Economy models

Since our pen club meetings are temporarily on hold due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, I thought I'd post a couple of photos that longtime VPC member Christopher sent me a few days ago. Both are photos of what I'd call "economical" fountain pens---inexpensive models that were meant for everyday use. Many thanks to Christopher for the photos and captions.

(click on images to enlarge)

In Christopher's words: "I do remember the Scripto brand both in pens and mechanical pencils being available at drug stores in the 50s and early 60s. Also, one of the private boys’ school I boarded at carried the Scripto leads in the tuck shop...Interesting fountain pen, nice colour and extremely unusual pinched clip, cap. The nib is nothing special but it writes OK."

Christopher, regarding the burgundy Arnold fountain pen above: "I made a display box to house it in. I do that with pens I particularly like but more as examples than items I want more of. The deep burgundy colour of this pen’s finish is noteworthy while the fittings are gold filled. I usually will replace a steel nib on a vintage pen but if the nib is branded by the manufacturer I leave it be. So - steel nib but carrying the Arnold name."

For more information on Scripto and Arnold fountain pens, check out the entries in the "Glossopedia" section of Richard Binder's excellent pen blog (Scripto info and Arnold info).