Is that a pen in your pocket?

Michael Mallory · Jun 18, 2004

James:

No, it wasn't my Mont Blanc on the plane. I can't remember which brand it was, but I stuck it in my pocket without even thinking of the potential consequences. The Poe pen came out in the late 90s, and my wife got it for me because I'm a Poe fan. It has an engraved raven on the nib and Poe's signature reproduced on the cap. And I think it probably cost more than Poe ever earned from his writing in his entire lifetime.

jamespowers · Jun 18, 2004

Originally posted by Michael Mallory
James:

No, it wasn't my Mont Blanc on the plane. I can't remember which brand it was, but I stuck it in my pocket without even thinking of the potential consequences. The Poe pen came out in the late 90s, and my wife got it for me because I'm a Poe fan. It has an engraved raven on the nib and Poe's signature reproduced on the cap. And I think it probably cost more than Poe ever earned from his writing in his entire lifetime.

Now I remember that model.

I was not too impressed with it when it came out. Does it have the all gold nib or the one that is two toned? I prefer the two toned but they are expensive and a bear to install.
You are probably right about the cost. LOL None of them are cheap.
What do you think of the Agrippa, in contrast?

Regards to all,

J

Michael Mallory · Jun 19, 2004

The Poe has an all gold nib. Actually, I'm not familiar with the Agrippa (though I'm assuming it's easy to hold onto).

jamespowers · Jun 19, 2004

Originally posted by Michael Mallory
The Poe has an all gold nib. Actually, I'm not familiar with the Agrippa (though I'm assuming it's easy to hold onto).

Actually the Agrippa is a fine writing instrument company. They are easy to hold too though.

Many of their works are done in gold and silver not to mention other exotic materials. This is one of the Ferrari of pens companies. They cost a ton and I don't have a ton to spend.

I just want to live vicariously through someone who has one. If someone has on that the want to just give away. I will take it, especially if it one of those jewel encrusted ones with reposse work on it. LOL

Regards to all,

J

yachtsilverswan · Jun 22, 2008

Canadave said:
OK, my sartorial friends, here's one for you.

...I've seen two different well-dressed gents with a quality pen in their OUTSIDE breast jacket pocket. I couldn't quite figure out whether I liked the look or not. I'm leaning towards liking it.

Any comments on this fashion statement?

D

Nothing should go in the outside suit pocket except possibly a handkerchief.

But I understand the desire to show off a nice pen.

Because I often remove my suit jacket at work, I keep my pen clipped diagonally between the second and third button of my dress shirt. The top of the pen's cap peeks out from the edge of my necktie. And it's always within easy reach. The thick plaquet of the shirt, when properly starched, does not sag the way a shirt pocket can sag under the weight of a fountain pen. It's a much cleaner, neater look.

Nick D · Jun 22, 2008

I prefer to keep mine in the upper left pocket of my waistcoat.

Two Gun Bob · Jun 22, 2008

Pens should be in a leather pouch in the inside jacket pocket, preferably with a matching mechanical pencil.

Stuffing a big Montblanc in your Armani suit's outside breast pocket is the ultimate sign of pen poseurdom, and likely to result in shattered 'precious resin' when you bend over to tie your shoelaces... lol lol lol

Of course if you're a scientist or engineer, feel free to put your writing instruments in your lab coat pocket with your slide rule.

DeaconKC · Jun 23, 2008

When I'm wearing a sportcoat or suit, the pen is in the jacket inside pocket. Otherwise, in the shirt pocket. I don't even wear a T-shirt for work without a pocket on it. And my pens are fountain pens. Modern ones are very good and don't have the leakage problems as the older [vintage] ones did.

You can also get a starter Pelikan 150 for under $50, a piston filler that is excellent quality with a very good nib.

charlie farley · Jun 23, 2008

STHill said:
Plus, it makes for a nice flourish to reach into the inside pocket for your pen.

I like the way you put that.
It's not just the clothes we wear but also the way we move.That's elegance.

John in Covina · Jun 23, 2008

Clips that told a story.

Canadave said:
Now, in the last month, I've seen two different well-dressed gents with a quality pen in their OUTSIDE breast jacket pocket. D

***************
Historically, in the 20th century a fountain pen was used by a large portion of society. Back in the early part up to about WWII and then after the war, pens were actually news worthy items and a regular part of what was considered fashion. To wear a fountain pen in the outside of a suit pocket could tell several things about the man, first he is a man of letters and second as the clip of the pen would indicated his brand selection, lastly people were more attuned to the brands and models of pens they would know what type of a guy he was by the cost and look of some models.

Clips became part of the pen in about the teens, but some pens were still made without them and people would buy a clip to add to the pen so they could wear it.

Parker's Duofold pens especially the larger sizes were considered manly pens, and having a "Big Red" in your pocket was a fashionable thing. Sheaffer introduced the streamlined Balance and that had a great following, Waterman's Hundred Year pens then the PFM's (Pen For Men) are highly noted. Wahl Eversharp had the Doric and then the Skyline as distinctive pens for show and go. There were a large number of makers but the high end stuff was a social statement.

So wearing a fine pen in your jacket pocket has quite a history of pride and even one-upsmanship. Go for it, but with class and elegant tastefulness. :eusa_clap

RJCNTX · Jun 23, 2008

I liken putting a pen in the outside pocket of your coat to wearing your Rolex on the outside of your shirt cuff...strictly for the purpose of "look and see the nice expensive thing that I have".

If I am wearing a coat, my pens are on the inside pocket. In the event I am not wearing a coat (quite often in Houston during spring/summer) I will typically carry my pen to meetings. I quit wearing a pen in my pocket several years ago.

Mike in Seattle · Jun 23, 2008

I generally keep my fountain pen in the shirt pocket under the coat, or on rare occasions, the inside pocket of the coat. The outside pocket's only for a pocket square or handkerchief (IMHO, the handkerchiefs at Penney's are far better, both in quality and price, than Nordstrom, Macy's and other places I've found). My thinking - in case of mishap (none so far), I'd rather deal with getting a spot out of a shirt than a more expensive jacket.

I almost always am using the converter in mine, but I keep a couple cartridges in my Daytimer "just in case" I should happen to run dry. I do the same when we travel - the pen's empty when I get on the plane and until at least cruising altitude (if not arrival) when I pop in a cartridge.

MrBern · Jun 24, 2008

Canadave said:
OK, my sartorial friends, here's one for you.

I like good quality pens, and always have one with on me during working hours (and sometimes at leisure as well). I used to keep one in my shirt pocket, but decided that it looked a bit cheesy, especially when it pulled the fabric down. It looked messy. I started carrying it in my inside jacket pocket.

Now, in the last month, I've seen two different well-dressed gents with a quality pen in their OUTSIDE breast jacket pocket. I couldn't quite figure out whether I liked the look or not. I'm leaning towards liking it.

Any comments on this fashion statement?

D

When Matt Deckard was visiting Madison Park in NYC, my mom commented that he needed to a proper pen to coordinate his look.
Heres a shot with him borrowing her MontBlanc.

John in Covina · Jun 24, 2008

MrBern said:
When Matt Deckard was visiting Madison Park in NYC, my mom commented that he needed to a proper pen to coordinate his look.
Heres a shot with him borrowing her MontBlanc.

*****************
You did get it back? ....

John in Covina · Jun 24, 2008

RJCNTX said:
I liken putting a pen in the outside pocket of your coat to wearing your Rolex on the outside of your shirt cuff...strictly for the purpose of "look and see the nice expensive thing that I have".

**************
Have taken the manufacturer and model emblems off of your car, too?

Dinerman · Jun 27, 2008

Not a pen- but a vintage mechanical pencil I got at an antique mall. It appears to be designed to wear outside your pocket, as the jewel on top faces out.
Very handy to carry around.

mister7 · Jun 27, 2008

Judging by the tiny size of that pencil, do you think it might be intended as a sort of a novelty tie-clip?

It's very pretty!

Dinerman · Jun 27, 2008

mister7 said:
Judging by the tiny size of that pencil, do you think it might be intended as a sort of a novelty tie-clip?

It's very pretty!

Thank you.
I thought that when I first got it, but it doesn't really work as one; it's a little too long and the clip's a little too off center. Though it's durable and works well, it's certainly an accessory more than a utilitarian item.

The Wolf · Jun 27, 2008

Great mechanical pencil!
I've worn a pen in my vest or shirt pocket but I don't have a vintage one.

Sincerely,
The Wolf

Maguire · Jun 27, 2008

Sorry, but the only time i actually wear a pen, i definitely take a pocketprotector.I've actually seen quite a few people wearing pocket protectors around, although i'm proud to say i'm the only one with a blaring, solid white one, not those wimpy clear ones. As if they are embarassed to have it on!

Is that a pen in your pocket?

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