This page last updated 2/5/10
| Fountain Pens | Pencils | Penmanship |
| Inkwells, Ink & Writing Items | Magazines | Repair |
| PLEASE NOTE: The books are categorized by subject matter, however many pen and ink related books cross information. You are apt to find some info in pencil books on pens and vice versa. | ||
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Reference books are an important a part of your pen collecting hobby, perhaps as important as the pens themselves! Books help us to identify, value and better understand our hobby. There is a wealth of information in the books listed below - numerous photos, value guides and important historical information. If you're new to the hobby of pen collecting and just can't decide which book or books are best suited for you, please feel free to drop us an email for additional information. We've read all these books, use them on a regular basis and are familiar with the content. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. |
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Our selection varies, but we usually have a few interesting bookmarks to choose from. Check out the Turkish bookmarks that look like miniature Perisan rugs! |
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Pen magazines are a great source of reference and always enjoyable to browse through for information and splendid photograph gazing. We have a variety of back issues of magazines devoted to pen collectors. The list changes frequently, we hope you'll check back often! |
Stylus MagazinePLEASE NOTE: Stylus Magazine is going quarterly in 2009. Beginning Spring 2009, Stylus will be published four times a year: April/May/June 2009, July/August/September 2009, October/November/December 2009 and January/February/March 2010. Back issues of Stylus available
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| PWI- APRMAY05 |
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$7 | ||
| PWI- NOV02 |
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$7 | ||
| PWI- SEP01 |
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$7 | ||
| PWI- DECJAN04 |
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$7 | ||
| PWI- FEBMAR06 |
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$7 | ||
| PWI-MAY06 |
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$7 | ||
| PWI-NOV07 |
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$7 | ||
| PWI- SEP08 |
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$7 | ||
| PWI-DEC08 |
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$7 | ||
| PWI-FEB09 |
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$7 | ||
| PWI-APR09 |
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$7 |
Bi-lingual Italian-English, published bi-monthly |
Chicago Pen Show
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| P804 | Chicago Pen Show Auction Catalog, 2003 | $15 |
Waterman Past and Present (The First Six Decades)
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The Chronicle of the Fountain Pen
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| MARTINS | Chronicle of the Fountain Pen | $95 |
Ink Reservoir Writing
Instruments
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| WES-INKRES | Ink Reservoir Writing Instruments | $20 |
Sheaffer's 1934 Brochure Reprint
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Fountain Pens Past & Present The second edition of Fountain Pens Past & Present by Paul Erano is expanded and reformatted to be almost one third larger than the first edition. |
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Pen to Paper
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| TROAK | Pen to Paper, The Story of Newhaven's Pen Factory | $20 |
The Parker 51 Book written by David and Mark Shepherd in collaboration with Parker will be the most sought after book released to the pen community in years. David Shepherd compiled the first published history of the Parker 51 using privileged information available only through private resources. This hardback book features over 700 color photographs complemented by authoritative information throughout it's 176 pages. This book has been much awaited and will be an important part of any serious pen collectors' library of reference materials. The ultimate guide to the Parker 51! Click here to read what people have to say about the Parker 51 Book.
Pendemonium is the sole distributor of The Parker 51 Book worldwide, with the arrangement of author distribution in the UK. Wholesale dealer inquiries welcomed. |
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The Parker Duofold Book
A must-have not only for the Parker Duofold collector, but anyone who has a serious interest in the evolution of Parker and how this pen company maintained dominance in the market for nearly a century! Once again, David Shepherd, author of the Parker 51 book, and in collaboration with Dan Zazove, a longtime Parker collector, has written a comprehensive and well researched book that fills the gap in unraveling the history of Parker's Duofold pens. The book chronicles the evolution of the Duofold from the humble beginnings of The Parker Pen Company to current day production of the Duofold. There are descriptions of every type and variation of every known Duofold and some surprising ones many did not know existed! View photographs of previously unpublished pens and Duofold ephemera. Read the details on the long history of promoting and marketing this famous pen. This excellent reference is soft bound, 362 pages, full color photos throughout. Copyright 2006, published by Surrenden Pens, Ltd, UK. Written by David Shepherd and Dan Zazove in cooperation with the Parker Pen Company.
Pendemonium is the sole distributor of The Parker Duofold Book worldwide, with the arrangement of author distribution in the UK. Wholesale dealer inquiries welcomed.
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The Parker Vacumatic Book
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| VAC-BOOK | Parker Vacumatic Book, Shepherd & Zazove | $80 |
Pendemonium is the sole
distributor of The Parker Vacumatic Book worldwide,
with the arrangement of author distribution in the UK. Wholesale dealer
inquiries welcomed.
Mabie In America - The Book!
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| MOAK-3 | Mabie in America, 3rd Edition book | $45 |

Fountain Pens of the World |
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Andreas Lambrou, copyright 1995, second edition, reprinted 2005, published by Classic Pens Ltd, hardbound, 448 pages. Extensive information on vintage and modern pens from the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Belgium & Japan. Special sections on Limited Editions and Materials. Over 200 beautiful color plates. Hundreds and hundreds of pens illustrated and described! This book is a must for any serious collector. Autographed by the author! Suggested retail price: $190
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Fountain Pens & Pencils - The Golden Age |
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Fischler & Schneider, copyright 1990, 1998, revised third edition 2008, hardbound, 320 pages. This book is more commonly referred to as the "Blue Book". Hundreds of beautiful color photos throughout, manufacturer information, primary focus is on the Big Four, but many other fountain pens are also included. This book is one of THE reference books to have in your library! The third edition has updated pricing values throughout and are now printed in the item description, instead of having to reference to a separate price list in the back, much more user friendly! There are also several lovely full color photos that have been added to the book including an early Waterman factory photo and several of rare and desirable Waterman ephemera.
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The Book of Fountain Pens and Pencils |
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![]() Schneider and Fischler, Copyright 1992, hardbound, 276 pages. Over 700 writing instruments shown in full color including many rare and unusual items. Hundreds of different pen manufacturers are represented. Also includes info on pen repair, pen company advertising and displays. Value guide included.
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Illustrated
Guide
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![]() Schneider and Fischler. Revised and expanded third edition of this popular book - now with updated pricing guidelines and additional pen descriptions. Copyright 2000, paperback, 160 pages. Over 500 writing instruments shown in full color, short histories of 19 different pen manufacturers. Small enough to carry around with you and great for a quick reference.
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Stilografiche |
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Pino Traini, copyright 1998, hardbound, 165 pages, introduction by Alexander Crum Ewing. Bilingual Italian and English. Stilografiche focuses on the extensive collection of the author, Pino Traini. The photography is superior to that in many pen books. This book was written and illustrated with the collector in mind - throughout you'll find excellent photographs of fountain pens and pencils grouped by maker and style of pen. Most pens are shown in the open position with nib in full view. Many unusual and rare Sheaffers and Parkers are featured. Also hints from the author on collecting, searching for pens both on the ground and on the internet. An informative section written by Alexander Crum Ewing about buying pens at auction. Limited supplies available!
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Pens & Writing Equipment
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Jim Marshall, copyright 1999, softbound, 64 pages, published by Octopus Publishing Group Ltd, distributed in the USA by Antique Collectors Club, Ltd. A great overview of all types of writing equipment including quills, dip pens, inkwells, fountain pens, pencils and other desk accessories. Color photos throughout, general pricing guidelines.
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Collecting Writing Instruments |
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Dietmar Geyer, copyright 1990, hardbound, 175 pages. Very thorough history of writing equipment from the early quill pen up to current day felt tip markers. Includes info on calligraphy, quill pens, steel nibs, pencils, and fountain pens. Historical data on pen manufacturing, many color photos of European & US advertisements. Industrial reports including a step by step illustration of the process of manufacturing a fountain pen nib. While there is great material in this book on fountain pens, it goes a step beyond.
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Pen, Ink and Evidence |
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Joe Nickell, First Edition, second printing with
corrections copyright
1990, published by Oak Knoll Press. An in depth study of writing and
writing materials for the penman, collector and document detective.
Detailed information on quills, durable pens and accessories, reservoir
pens and pencils. Also writing fluids, ink containers and ink
problems. Separate chapters on paper, seals, penmanship and
decipherment.
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The
Incredible Ball Point Pen
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![]() Henry Gostony and Stuart Schneider, copyright 1998, softbound, 160 pages. Book includes extensive ballpoint history with patent data, information on over 60 different ball point pen manufacturers, over 100 pages of full color photographs. Pricing guidelines included.
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Incredible Ball Point Pen Book | ||
| GOSTONY-2 | The Incredible Ball Point Pen | $15 |
Collecting Fountain Pens
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![]() This book is perfect for the newer collector! Lots of information on how to select pens, how to shop for pens, internet pen shopping, pen maintenance and much more. Sherrell and Joel have compiled an appendix listing many commonly found vintage pens which rates their collectibility and ease of repair. Privately published, copyright 2001, spiral bound, 45 pages. Autographed by the authors.
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Collectible Dip Pens |
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![]() Jim Marshall. Copyright September 2003, softbound,
47
pages, published
by The Pen & Pencil Gallery. One of the few books available on
collectible dip pens. Includes information on many types of dip pens;
school, wood, plastic, silver, ivory, gold and retractable styles among
others. Many rare dip pens are pictured. Also includes related
information on pen trays and racks. Repair info.
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Silver
Novelties
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Deb Crosby, copyright 2001, hardbound, 239 pages, published by Schiffer Books. This book contains information on a variety of silver novelty objects, but of particular interest to the writing instrument collector are about 25 pages dedicated to early silver writing equipment. Includes rare and unusual figural pencils, dip pens, inkwells, even a most unusual nib puller. Fully illustrated with color photos throughout. Value ranges are included. A must have for those interested in Victorian era writing equipment.
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Victorian Pencils: Tools to Jewels |
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![]() Deb Crosby, copyright 1998, hardbound, 224 pages. A detailed study of the development of mechanical and metal cased pencils in the nineteenth century. Illustrated with over 700 color photos. Historical information, definitions of terms, descriptions of mechanisms plus much more. Value ranges are included.
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Collectible Pencils |
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Jim Marshall, Jane Marshall, Sue Courtier. Copyright October 2003, softbound, 72 pages, published by The Pen & Pencil Gallery. One of the few references available on pencils and in particular the early Victorian pencils including cedars, porte crayones, sliders, magic pencils and more. Information on the old sizes of pencil leads, how to troubleshoot and repair pencils, history.
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Sampson Mordan 1898 Catalogue |
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Sampson Mordan 1898 Catalogue, Second Reprint by Pen & Pencil Gallery,
UK. Soft cover 9.5 x 6.75 inch Excellent quality on gloss white
paper of the 1898 Mordan catalogue with illustrations of many, many
different styles of pencils, and a very nice section devoted to
figural pencils. Dip pens, leads, lead points, gold nibs, quill
cutters and traveling ink stands also included. 25 pages, plus 1 page
of notes on Mordan by Jim Marshall. Now out of print, extremely
limited supplies available.
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| Write Now | |||
Write Now - A complete self teaching program for better handwriting, Getty and Dubay, copyright 1991, revised edition 2005, published by Continuing Education Press - Portland State University, softbound, 96 pages. Reform Your Handwriting with Write NowYour poor handwriting isn't your fault! The handwriting most of us were taught was simply not designed to accomplish the necessary combination of legibility, speed, and ease. Italic handwriting is easy and natural. Rhythmical patterns of sloping lines and ellipses follow the natural movement of the wrist. These handsome letterforms are as easy to write as they are to read. Write faster and more legibly. These simple, narrow, slightly sloping letters were designed for both legibility and speed. Italic is a fast, and efficient and practical writing style that eliminates the loops and flourishes of conventional writing. Send handwritten notes you can be proud of. Friends and business associates will appreciate receiving legible and distinctive handwritten messages. Make a positive impression. Your handwriting style says a lot about you. Italic writing commands respect and makes a lasting statement about your style and competence.
We have many custom ground cursive italic fountain pens available that are perfect for learning cursive italic with the Write Now book. |
| Italic Letters | |||
Italic Letters - Calligraphy and Handwriting, Getty and Dubay, copyright 1992, published by Continuing Education Press - Portland State University, softbound, 128 pages. The most comprehensive guide to italic calligraphyAuthors, Dubay and Getty take you through basic italic, formal italic, chancery italic then cursive italic, four classic hands that will earn you a lifetime of compliments in both your formal calligraphy and everyday handwriting. Once you have mastered the letterforms, the authors show you how to use your calligraphic skills to design and produce posters, invitations, letters, cards, booklets, and envelopes. Italic Letters is for professional and amateur calligraphers, art teachers, and enthusiasts of the book arts. It's also for students, business people, homemakers; virtually anyone who wants to learn calligraphy and improve handwriting legibility. In this age of computer-generated letters and forms, people admire more than ever the beauty and personal impact of handwritten communication.
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An Elegant Hand |
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William E. Henning, Edited by Paul Melzer, copyright 2002, published by Oak Knoll Press, hardbound, 307 pages. An extensive look at the golden age of American penmanship and calligraphy, 1850-1925. Biographical information on Platt Rogers Spencer, George Gaskell, Louis Madrasz, Austin Norman Palmer and other masters of penmanship. Too numerous to count examples of penmanship, flourishes, letters and some exceptional photos of the Cedar Rapids Business College where Palmer taught penmanship and published the American Penman.
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Perfect for Practicing Penmanship!We have some transparent copy sheets available that are the perfect size for practicing your penmanship skills. Slide one of these under a plain piece of paper and trace away, before you know it, you won't be tracing anymore! Each measures about 4 x 8 inches and is printed in black on translucent paper. Two alphabets to choose from!
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Tamblyn's Home Instructor in Penmanship |
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Frederick William Tamblyn (1870-1947) was a master penman and founder of the Tamblyn Studio in Kansas City, later to become Ziller of Kansas City and still in operation today. Ziller of KC took on the task of having Tamblyn's original book "Home Instructor in Penmanship" reprinted. This book was last published (7th edition) in 1938. The new 8th Edition is now in it's second printing in 2008. Aside from the original book contents, also included is a biography of Tamblyn and 25 pages of Tamblyn's original works that were housed in the archives at Ziller. In addition to Practical Business Writing (which is what most of us do!), there are also instructions and lessons on Artistic Writing, Engravers Script and over 10 other forms of ornamental writing. Nice section of how to make those beautiful bird flourishes, too. The book is professionally printed, large spiral binding so the book is practical to use - it lays flat. New cover format with the 8th Edition 2008 covers the spiral on outside binding edge so you know immediately this is the book you're looking for on the bookshelf! Most importantly 174 pages of instruction and illustrations of how to achieve good penmanship. Of course, you'll have to devote some practice time.
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Business
Writing
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Stephen A. Ziller, published by Ziller of Kansas City, Ninth Printing 1983, softbound, 64 pages. A complete legible writing course designed for home or classroom use. Includes info on desk posture, proper method to hold your pen, rhythm and more. A complete book with extensive exercises and lessons to improve basic business penmanship. Basic business writing is the cursive writing most of us learned in grade school and the most practical for everyday writing today.
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Artistic
Writing
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Stephen A. Ziller, published by Ziller of Kansas City, Third Printing 1994, softbound, 32 pages. A complete course on ornamental penmanship for classroom or home. Information on appropriate materials, hand motion and form is included. This book focuses on lessons and drills to learn the Ziller Artistic Alphabet. This style of writing is often referred to as ornamental penmanship, similar styles are Spencerian and Zanerian writing which include many flourishes.
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Card
Writing
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Stephen A. Ziller, published by Stephen A. Ziller, Tamblyn School of Penmanship, Second Printing 1953, softbound, 32 pages. Book Three of the Ziller Penmanship series is devoted to learning Card Writing. Card Writing was not just popular, but a means of earning a living for many penmen during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Everyone had a calling card! I recall a friend telling me that his grandfather, an accomplished penman, would stand on downtown street corners in the early 1900s and pen calling cards for a penny.
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Engrossing
Alphabets
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Stephen A. Ziller, published by Ziller of Kansas City, Second Printing 1955, softbound, 32 pages. Engrossing alphabets were used primarily, although not exclusively, for penning names in certificates and official documents. Book Four includes instructions for learning: Modified Old English, Medieval, Old English, Engrossers' Text, Italian Style, Modified French Roundhand, Broad Pen Roman, Engravers Script, Hand Made Old Style Classic Roman and Gothic.
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Bird
and
Design Flourishing
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Stephen A. Ziller, published by Ziller of Kansas City, Third Printing 2001, softbound, 32 pages. Bird designs and flourishes have been used by penmen for decades to add grace and beauty to a lettering masterpiece and bird designs are a work of art in themselves. There are 48 different bird designs and flourishes reproduced in this book along with instructions on how to execute them.
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Writing Accessories
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Jim Marshall, copyright 2009, softbound, 48 pages, published by The Pen & Pencil Gallery, England. This is Book No. 4 in Marshall's series of monographs devoted to antique pens, pencils and writing equipment. Writing Accessories covers a wide range of items including desks and writing cases, blotters, pen wipes, clips, spikes and pen supports, quill knives and much more. If an item was once used on a desk, chances are you'll find some info on it in this well written book. Excellent color photos throughout. |
| MARSHALL-WTGACCES | Writing Accessories Sorry, temporarily out of stock |
$20 |
Collecting Inkwells, Marshall |
Jim Marshall. Copyright 2007, softbound, 44 pages,
published by The Pen & Pencil Gallery. The main emphasis in
this book is on unusual inkwells, indeed many rare inkwells are
described and photographed. The book is neatly organized by inkwell
material (bronze, pewter, stone, wood, etc etc), by filling system
(adjustable level, pivoting, etc) with a third section devoted to
miscellaneous and unusual inkwells. |
| MARSHALL-INKWELLS | Collecting Inkwells, Marshall | $20 |
Penners, Etuis & Writing Compendia
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The Quill Machines, 2nd Edition
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The Quill Machines
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Collectors World of Inkwells |
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Jean and Franklin Hunting, copyright 2000, published by Schiffer Books, hardbound, 288 pages, all color photographs. Hundreds of color inkwell photos with detailed descriptions and values. Descriptive info includes country of origin, approx date made and dimensions of the inkwell. Good tips for what to look for when collecting inkwells, several smaller sections on pounce pots, quills, ink, history of inkwells and travelling inkwells.
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Fountain
Pen Ink - A Sampler
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Greg Clark, softbound. 2007 Final Edition - this is the last Ink Sampler Greg Clark will produce. It contains nearly 500 actual hand painted samples of real bottled fountain pen ink. Never be at a loss for what color of ink to choose again! Updated tables show ink acidity levels, waterproof ratings and sun fading ratings. Also, several reprints of articles written about fountain pen ink. Included are the latest in Noodlers Inks, including Legal Lapis and Eternal Brown - inks that are exclusive to Pendemonium! Autographed by the author. The 2007 Final Edition of the Ink Sampler is SOLD OUT! |
Guide to Fountain Pen Repairs
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New
Revised Edition!
Frank Dubiel, spiral bound. Everything you wanted to know about repairing vintage fountain pens & probably a few things you didn't want to know, too! Whether you're just starting out with pen repairs or have been at it for awhile, this book has lots of helpful hints. |
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Our friend, Frank Dubiel passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2003. Aside from being the author of Da Book, Frank was very involved with the pen community and you could find him at every pen show, sitting behind his table, giving out advice on pen repairs. He will be missed by many. |
Onoto Pen Repair
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Eversharp
Service Manual
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This is the one of the more detailed pen service manuals ever published! From 1937, an Eversharp Service Manual covering in incredible detail Dorics, Coronets, and other pens and also repeater pencils, with additional notes by Frank Dubiel. 8 1/2" x 11" in an unusual spiral bound "landscape" format the 38 pages, plus covers, are packed with information! About 100 illustrations and repair detail not seen elsewhere about piston fillers, adjustable nibs and the safety ink shut offs. (You will love the 500 year life claim on the packing units--although repairs to them are covered.) You'll read many little known facts such as how and why Eversharp used perforated washers in their piston pens. Highly specific information on inner caps, disassembly of the adjustable nib, clip repair, feeds, and pencil repair. Full illustrated repair, assembly and troubleshooting of Eversharp Repeater pencils. Extensive information on the complex section designs of the Coronet series. Intricate parts diagrams and charts. Repair tools and their use. Many pages devoted to "Repair Analysis" of every conceivable pen problem. The troubleshooting charts and information applies to most any pen regardless of make, model or manufacture and comprise about one quarter of this manuals contents.It will take you hours to study the detailed photos and drawings. Reproduced on a state of the art $22,000 digital duplicator, the reprint looks far better and is easier to read than the finely printed original. While other manuals have been reprinted, this detailed a manual has not been offered before. Whether you collect Eversharp or not, this is an excellent book to include in your repair reference library.
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Parker
Repair Manual
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Parker Service Manual, 1993 reprint
Reprint of May 1993 Parker Service Manual, spiral bound, clear protective cover, tabbed indexes, full size 8.5 x 11 pages in horizontal format, 170 pages. Covers repair information on a wide variety of Parker fountain pens, ball pens, fiber tip, roller ball, floating ball and pencils. Sections included on: Nibs, leakage, trouble shooting, Ms. Parker, 105, 75, 65, 61, 50, 45, 25, 15, Arrow, Vector, Premier, Classic, Duofold, 88, 95, Sonnet, Insignia. A very comprehensive manual including parts lists and diagrams.
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Parker Service Manual |
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