The Invention of the Fountain Pen

Who invented the first fountain pen? Most people think it was Lewis Waterman. Waterman writing instruments are still highly collectible today.  However, it was Petrache Poenaru who patented the first fountain pen on May 25th, 1827. Poenaru wanted a way to continue note-taking without stopping to dip for ink while he was attending school in Paris. 

Update:  Note from a reader:  Frederick Fölsch, who applied for the first fountain pen patent in England in 1809, is frequently credited with creating the fountain pen. But the origins of this wonderful writing tool have a much more complex and intricate history.

Waterman’s Patent

Waterman’s patent in 1884 was for an improvement on the existing fountain pen. The patented design allowed ink to be fed to the nib by gravity. This occurred while the air was being drawn into the reservoir. The process allowed a constant flow of ink without flooding.

Several early attempts at nibs, the tip of the pen that does the writing, have little channels that held ink. Unfortunately, they were not a reliable way to regulate the ink coming down from the reservoir.

Nibs and Tips

Fine writing instruments evolved with iridium-tipped gold nibs. Specifically, Iridium is a hard metal that allows for many years of writing without wearing down the nib. Plus, the gold was flexible enough to give lettering some character.

After the gold and iridium-tipped nibs were invented, the ink-filling mechanisms evolved. Subsequently, retractable nibs were introduced. The fountain pens of today are largely iterations of the pens made in the early 20th century with modernized filling mechanisms.

The invention of the fountain pen brought writing to the masses. I think I’ll start practicing my calligraphy again!

Reference: www.bestfountainpen.com

Do you have things laying around that could bring in extra cash?

We offer consignment services for those who don’t have the time or the know-how to sell their own items. There are no upfront fees; we only get paid if your items sell. Read more about our consignment services here.

The process is easy!

1. Give us a list of your items – Call us or send us a list of your items. Use our contact form.
2. Turn over your items – We will photograph, list and ship them. Or, send us photos and you ship your items when they sell. 
3. Receive a check every month!

Testimonial:

“Kelly was a dream to work with. I had not tried to sell anything on eBay so did not really know how it worked. Kelly was able to explain all the steps clearly and walked me through the process making sure I understood everything. She knows how to present the items, both the images as well as the descriptions, and makes selling things, including a baby grand piano, easy.” -Penny Kelleher

Artists:

Selling art online is all the rage these days. If you are a bit shy or are tired of talking up your art to the lookie-loos that stroll into your booth at an art show, then Kelly’s Collectibles and Online Art Gallery is a perfect platform for you. We write your listings, attract the buyers and all you have to do is ship it when it sells!

List your art with us and make your art visible to a worldwide audience.

Collectors:

Browse through hundreds of hand-picked pieces of collectibles and artwork from emerging to national and international-acclaimed artists. From paintings to sculptures and beyond, we have something you’ll love!

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact us! Through our network of artists, galleries, and collectors, we may be able to find the perfect piece to add to your collection!

Shop an assortment of collectibles and fine art.

Consignors:

We specialize in selling art, vintage collectibles, unusual items and anything else someone might buy. Our clients have provided us with some pretty interesting things over the years!

Consign your art and collectibles with us in 3 easy steps!

About Kelly’s Collectibles

I have been selling art for artists and creators over the past 10 years. I’ve visited their studios, attended their booths at art shows, and have heard firsthand the challenges they face to get their art in front of a qualified buyer. That’s where I come in….let me help you so you can do what you do best…create more art!

We specialize in connecting emerging, national and international artists with art collectors.

Visit our online Gallery.

You may also be interested in our post 12 Hot Items to Consign.