Things have certainly changed in the last 20 years of pen collecting. The first organized collecting really began in the 1980s. Fountain pens had reached their peak in the 1940s-1960s and then waned considerably in the 1970s and 80s. When the climate cooled, the pioneers of pen collecting started to accumulate pens when others turned to computer keyboards. The hobby has crescendoed from that point and today, although a bit off from 5 years ago, there are many new collectors getting involved.
When I first started collecting I had huge long distance phone bills while trying to learn from seasoned pros such as Dick Johnson (Ohio) and Boris Rice (Texas). What's long distance? you ask. Well, back-in-the-day, if you wanted to talk to someone far away long distance rates would apply. No cell phones, no any time minutes or unlimited talking. You paid for the privilege. Well, I paid and paid and paid...to get an education. Listen, and learn.
If you wanted to hunt for pens at that time you would go to flea markets and antique shows. You would stand in line hoping to be the first through the gates. Then, you would hope to make the correct turn down the proper aisle and stumble upon a Parker Snake or a Waterman Tree Trunk. Very excitng indeed. I went to the Brinfield Antique Show in Massachusetts and roamed the fields with other eager collectors. This meant waking up at 4 in the morning and going three or four dasy with minimal sllep. Who cares? There are pens to be found. In Brimfield's heyday as many as 25 other collectors would meet at a picnic table and show off the pens that had been found that morning.
More later....
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