Nostalgic return to fountain pens
Elegant transformation of its supposed obsolescence into aura of indulgent luxury, also draws in Trump, writes Troy Patterson
People around the world have focused on President Donald Trump’s recent Oval Office signing ceremonies, but only one group has turned close attention to the tool with which he affixes his jagged signature to executive orders. Those watching the pen rather than the man are members of the internet forum fpgeeks.com — a commission of Fountain Pen Geeks. Studying video clips with the attention of forensic experts ("looks … as if the ink was flowing all around the tip from where the barrel ends all the way to the paper surface") and trusting a comrade who claimed insider knowledge, the group surmised the world’s most powerful Sharpie fan has recently been wielding a Cross Century II black lacquer rollerball converted into a felt-tip. "I’m just glad they weren’t fountain pens," wrote one geek, fountainpenkid. There are many distinct subspecies of fountain pen geeks. Members include aesthetes who admire the exceptional resin work of Hawaii’s Kanilea Pen Company, lawyers flashing Graf von F...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.