How to Identify Fountain Pens
A fountain pen is a type of pen that features an easier ink flow than a cheaper pen. Fountain pens have been around since the late 1800s and are popular items for collectors. Different types of fountain pens exist and each has its own characteristics that you can use to identify it.
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Instructions
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Look at the nib of the fountain pen. A stylograph doesn't feature a true nib, but has a thin steel wire that extends through the pen and out the tip. A safety pen contains a retractable nib that stops the flow of ink when it's pulled back into the pen. A doctor's pen features a thermometer, either inside it or with it.
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Examine the flow of the ink from the fountain pen. A stylograph writes in thick ink, much like the modern ballpoint pen. A safety pen's ink travels by gravity and is prone to leakage. A doctor's pen writes more thinly than a modern-day ballpoint pen.
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Notice the style of the fountain pen. A stylograph usually features a cap that is placed on the top of it. A safety pen usually features no cap, but a retractable nib, although some more modern models feature a screw-off cap. A doctor's pen is usually beautifully decorated with gold bands and intricate details.
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Tips & Warnings
One noticeable characteristic of all fountain pens is that they can be refilled, and some even contain ink cartridges rather than refillable barrels.
Numerous brands of fountain pens exist within each category of fountain pens, all of which have slightly different characteristics.
References
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