Neither a collector nor an accumulator (of pens) be?
I have been grappling recently with what my pen collection means to me, what state it is in now, what I want it to look like and, sadly, what pens to sell.
That led to some soul searching, which in turn led to googling published articles and watching You Tube (SBRE Brown has done a video on this very topic) on the subject of whether you buy pens to use, whether you simply accumulate pens, or whether you are a collector of pens.
There is also the question of whether these labels are mutually exclusive or whether, like a Solicitor and Barrister are specific types of the generic “lawyer” label, you could fall into 2 or even 3 of these categories.
To decide that, some consideration needs to be given to the definition of “user”, “accumulator” and “collector”.
There are many learned, wide ranging and varied discussions on this topic. I am excluding the criteria of budget from this thought process, even though it is an ever present constraint! For my part, I think as follows:
A “user” of pens is an individual who purchases pens based on 2 criteria. Does the pen look attractive and will the individual enjoy using the pen in the literal sense of the word “use”. Is the nib pleasant to write with, is it the correct width, is the section of a pen comfortable to hold, etc. To fit into this category alone, brand, nib material etc does not feature strongly. Likely to be fairly ruthless in selling pens that are not used.
An “accumulator” of pens, is an individual who literally buys everything and anything that they like. There is no other thought process, such as will I enjoy writing with this pen. There is no brand loyalty. The pen could be brand new or pre-loved. The nib could be any width. They are not limited by trying to buy every pen of a specific set (e.g. every Parker 51 vacumatic double jewel in every colour and cap configuration ever made). Unlikely to sell anything. Ever.
A “collector” only buys pens that fit within the criteria they have set themselves for the curation of their collection. Inadvertently, this may be a crossover with accumulation, because the criteria could be very narrow (Pre-Meisterstück Montblanc pens) or very wide (every Waterman pen ever made). Might sell or trade to improve the collection.
I have listed the definitions in this specific order because my personal experience led me to follow the journey from user, to accumulation, to being a collector. But then there is a fourth dimension to progress too. For me, an individual can definitely fall into all 3 categories.
When I started enjoying writing with fountain pens, I bought only those I thought I would enjoy writing with. And I did enjoy using those pens.
So whilst I had pens I enjoyed using, I kept buying more pens, that maybe I might use in the future or I liked the look of them or whatever. In honesty (and with some embarrassment), when I look back on it, there was not a massive amount of thought or research into brands and so on.
I recently listened to a podcast about collecting watches. There are many out there and parallels can be drawn to the pen world. One of the concepts discussed was what an individual enjoyed the most: hunting for a new item to add to a collection, owning an item or using an item. I think that is another (helpful) way of looking at the user, accumulator, and collector definitions. The way an item is purchased might also give some insight - if you are a hunter, does that mean that the price paid for the item you want is of paramount importance, in priority to for example, the writing experience or the need for restoration?
After a reality check, and a thought process, I realised there were particular traits in what I wanted to buy/have bought. Examples (and not an exclusive list) of my collecting criteria were:
Parker Duofold Maxima’s from the 1950’s in all the colours
Montblanc Writers Edition pens
Parker 51’s (The introductory photo combines my appreciation of 51’s with custom made pens by Brad Torelli)
Custom made pens, by Joe Cali, and also specifically those made by recycling parts from vintage pens and replacing the barrels and caps with new materials - for example those 51’s made by Kullock, Prather, Torelli, Bexley and so on
Goldfink pens made by Tom Westerlich of Penboard.de
Japanese urushi and maki-e pens (but especially Pilot Elites from 1960’s-1980’s)
Oversize vintage flat top design pens with at least a size 6 nib or bigger - e.g. Waterman 58, Swan Eternal 8, various US makes like Wahl Eversharp and Diamond Point, Montblanc 139 etc
OMAS Tokyo pens
Pelikan Cities pens (M600’s in limited edition finishes)
Vintage Pilot Capless or vanishing point pens
I really focussed on these criteria for a few years, and did not use many of the pens I bought, albeit it, I greatly enjoyed owning them, cataloguing them, researching them and so on.
However! I recently bought an Asvine pen. It doesn’t fall into any collection categories, but I liked how it looked, and wanted to try it for note taking (and I enjoyed using it!).
I recently sold 2 Wahl Eversharp Gold Seal vintage pen and pencil sets, one in black and pearl, one in jade green (oversized flat top pens, with a very appealing design). They were in great condition, but I had decided they no longer fit into my collections. They were never going to be used.
Like many, I recently attended the London Pen Show (see my blog post on this topic for more information). A great event with plenty of temptation. I bought a Pilot Pocket pen in a sterling silver cross hatch pattern, in an original box. I already have several of these pens and I really like them. The price was right and I could afford it, so why not?
My admittedly rather long winded point is that I fit into all of these labels. I use, accumulate and collect. The labels are not mutually exclusive. I buy what I love, and enjoy owning and/or using. And thank goodness for that.