991 Philadelphia Pen Show which was held at the Warwick hotel.  We couldn't get a room in the Warwick (home of Legionaire's disease)  so we stayed down the street at the Latham.  I walked around the show with my "pen collection" which consisted of about 25 pens which partially filled my 48 pen portfolio.  Several "veteran" dealers, well may be not several...just one, tried to get my 0555 Waterman, gold filled filigree from me in a trade for a Swan lever filling pen.  Bert Heiserman recommended not making the trade so I kept the pen and still own it to this day.  I find it interesting that although I have sold thousands of pens I still have a fond attachment to some of my early acquisitions and have not sold them.  I started selling pens aroung 1992.  While attending my 2nd or 3rd, Philly show, Menash Murad was packing to leave and asked me if I would like to set up at his table once he left.  I sold a Waterman 0555 Barley that I had bought  on impulse and was pleased to move it along.  I thoroughly enjoyed the selling experience and I added a new facet to my enjoyment of the hobby.

I find each day is exciting while I hunt for pens to add to my collection or inventory.  I am constantly learning about new pen companies and new models.  

There are two things that are most important in succeeding in this and other collectible hobbies.  Being observant and being able to differentiate details.  What makes this pen different or rare?  And secondly,  having the ability to remember what you have observed.