It may have started innocently enough with something like a Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen. As fountain pens continue to pique your curiosity, you may find yourself buying more pens and inadvertently starting a collection of your own.
Looks like things escalated rather quickly!
Starting and curating a fountain pen collection opens up a new breadth of possibilities for stationery aficionados. However, it can be quite overwhelming to tend to a collection. So where does one begin?
Here’s how to start your very own fountain pen collection:
Plan and choose your fountain pens
Narrowing down your options makes it easier to plan and choose the writing instruments you want in your collection. There are two types of pens you can explore, and both will require some research.
Photo from @micahfinds on Instagram
Modern fountain pens
For many beginners, starting out with a modern pen is best. This way, you can be assured of the performance and quality that a new pen promises to deliver. There are many inexpensive yet good-quality pens to help you get acclimated to the hobby.
Vintage fountain pens
Vintage fountain pens may seem intimidating, but they are also worth looking at when starting a collection. Vintage pens are excellent investments for serious collectors because of their time-tested quality and resale value.
This requires more research so take your time with it. Try starting with tried-and-true brands like Parker Pen, which offers the Parker Duofold model that has been in production since 1921.
From these two options, you can visualize the kind of collection you want to have. This gives you some direction and curbs the temptation to buy on a whim and overspend.
Invest in your storage
Photo from @micahfinds on Instagram
Storage is vital to your fountain pen collection. Without the right tools and accessories, it will be difficult to organize and monitor your writing essentials. If you have 10 or more pens, then it’s time to start looking at storage options such as the Pelikan Collector’s Box.
You’ll also need to store everything else fountain pen-related. Fountain pen inks and refills should be kept in a cool, dry place that will not be exposed to sunlight or extreme temperature changes. Notebooks and maintenance supplies also need storage space. Any set of drawers with smaller organizers should work for storing your other essentials.
Know your rotation
Photo from @micahfinds on Instagram
It can be difficult to keep tabs on which pens are inked with what and when it’s time for proper cleaning. Fountain pens will require regular pen maintenance to keep them in good condition. For collectors, that means keeping track of how many pens are inked at one time.
To know how to rotate your pens, consider how much you actually write daily. If you only spend a few minutes jotting down notes, then inking up several pens is not advisable as they will dry out and cause potential issues.
Curate your collection
Sometimes you’ll come across a pen in your collection that hasn’t been used in quite some time. Perhaps it’s a pen that hasn’t made it into your EDC for the past several months. Maybe you feel the urge to declutter your collection.
Learning how to curate your pen collection is just as important as building it. Are you particular with the nib size or the pen’s color? You could also be a fan of certain brands or are in the process of acquiring rarer finds. Whatever the case may be, it helps to be very specific about the kind of collection you want to build.
The Bottom Line
Starting a collection is an exciting next step in your fountain pen journey. Whether you want a full vintage spread or a selection of fountain pens in blue-violet hues, collecting is a highly personal endeavor that should be enjoyed every step of the way.
Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting
