Pen Collectors of America

The PCA Reference Library continues to grow, most recently with a pile of material from former Pennant editor and serial researcher and author Jonathan Veley. Your librarian has been working nonstop to get it all posted. New items include catalogs from Autopoint, Esterbrook, Parker, Waterman, and more.

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/reference-library/new-items/

The PCA's Reference Library now has scans of Cliff and Judy Lawrence's pioneering Pen Fancier's Magazine from 1981 to 1987. Still a useful reference source, and a central part of the history of pen collecting.

Reference Library: Pen Fancier’s Magazine – Pen Collectors of America Reference Library: Pen Fancier’s Magazine Fountain pen collecting as we know it developed out of the pioneering efforts of Cliff and Judy Lawrence and their Pen Fancier’s Club. Their magazine and their books laid the groundwork for all subsequent publications on vintage pens, a debt not always p...

Your librarian has been busy the last few weeks, scanning and uploading new items to the PCA's Reference Library -- and also upgrading older listings, so you may well find material new to you that isn't on our New Items page:
https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/reference-library/new-items/

Our latest update to the PCA's Reference Library is particularly rich in Parker material. Many of the items are new to the Library, while the rest were formerly available only in scans of old black and white photocopies. Special thanks to Dan Zazove and Ramón Campos for making this invaluable material available, and to all the other donors who have made the Library the community resource that it is.
https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/reference-library/new-items/

We are always adding new material to the PCA's Reference Library. Recently we have been given several great catalogs for Sheaffer, mostly from the 1950s through the 1970s -- decades where online references are particularly scarce. Thanks to Brian McQueen and Ricardo Borba for their generosity in sharing these invaluable documents with the pen community.
As always, if you have anything to share, please contact the librarian (links at the PCA website)

Reference Library: New Items – Pen Collectors of America Reference Library: New Items Kraker brochure with instructions, 1918; repair prices effective Mar 1, 1918, 4 pp. color. Contributed by Nathaniel Harter Parker 75 pamphlet, 1965; No. 19923, 12 pp. color. Contributed by David Nishimura Sheaffer catalog, 1925; 45 pp. color. Sheaffer brochure, 1926; 4 p...

A few new items recently uploaded to the Reference Library, including a nifty Parker 75 brochure from June 1965 and a copy of the Sheaffer Review from June 1960. View them and much more here:
https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/reference-library/new-items/

If you are already a member of the Pen Collectors of America, it's time to renew! If you're not a member, what are you waiting for? All members receive our full-color magazine, the Pennant. Contact [email protected] for info!

Here are some memories of the spring 2023 Pennant while we are working on the spring 2024 issue! It, too is a great read with your favorite pens, pencils and coffee or tea.
We are grateful for all the hard work the authors and editorial team put into this and every issue and wish you and your families a great new year!
You can sample a PDF of past Pennant articles here:
https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/pennant/featured/
If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!
You can find more information about joining the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:
https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

At long last we have a color version of Waterman's 1908 catalog -- their first book-sized list of models, and such models!
Thanks to Craig Roccanova, who so generously scanned and shared his copy, along with a slightly later insert featuring the Waterman sleeve-filler.

Reference Library: Waterman Reference Library: Waterman Waterman Directions No. 3, Circular No. 13, 1885; dated, with Feb 1885 postmark, 4 pp. Waterman Circular No. 57 , 1890; with cover letter, 12 pp. Waterman catalog, c. 1891; 16 pp. Contributed by David Nishimura Waterman Circular No. 55.2, c. 1892; 10 pp. Contributed by L....

Do you enjoy sharing your best pen photos?

You could have your work showcased in the 2024 Pen Collectors of America calendar!

We're looking for more great photos from our members, so please submit yours to [email protected]

Large images can be submitted through WeTransfer.

Deadline is August 18, 2023

The summer 2023 Pennant is in the mail!
Pen Collectors of America members should see their copies starting later this month. Many are reporting their copy has arrived!
This is the back cover shot: A collection of early Sheaffer and Sheaffer precursor pencils. The ones shown with fat leads are not Sheaffer, but are made by an unidentified manufacturer, possibly the Boston Pen Company. Find out more in Jonathan Veley’s article, “A Pencil “As Good as the Pen.”
This issue is packed with interesting articles:
CARBON FIBER: THE REINFORCER
David Nishimura explains how carbon fiber can be used in pen restoration.
IN THE BEGINNING: ESTERBROOK, PART II
Andrew Midkiff continues the story of a company that made a lasting mark in the history of writing instruments.
THE PENS OF JAY GRAY RIDER, PART II
Douglas Haugen adds to the body of research on the Illinois-based J. G. Rider Pen Company.
A PENCIL “AS GOOD AS THE PEN”
Jonathan A. Veley shares a portion of his award winning book A Field Guide to Sheaffer’s Pencils.
A PULLMAN FROM THE GRAVE
Laurence Oldfield describes his complex restoration of a pen that had been buried for decades.
A RETRO51SPECTIVE
Gary Weimer explores the popularity and collectability of Retro 51.
TECH TALK
NO. 13: PARKER’S AID FOR THE DISABLED WRITER
By Tim Laros and Todd Eberspacher
ARTISAN PROFILE:
Ian Schon and SCHON DSGN
Let’s Hear It for the Locals:
Vancouver Pen Club by Maja Furlong
You can sample a PDF of past Pennant articles here:
https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/pennant/featured/
If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!
You can find more information about joining the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:
https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

The summer 2023 Pennant is in the mail!
Pen Collectors of America members should see their copies starting later this month.
This is the cover shot: A later example of Rider’s Master pen in woodgrain hard rubber. The sculpted gripping area indicates that it was made after Rider moved from Rockford, Illinois, to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
This issue is packed with interesting articles:
CARBON FIBER: THE REINFORCER
David Nishimura explains how carbon fiber can be used in pen restoration.
IN THE BEGINNING: ESTERBROOK, PART II
Andrew Midkiff continues the story of a company that made a lasting mark in the history of writing instruments.
THE PENS OF JAY GRAY RIDER, PART II
Douglas Haugen adds to the body of research on the Illinois-based J. G. Rider Pen Company.
A PENCIL “AS GOOD AS THE PEN”
Jonathan A. Veley shares a portion of his award winning book A Field Guide to Sheaffer’s Pencils.
A PULLMAN FROM THE GRAVE
Laurence Oldfield describes his complex restoration of a pen that had been buried for decades.
A RETRO51SPECTIVE
Gary Weimer explores the popularity and collectability of Retro 51.
TECH TALK
NO. 13: PARKER’S AID FOR THE DISABLED WRITER
By Tim Laros and Todd Eberspacher
ARTISAN PROFILE:
Ian Schon and SCHON DSGN
Let’s Hear It for the Locals:
Vancouver Pen Club by Maja Furlong
You can sample a PDF of past Pennant articles here:
https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/pennant/featured/
If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!
You can find more information about joining the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:
https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

The summer 2023 Pennant is in layout / production and mail out to Pen Collectors of America members will be mid July.

This is the cover shot: A later example of Rider’s Master pen in woodgrain hard rubber. The sculpted gripping area indicates that it was made after Rider moved from Rockford, Illinois, to Ann Arbor, Michigan.

This issue is packed with interesting articles:

CARBON FIBER: THE REINFORCER
David Nishimura explains how carbon fiber can be used in pen restoration.

IN THE BEGINNING: ESTERBROOK, PART II
Andrew Midkiff continues the story of a company that made a lasting mark in the history of writing instruments.

THE PENS OF JAY GRAY RIDER, PART II
Douglas Haugen adds to the body of research on the Illinois-based J. G. Rider Pen Company.

A PENCIL “AS GOOD AS THE PEN”
Jonathan A. Veley shares a portion of his award winning book A Field Guide to Sheaffer’s Pencils.

A PULLMAN FROM THE GRAVE
Laurence Oldfield describes his complex restoration of a pen that had been buried for decades.

A RETRO51SPECTIVE
Gary Weimer explores the popularity and collectability of Retro 51.

TECH TALK
NO. 13: PARKER’S AID FOR THE DISABLED WRITER
By Tim Laros and Todd Eberspacher

ARTISAN PROFILE:
Ian Schon and SCHON DSGN

Let’s Hear It for the Locals:
Vancouver Pen Club by Maja Furlong

You can sample a PDF of past Pennant articles here:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/pennant/featured/

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about joining the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

The spring Pennant is in the mail and Pen Collectors of America members should be getting their issues soon. They are starting to show up in mailboxes and depending on Media Mail should be arriving over the next few weeks.

Please post feedback when you get your issue!

This issue is packed with great and color filled articles:

IN THE BEGINNING: ESTERBROOK
Andrew Midkiff looks back at the earliest days of Esterbrook in the first segment of a series.
THE PENS OF JAY GRAY RIDER
Douglas Haugen adds to the body of research on the Illinois-based J. G. Rider Pen Company.
UNCATALOGUED GEMS FROM THE LADY SHEAFFER LINE, 1967–1989
Gary Ellison shares his experience collecting Lady Sheaffers and shows off some unusual examples.
MABIE TODD’S TOP-FILLING BLACKBIRD
Jim Mamoulides continues his examination of Mabie Todd’s inkvisible series.
SHEAFFER’S INLAID NIB: SOMETHING YOU DIDN’T KNOW
Roger Wooten makes the connection between excise tax and some gorgeous sketches he came across in the Sheaffer archives.
Artisan Profile: Skogsy Pen
Parker Tech Talk No. 12:
Nib Holders
Let’s Hear It for the Locals:
IowaPen

On the Cover:
Blackbird BT200 in blue, gold, and black.

You can sample a PDF of past Pennant articles here:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/pennant/featured/

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about joining the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

The spring Pennant is in the mail and Pen Collectors of America members should be getting their issues soon.

This issue is packed with great and color filled articles:

IN THE BEGINNING: ESTERBROOK
Andrew Midkiff looks back at the earliest days of Esterbrook in the first segment of a series.
THE PENS OF JAY GRAY RIDER
Douglas Haugen adds to the body of research on the Illinois-based J. G. Rider Pen Company.
UNCATALOGUED GEMS FROM THE LADY SHEAFFER LINE, 1967–1989
Gary Ellison shares his experience collecting Lady Sheaffers and shows off some unusual examples.
MABIE TODD’S TOP-FILLING BLACKBIRD
Jim Mamoulides continues his examination of Mabie Todd’s inkvisible series.
SHEAFFER’S INLAID NIB: SOMETHING YOU DIDN’T KNOW
Roger Wooten makes the connection between excise tax and some gorgeous sketches he came across in the Sheaffer archives.
Artisan Profile: Skogsy Pen
Parker Tech Talk No. 12:
Nib Holders
Let’s Hear It for the Locals:
IowaPen

On the Back Cover:
Green Sheaffer PFM III

You can sample a PDF of past Pennant articles here:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/pennant/featured/

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about joining the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

The spring Pennant is in the mail and Pen Collectors of America members should be getting their issues soon.

This issue is packed with great and color filled articles:

IN THE BEGINNING: ESTERBROOK
Andrew Midkiff looks back at the earliest days of Esterbrook in the first segment of a series.
THE PENS OF JAY GRAY RIDER
Douglas Haugen adds to the body of research on the Illinois-based J. G. Rider Pen Company.
UNCATALOGUED GEMS FROM THE LADY SHEAFFER LINE, 1967–1989
Gary Ellison shares his experience collecting Lady Sheaffers and shows off some unusual examples.
MABIE TODD’S TOP-FILLING BLACKBIRD
Jim Mamoulides continues his examination of Mabie Todd’s inkvisible series.
SHEAFFER’S INLAID NIB: SOMETHING YOU DIDN’T KNOW
Roger Wooten makes the connection between excise tax and some gorgeous sketches he came across in the Sheaffer archives.
Artisan Profile: Skogsy Pen
Parker Tech Talk No. 12:
Nib Holders
Let’s Hear It for the Locals:
IowaPen

On the Cover:
Blackbird BT200 in blue, gold, and black.

You can sample a PDF of past Pennant articles here:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/pennant/featured/

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about joining the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

Thanks to the PCA members and contributors who helped fill the 2022 Pennants with informative and color filled articles! Lots of work went into each issue and we are looking forward to another very interesting year.

What’s in store for the spring 2023 Pennant? We plan on mailing out the spring issue in mid March and are working on the following content:

• The beginnings of Esterbrook by Andrew Midkiff
• Rider pen company by Doug Haugen
• Parker logo story by Todd Eberspacher
• Mabie Todd Blackbird Top Filler by Jim Mamoulides
• Uncatalogued Lady Sheaffer pens 1960s to 1980s by Gary Ellison
• Sheaffer Archives by Roger Wooten
• Tech Talk - Parker Nib Holders by Tim Laros and Todd Eberspacher
• Pen Club Feature and Pen Maker Profile by Laura Chandler

You can sample a PDF of past Pennant articles here:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/pennant/featured/

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about joining the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

This is a set of the four initial Lady Sheaffer models with clips, c. 1967-1968, from the fall 2022 Pennant article “Late Production Lady Sheaffer Pens 1967-1989,” by Gary Ellison. Early versions of this pen will have the Stylist two-way nib unit.

If you are a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you will be getting great articles like this one in a full color print magazine three times a year and more!

You can find more information about the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

The Pennant is about people who collect and use pens. Will Gunadi creates amazing art with the pens he services. You can see his amazing sketches on his Instagram account!

Find out more in the spring 2022 article: “What Does Will Gunadi Love Most About Pens? Using Them” by Laura Chandler.

You can download a PDF of the article here:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/pennant/featured/spring-2022/

Each issue of the Pennant is filled with full color articles and stories for and by pen collectors like YOU.

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about joining the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

Need another reason to join the Pen Collectors of America?

Here’s one: Tim Laros and Todd Eberspacher's spring 2021 Pennant article covering decades of Parker demonstrator pens.

You can download a PDF of the article here:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/pennant/featured/spring2021/

Each issue of the Pennant is filled with full color articles and stories for and by pen collectors like YOU.

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about joining the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

All four Mabie Todd Swan Visofil VT colors: 340/60 black and clear, 340/76 green and silver, 340/77 ruby and silver, and 340/78 black and silver fountain pens c. 1939-1942 from the fall 2022 Pennant article “Mabie Todd Swan Visofil VT Series 1939-1942,” by Jim Mamoulides.

See them actual size in the article!

You can find more information about the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

Mabie Todd Swan Visofil VT 340/60 black and clear and VT 340/78 black and silver fountain pens c. 1939-1942 from the fall 2022 Pennant article “Mabie Todd Swan Visofil VT Series 1939-1942,” by Jim Mamoulides.

You can find more information about the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

Why should you join the Pen Collectors of America?

This is a good reason: Brian McQueen's summer 2022 Pennant article, the definitive and comprehensive guide to the Sheaffer Snorkel.

You can download a PDF of the article here:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/pennant/featured/summer-2022/

Each issue of the Pennant is filled with full color articles and stories for and by pen collectors like YOU.

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

This is a Mabie Todd Swan Visofil VT 340/77 ruby and silver fountain pen c. 1939-1942 from the fall 2022 Pennant article “Mabie Todd Swan Visofil VT Series 1939-1942,” by Jim Mamoulides.

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

This is a Mabie Todd Swan Visofil VT 340/76 green and silver fountain pen c. 1939-1942 from the fall 2022 Pennant article “Mabie Todd Swan Visofil VT Series 1939-1942,” by Jim Mamoulides.

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

This is a Lady Sheaffer model IV Black and Gold Paisley pattern fountain pen c. 1967-1968 from the fall 2022 Pennant article “Late Production Lady Sheaffer Pens 1967-1989,” by Gary Ellison. The conical nib is 18 karat gold, less common on Lady Sheaffer pens. Early versions of this pen will have the Stylist two-way nib unit.

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

This is a Lady Sheaffer model 642R Basketweave pattern fountain pen c. 1972-1980 from the fall 2022 Pennant article “Late Production Lady Sheaffer Pens 1967-1989,” by Gary Ellison. The recessed nib is 14 karat gold.

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

The Fall 2022 Pennant is in the mail!

From the article “Late Production Lady Sheaffer Pens 1967-1989,” by Gary Ellison: A Lady Sheaffer model 920 with a repeating double gold color wave pattern on a blue finish c. mid to late 1970s. The recessed nib is 14 karat gold.

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

The Fall 2022 Pennant is in the mail!

From the article “Late Production Lady Sheaffer Pens 1967-1989,” by Gary Ellison: A Lady Sheaffer model 923 Chevron c. 1974-1976. A bright chrome plate finish with an engraved gold plated chevron pattern and gold plated clip. The recessed nib is 14 karat gold.

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about the PCA and subscribing to the Pennant at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org

The Fall 2022 Pennant is in the mail!

This issue is packed with great full color articles!

From the article “Sheaffer in the 1930s,” by Roger Wooten: A Depression-era grey spiral celluloid Sheaffer Vacuum-fil pen

MY JOURNEY
Chloe Stott finds herself on the writing instrument path to enlightenment.
KEEPING IT TRANSPARENT
Jim Mamoulides continues his examination of Mabie Todd Swan's Visofil.
WASHINGTON MEDALLION
Andrew Midkiff explores the demise and legacy of the first successful US steel pen maker.
THE LATEST AND GREATEST
Gary Ellison presents late production Lady Sheaffers.
DEPRESSION-ERA SHEAFFER
Roger Wooten finds out how Sheaffer stayed prosperous during the 1930s.
AUTOPOINT, REBORN
Jonathan A. Veley plans to preserve the spirit and legacy of the venerable Autopoint pencil.
Artisan Profile: Brian Weaver
Parker Tech Talk No. 11:
Making the Connection
Let's Hear It for the Locals:
Austin Pen Club by Craig Bond

If you aren’t a member of the Pen Collectors of America, you should be!

You can find more information about the PCA at this link:

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org