---
title: "Other topics — related subjects"
description: "Cases, inkwells, desk accessories, travelling with pens, curious stories."
language: en
date_modified: 2026-05-19
date_published: 2026-05-19
license: CC BY 4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source_url: https://www.fountainpen.de/faq-chunks-en/11_sonstiges.md
landing_url: https://www.fountainpen.de/faq-llm-en.htm
publisher: fountainpen.de
author: Michael Steiner
keywords: ['case', 'inkwell', 'travel', 'air travel', 'desk', 'accessories']
entries: 160
---

# Other topics — related subjects

> Cases, inkwells, desk accessories, travelling with pens, curious stories.

Knowledge base from the former fountainpen.de forum (anonymised, AI-curated). **160 entries** in this topic block. Full index: <https://www.fountainpen.de/faq-llm-en.htm>.

## Other

### Where can one source high-quality letter paper and visiting cards on laid paper with steel-engraved or lacquer printing?

For steel engraving in Germany, Hannovera in Hanover and a workshop in Basel are recommended as good and comparatively reasonably priced suppliers; about 100 cards with first and last name cost roughly 150–200 euros. On real laid paper, steel engraving is considered the stylistically appropriate print; lacquer printing is criticised as an inferior alternative. Another option is blind embossing (also called die embossing) at a long-established print shop that still works with hand-set letterpress; a small desktop embossing press for monograms is also feasible. Druckerey.de is mentioned as a further source — they do not offer steel engraving but other techniques and a sample portfolio that can be ordered (10 euros, credited against a first order). Local bookbinders and print shops can often arrange contacts with steel-engraving craftsmen as well.

### How can fakes of S. T. Dupont lighters be identified on eBay?

Counterfeits now reach very high quality, so even experienced buyers are deceived. Estimates suggest about 90 percent of eBay listings are fake; certain serial numbers (e.g. 05D06A8) point to fakes. Anyone wanting an original should choose only auctions explicitly advertised as "Original S. T. Dupont" — "original packaging" alone is not enough. In case of doubt, contacting the manufacturer directly or informing the buyer is recommended. Very detailed identification markers are documented in a multi-page discussion in a specialised collector forum; if in doubt, even well-faked pieces are worth at most about 40 euros.

### Which paper is particularly well suited to a Montblanc Meisterstück LeGrand 146 in terms of even ink flow and clean script?

Collectors name as proven all-rounders Zanders Classic and Zanders Gohrsmühle, which among heavy writers are regarded as clearly better than the Rössler papers (e.g. Paper Royal) and are available as a glued block or as a writing pad. Clairefontaine is also recommended as very well suited to fountain pens and reasonably priced. For notes, simple 5 mm grid pads are good; on finer papers like Edelleinen by DFW visible feathering of the ink can occur. Anyone wanting to test several papers in parallel can have a selection sent by the Papierunion's paper consultancy in order to determine the suitable behaviour with one's own ink-and-nib combination.

### Can a fountain pen be built completely by oneself, and which components are bought in?

Self-building a fountain pen is basically possible; nib and feed are usually bought from the firm Bock, since the manufacture of these components requires considerable experience and special tools. Barrel, cap, mechanism and closures can be made on a lathe from suitable materials such as precious resin, acrylic, hardwood or metal. Anyone wanting to develop an independent filling system finds a practical reference, e.g. in the Bulk Filler system (Conid/Fountainbel), whose developer realised his own patented principle after several years of self-building. Due to the high artisanal and technical effort, self-builds are rare; collectors advise long learning periods and orientation toward established Bock nibs in order to ensure writing quality and ink flow.

### How are the market chances of a new TWSBI piston pen DIAMOND from China to be assessed, and should the pen be fully disassemblable?

In the entry price segment around 35 euros there are already established competitors like Pelikan, Lamy, Kaweco and Online, so a clear differentiation via target group, marketing and added value is decisive. Other Chinese brands like Duke find it hard going on the German market. The names TWSBI and DIAMOND are criticised as not very catchy for the target group of pupils and students. Full disassemblability for cleaning and maintenance is hardly relevant for end customers and carries the risk that laymen cause damage; for dealers, however, it can be of interest for spare-parts stocking. As added value, individualisation via interchangeable modules such as grip segments, writing modules with various line widths or gold nibs presents itself. A grey demonstrator would be desirable as a visual highlight.

### Which inexpensive digital camera is suitable for detail shots of writing instruments, e.g. serial numbers and engravings?

Most digital cameras have a macro or super-macro mode that allows shots from about 1 to 3 cm distance; however, perspective distortions occur and the camera's own light is shadowed. A better but more expensive solution is an SLR with macro lens, possibly with ring flash, e.g. the Olympus E-330 with a flip LCD and matching macro lens for around 200 euros. From about 4 megapixels resolution is sufficient for all practical applications. Recommended makers in the entry segment are Olympus and Nikon, in the mid and upper segment Canon. Older bright compact cameras like the Sony F-707 have also proven themselves. As information sources, digitalkamera.de and dpreview.com are mentioned.

### Which black fountain pen up to 75 euros is suitable as a reliable writing companion for Abitur exams?

Recommendable models in this price class are the Pelikan M200, the Cleo Scribent Chiffre 05 and the Aurora Style; Faber-Castell also offers suitable models. With cartridge pens (e.g. Waterman) it should be noted that mostly only cartridges of the respective maker fit. Piston pens can be filled with any common ink and hold significantly more ink than a standard cartridge. A new nib should be broken in before important exams, since getting used to it takes time. The Cleo Chiffre 05 is particularly praised for its slim, elegant shape and good writing behaviour.

### Are fountain pens (piston or cartridge pens) allowed in carry-on luggage on flights since the tightened security regulations of 2006?

Fountain pens and ballpoints are unproblematic in carry-on luggage and are usually not objected to at security. Even large quantities (up to about 100 writing instruments) were carried along on Penshow trips to Rome; only opening of the cases was needed. The ink filling level was not paid attention to. Even ink bottles were inspected more closely but allowed through, provided they stayed under the general liquid limits. Precautionary, transport of the pen empty or emptying before take-off is recommended to avoid pressure differences and leak risks.

### Which blotting paper is suitable for an old blotter rocker, and are there matching formats for non-Montblanc models?

Montblanc offers special blotting paper with rougher surface that absorbs ink faster than usual blotter paper; it is pre-cut for Montblanc blotter rockers but can also be used for similarly sized rockers in width and trimmed in length if needed. For deviating formats, A5 blotter pads from stationery trade (e.g. with ten sheets) can be used and individually trimmed, which is significantly cheaper. Important is sufficient absorbency of the paper so that ink residues do not smear.

### Are cartridges or converters for old Geha cartridge pens still available?

The Geha cartridges sold by Pelikan today no longer fit into old Geha cartridge pens, and converters have not been produced for more than ten years. Without an old original cartridge from which a makeshift converter could be tinkered, such a pen practically remains a display piece only. The problem is not limited to Geha: even big brands like Waterman have changed their cartridge system and gradually discontinue supply with converters and cartridges of older models. Polyethylene, the material of the old cartridges, cannot reliably be glued, which makes self-build difficult. The case illustrates the general risk of proprietary filling or consumable systems.

### What experiences exist when buying fountain pens from non-EU countries (especially USA) regarding customs, import VAT and effort?

On deliveries from the USA, from a goods value of around 22 euros, import VAT (19 %) and from 150 euros additionally customs duty apply; often the parcel is held until personal collection at customs, which means a time effort. Sometimes a shipment is not declared and comes through directly, but this is luck. The weaker euro reduces the price advantage additionally. Anyone wanting to avoid the effort better waits for an equivalent offer within the EU. As a price guide on used Meisterstücks, about half the new price applies; ended eBay auctions provide realistic market values.

### Which sealing wax is suitable for home use, and which properties distinguish high-quality from inexpensive products?

Cheap sealing wax sooths strongly, becomes matt and delivers no clean impressions; collectors therefore advise higher-quality products, e.g. from siegelshop24.com (around 8 euros per stick for 30–40 seals) or from Landolt-Arbenz in Zurich (about 15 euros for 20 cm). Important is that the stick has no central wick, since such waxes soot when burning and melt unevenly. For application the stick is held over a burner and the wax dripped onto the paper several times rotating before the seal stamp is pressed on. Notary-supply mail-order houses sometimes presuppose that the buyer is actually a notary.

### Which basic literature and aids should collector novices use before posting frequently recurring beginner questions on Montblanc writing instruments?

For beginners particularly the standard works on Montblanc are recommended, e.g. the books by Jürgen Lehmann and book reviews with ISBN information in the forum section 'Articles'. The forum search function and older threads also already answer many recurring questions on model designations, value determination and authenticity check. Beginner questions are expressly welcome on the forum if a minimum of research has been done beforehand. The forum rules emphasise polite handling and differentiated discussion.

### Which makers produce nibs for high-quality fountain pens — especially the frequently encountered nibs with the engraving 'Iridium Point Germany'?

Montblanc makes its nibs itself. The most important German nib supplier is the firm Bock; many brand makers like Faber-Castell and earlier also Pelikan have nibs made there, which is why Bock counts as a 'hidden champion'. Whether the nibs with the engraving 'Iridium Point Germany' come specifically from Bock is not unambiguously clarified. In general, steel nibs can technically write just as well as gold nibs; gold nibs are softer in writing feel due to the material.

### Why was the forum changed to a new software, and which problems or advantages does that bring?

The change occurred compulsorily, since Joomlaboard was no longer being developed and outdated software poses a considerable security risk through hacker attacks. The new software offers more security; individual functions like the RSS feed or avatar pictures had to be reworked after migration. The number of posts remains visible; evaluative forum ranks, however, fall away.

### How can forum rules and image protection be designed so that information researched in the forum is not misused for eBay sales without compensation?

It was discussed putting the forum rules prominently at the beginning of the forum and visually highlighting them, which was subsequently implemented. To protect photos provided by the forum from unauthorised reuse on eBay, the majority spoke for a clearly visible diagonal watermark in the middle of the image, since small or discreet watermarks can easily be cropped out. Mass post-processing of the existing image stocks is only realistic via specialised batch-processing software. In the background was the wish to preserve the forum as a place of mutual collector exchange and not as a free research source for fast sales.

### Is there a relevant collector market for an unused gold-plated Lerche roller blotter from Solingen?

Writing-instrument collectors are only marginally interested in desk accessories like roller blotters, so the target group is small. Comparable un-gilded Lerche models are offered on platforms like penexchange.de for around 25 euros and find barely any response there. Gold platings are also wafer-thin and do not significantly influence material value. Such pieces are not extremely rare — if not from Lerche, then from other brands — and compete with numerous substitutes like blotter rockers. A sale via eBay or penexchange.de is possible, but often more rewarding is keeping it as a memento.

### Which beginner pen with ergonomic grip and fine nib is suitable for a second-grader on whom normal Lamy models write too broad and too wet?

For school beginners the typical learning pens with knobbly ergo grip are still recommended, since children's hands deliberately should not handle slim writing instruments; a Mozart or a 1950s flex pen is therefore unsuitable, since steel nibs are more stable and everyday-suitable. Vintage writing instruments also bring ink-flow risks in everyday use. Concrete recommendations for cartridge pens with ergonomic grip and F nib are limited in the range around 50 euros; preferable is a test in a larger stationery specialist shop (e.g. Schreibmayr in Munich). The Rotring Initial is also named as a good but in trade hardly available variant; in the Penexchange forum a separate section on school pens with further experience reports exists.

### Are the German-language Montblanc forums still needed, and how should one deal with declining maintenance of fountainpen.de?

The forum operator sees the declining maintenance as a result of shifted private and professional priorities and an intensified collecting focus on old Montblanc pieces; advertising or a handover of the platform are excluded, since the project is purely hobby-driven. The collector community is also changing: many formerly engaged members no longer collect or no longer Montblanc-focused. Despite recent weaknesses, fountainpen.de remains the most important German-language contact point for Montblanc collectors; collectors largely react rejectingly to a shutdown and insist on the value of a German-language forum alongside FPN and Penexchange. Discussed are also questions of whether two German-language forums are needed and how recent Montblanc marketing decisions (e.g. on the 100-year anniversary or the model history of the 149) affect collecting interest.

### May pictures from the fountainpen.de website be reused on one's own private internet pages?

No, reuse is not permitted. The photos on fountainpen.de are exclusively intended for the own website; an unrestricted authorisation to use is not granted, not even in individual cases. Background: on eBay numerous counterfeits are advertised with foreign original photos, which is why image rights are consistently protected. International enforcement is, however, complicated; this does not justify exceptions. Anyone needing image material must enquire directly with the respective maker or rights holder or take their own photos.

### Is the Montblanc boutique on Vienna's Graben actually closing or only relocating?

It is not a closure but a relocation within the same street. The old boutique at Graben 17 ceased sales on 24.02.2007, while at the end of April a new Montblanc Flagship Boutique opened at Graben 15. Economic background of such location changes are typically very high rents in this area. Repairs and intermediate trade are handled during the transition period via an intermediary on Kärntnerstraße.

### Does the Collegium Aureum Scriptorum (CAS) still exist, and what use is membership?

The CAS is still active; chairman is Dirk Barmeyer, who essentially carries the club organisationally alone. The annual membership fee is, by statutes, 35 euros for active and 50 euros for passive members. Members get access to organised events like factory tours (e.g. Montblanc, wood-pen maker Fink) and workshops generally exclusively open to members. The web presence has meanwhile been renewed; patience on enquiries is sometimes needed due to the slim personnel set-up.

### Which writing-instrument shows are there in the Cologne area, and what focuses do such events have?

Information on the collector show in Cologne can be found at collectiblestars.de. Focus of the relevant shows lies typically on old or historical writing instruments; newer Limited Editions are rather rarely to be found there. Anyone looking for current collector editions is dependent on direct contacts to boutiques or specialised dealers. As a contact in northern Germany, additionally Axel's shop in the Bremen/Hamburg area is recommended.

### Which problems does the McAfee SiteAdvisor cause when calling smaller websites, and which legal and technical implications does that have?

The SiteAdvisor only shows pages quickly that have been previously tested by McAfee; smaller homepages often do not load at all or only after several minutes, by which users are de facto denied access to untested content. In the forum it is pointed out that a blocking or delaying of content without consent can be legally problematic (reference to § 206 (2) StGB). Several posts see this as a foretaste of further-reaching concepts like fee-paying page releases or hardware-side programme control (keyword NGSCB / Fritz chip). The simplest remedy is uninstalling the SiteAdvisor; McAfee reacts after complaints and also offers phone support.

### Does Montblanc offer factory tours for collectors in Hamburg?

Earlier there were regular factory tours, e.g. before the Pen Port in Hamburg, organised via the CAS. On direct enquiry with Montblanc it has meanwhile been communicated that there are no tours for the general public any more. As an alternative Pelikan offers corresponding factory tours.

### From what age do collectors typically start collecting fountain pens?

Entry ages range from about 8 (special-model cases) through 17–20 as a widespread span up to 25–26; age itself is, by collector opinion, largely irrelevant. Decisive are less biographical barriers than financial means and one's own aspiration, which may quite well include long-term goals like a Carnegie 4810 or a Jules Verne. Coveted Limited Editions are often quickly sold out and rise rapidly in price (Jules Verne from about 900 euros); new Writers Editions at 700 euros are felt as overpriced, so many young collectors expand to brands like Cartier, S.T. Dupont or inexpensive models like Waterman Phileas.

### Are there official screen wallpapers around Montblanc?

Official Montblanc wallpapers do not exist; available are only Montblanc screensavers on CD that can be obtained via Montblanc specialist dealers. Collectors have put together their own desktop wallpapers and slideshows from existing product photos (e.g. from fountainpen.de), e.g. with image-editing programs like Photoshop. Own shots of individual writing instruments like the Meisterstück 169 Leonardo Sketch Pen are also used for this purpose.

### What was the reason for the one-day outage of fountainpen.de?

The outage was caused by a so-called flooding attack: from numerous IP addresses non-existent files were called millions of times, which overloaded the web space. Such attacks can hardly be repelled in the short term; the provider blocked the most active IP addresses, after which traffic slowly normalised. Through the attack the operator's free quota was exceeded, which caused additional costs. Within the forum community a donation option was discussed to support the admin's effort.

### Which literature and sources explain construction and function of a fountain pen?

As a basic work the volume 'Fountain Pens, Repair and Restoration' by Frank Dubiel is recommended, available via eBay or Penboard.de. Supplementary online sources like maxpens.de with a disassembly depiction of the 146, the OMAS guide for piston pens and penexchange.de offer detailed information on construction, components and function. Cautious own disassembly of individual models (e.g. a Bohème with glued thread sleeve) grants additional insights but is, due to partly very fine threads and adhesive joints, associated with risk.

### Which tips are there for photographing fountain pens with a DSLR?

Decisive is not primarily the camera model but sufficient and above all indirect lighting. Recommended are daylight lamps that produce diffuse light and avoid hard shadows and strong gleam points on metal and lacquer surfaces. A built-in flash is mostly too hard and should be avoided; halogen lamps or daylight work better. As underground and background, white paper is suitable, also arranged laterally as an improvised lightbox. Even compact cameras with macro mode deliver usable results, so lighting remains the essential factor.

### What experiences exist with Lamy ink regarding ink flow, and should inks of different makers be mixed?

Lamy ink is generally regarded as reliable, but is in experience somewhat thinner than Pelikan or Montblanc. Reports of failing ink flow, where the converter has to be turned a little, are known with some fountain pen / feed combinations; Pelikan 4001 generally does not show such behaviour. Different ink brands should not be mixed, since chemical reactions and flocculation can occur. Comparative measurements of viscosity and surface tension of common branded inks provide insight.

### Is it worth buying the volume "Schriftstücke" by Pedro Corrêa do Lago from Gerstenberg Verlag?

Collectors judge the large-format book as extremely informative and impressive; it contains autographs from seven centuries and gives a good overview of handwritings of famous personalities. The book, weighing more than two kilograms, is a heavy illustrated volume. While the original price of around 59 euros was felt to be high, the work has meanwhile been significantly reduced by the publisher and is available second-hand from about 39 euros in as-new condition antiquarian. As supplementary reading on the same subject, the work "... mit Brief und Siegel" by the State Archive Administration of the GDR is mentioned.

### How is the book "Füllfederhalter" by Juan M. Clark to be evaluated, and is it suitable as a reference work?

The book is the German translation of a French original from 2001 and has the unusual format 14.5 x 14.5 cm. As a reference work, it is predominantly judged critically: the descriptions remain superficial, the sorting of the models is inconsistent (modern and 1920s models stand unordered next to each other), and on the photos the nib imprints are not recognisable. Anyone, on the other hand, looking for a pure picture book to leaf through and to orient oneself about classics like the Waterman Patrician will find usable material here. The original price was high, but the book is much more cheaply available second-hand and in the remainder section.

### Are the sets of Pelikan and Cross (Cross Verve Platinum, Pelikan 250) offered in the Karstadt anniversary brochure for "125 Years Karstadt" really bargains?

Both sets are discontinued models: the Cross Verve Platinum is a higher-quality model with 18-carat bicolour nib, with an RRP of around 435 euros (fountain pen) or 185 euros (ballpoint); the former retail price of 620 euros stated by Karstadt, on the other hand, is not comprehensible and problematic under competition law. The Pelikan 250 set in dark blue was discontinued by Pelikan. The price reduction to 199 euros (Cross) or 99 euros (Pelikan) appears plausible considering the RRP, but the stated crossed-out prices are partly misleading.

### Which metal (yellow gold or platinum/silver/white gold) do collectors prefer for the trim of their fountain pens?

The choice is predominantly a matter of taste and is closely connected with personal colour type: spring and autumn types tend to warm gold tones, summer and winter types to cool white metals. With black Meisterstücks, yellow-gold trim is often preferred; with silver-heavy models like the Kafka, gold elements would seem out of place. Writing behaviour also influences the choice: heavy writing instruments with massive metal sleeves tire faster during long writing, which is why lighter models like the Doerrbecker Quintessenz or the StarWalker RubberLine are regarded as more everyday-suitable. Heavy devices like the ST Dupont Olympio Large are more suitable for signatures.

### To what extent does a collectors' forum risk losing its character through increasing sales offers from outsiders, and how could this be curbed?

Forums are only of limited suitability as a sales platform, since regular collectors know the market prices well, and exorbitant prices are hardly achieved here. In other forums, sales are only allowed from a certain number of posts or after manual approval, which is an effective measure against purely sales-oriented new registrations. Overall, the impression prevails that brazen offers do attract attention but are rarely successful in the collector environment.

### What is behind the article on writing culture in the Rheinischer Merkur and which materials such as galalith are mentioned therein?

The article in the Rheinischer Merkur arose after a detailed conversation with a collector during the Landpartie exhibition at Burg Adendorf near Bonn and is aimed at the more discerning readership of the paper. Background information on fountain-pen materials including galalith is provided by the book Schreibgeräte sammeln by Dietmar Geyer on pages 127 to 131. Galalith is a historical plastic made of casein, which was used in the construction of writing instruments before the spread of celluloid and modern resins.

### How does one identify an old Parker Vacumatic nib as Oblique, and which modern fountain pens and nib widths come into question as a replacement for a Gothic handwriting?

A visibly obliquely ground Parker Vacumatic nib is most likely an Oblique variant, presumably OM. Gold nibs are individually ground in, which is why with a replacement only extensive test writing provides meaningful insights. Pocket-suitable models are basically all modern fountain pens, preferably not made of metal in order to avoid scratches from keys; as a smaller classic, the Montblanc Mozart 116 is suitable. Special grinds such as Italic Oblique or Fine Italic, e.g. via mrpen.co.uk, offer interesting options especially for tabular and mixed-script needs; further explanations can be found at nibs.com.

### Are proprietary ink-cartridge formats sensible or do they harm the consumer and writing culture?

The position of the proprietary advocates argues that manufacturers are entitled to sell their own accessories for their products, and that standard formats can lead to quality problems. Counter-positions see proprietary cartridges as a declaration of war on the customer that unnecessarily restricts the choice of ink; piston fillers or converter systems that allow free choice of ink are therefore preferred. A pragmatic stopgap was formerly the refilling of empty cartridges with syringe and cannula, as was usual e.g. with Geha pens.

### Which letter paper is suitable for fountain pens with a broad nib if the writing image on structured laid paper is unsatisfactory?

There is not the one ideal letter paper; writing feel and writing image depend on nib width, writing angle, pressure, ink and writing direction. Tried and tested are Gohrsmühle Bütten as well as Conqueror in the variant Smooth Satin CX22, ideally in cream; on these papers the pen glides silently and the writing image remains clean. Structured laid paper can be problematic with broad nibs. Conqueror bright white seems to some collectors too much like copy paper; ribbed variants can again cause writing problems.

### Which stationery shops and addresses for high-quality writing instruments are there in Budapest?

The first address in Budapest is Váci Utca; further points of contact are Kossuth Lajos Utca, Rákóczi Út and Múzeum Körút. Specific shops change frequently, since many long-established shops give way to trend shops. When asking, the Hungarian terms "írószer" (stationery) and "töltőtoll" (fountain pen) help. A Montblanc boutique was at the time of the discussion in planning near the opera.

### Does a separate customer card with services exist for Richemont or Montblanc collectors, and what advantages does it offer?

Montblanc had the "Club 4810" with a VIP club card, which granted members, among other things, an annual welcome gift, a free maintenance or cleaning of a writing instrument, a replacement leather strap or a battery change for a Montblanc watch as well as a free engraving. Admission was not open to everyone; the club has been on hold and was to be continued in revised form, with new admissions suspended. A group-wide Richemont Owners Card does not yet exist; an introduction would conflict with existing brand-specific club programmes. Handwritten Christmas greetings Montblanc only sends to selected persons, not generally to club members.

### What contents and highlights does the new Montblanc writing-instrument brochure offer, and what does the UNICEF special packaging of the 149 cost?

The brochure shows all standard models including Stainless Steel II, both variants of the Meisterstück Royal 146, Karajan, Bohème (also with leather surface and gemstone), Scenium and StarWalker, but without prices. The highlight is the UNICEF cooperation with elaborate special packaging, including a plexiglass case with engraved Goethe verses in his handwriting. The 149 in special packaging costs about 690 EUR, which means a surcharge of around 230 EUR. How high the donation share paid to UNICEF is not communicated in the brochure; with earlier Donation Pens, this was openly disclosed.

### Which aid is best suited for drying ink: roller with blotting-paper roll or rocker?

The classic blotting rocker avoids the typical problems of the roller, whose blotting-paper roll often comes loose and adheres poorly. With the rocker, only the inserted blotting paper has to be changed from time to time, which is uncomplicated in everyday use.

### Which letter paper and envelopes are suitable for high-quality fountain pens, without felting up the nib?

Tried and tested are papers like "Zanders classic", Gmund papers as well as the range of briefpapiere.de and atramentis.de (Jansen). Important is a closed, low-fibre surface, so that the nib is not clogged by detaching fibres. Since the suitability is subjective and writing-style-dependent, the rule is: try out instead of just reading. In the forum, numerous earlier discussions with recommendations can be found through the correct search in the forum search field.

### How does one best photograph writing instruments (fountain pens, ballpoints) for appealing, high-resolution shots?

Collectors report that camera quality is secondary at small image formats; from about 5 megapixels a good compact camera suffices as well as an SLR (e.g. Canon EOS 400D with standard lens 17-55 mm). More important is a tripod, which allows high aperture values for depth of field without camera shake, as well as manual focus and a delayed shutter release, so that one is not reflected in the pen. The lighting should be indirect (daylight or energy-saving lamp on the ceiling), no flash, since this reflects and makes dust visible; table lamps produce a yellow cast, white paper in front of them a blue cast. As a base, structured white paper is suitable; for fixing the writing instruments, white tack.

### What can the cause be when the forum system reports new private messages but the inbox shows none?

It was a technical problem on the side of the hosting provider: the server on which the forum database runs was briefly overloaded by traffic from other websites and unreachable for a fraction of a second, while a private message was just being sent. A safety mechanism reacted incorrectly, so that the message was apparently addressed to all users at once but could not be displayed correctly in the mailbox. After a manual intervention by the administrator, the system functioned normally again.

### How is an avatar picture in the forum profile correctly uploaded and displayed beside the posts, if activation causes problems?

After selecting the image file via "Browse", the button "Upload" must necessarily be pressed in order for the avatar to be activated; the image is restricted to a maximum of 80x80 pixels and 80 kB. If too large an image is uploaded, it can happen that the original image is not overwritten when one tries to replace it, which appears as a bug in the system. In such cases, the image can be sent by email to the administrator, who then embeds it manually.

### How does one find the right nib width, how does one improve one's handwriting, and does a Montblanc writing instrument suit one's own style?

The right nib width can only be determined through extensive testing with one's own paper at the specialist retailer, since the writing feel is very individual; Montblanc additionally offers an acclimatisation or exchange period after purchase. Handwriting is mostly shaped at school and changes only to a limited extent later; through practice with calligraphy books, however, something can be specifically improved, although in the hectic everyday note-taking the effect remains limited. Whether a particular writing instrument suits one's own style is ultimately subjective and a question of personal taste.

### How does the karma rating system work in the forum, and where does the term come from?

With the karma function, posts of other users can be rated by thumbs up or down, in order to highlight quality rather than mere post count. Per user only one rating is possible every six hours so that careful weighing takes place. Terms like Expert, Gold and Platinum Boarder were removed in the course of this. The designation karma comes from the forum software used and was not specifically chosen; a renaming would be programming-wise elaborate. In open-source environments, such Far-Eastern-leaning identifiers are anyway widespread.

### Why is an uploaded avatar image displayed in the profile but not in the forum community?

The forum uses the software Mambo with modules from various third-party providers (forum SimpleBoard, MyPMS, member list), which do not consistently communicate with each other. Therefore the profile picture must be deposited separately for SimpleBoard and MyPMS. Beta versions of a unified profile module already exist, but a switch is only sensible with an established standard. Until then, the multiple creation of the avatar is the only solution.

### Which problems occur with the private-messaging system (MyPMS Pro) in the forum, and is a system change planned?

With increasing database size, MyPMS Pro no longer functions reliably; problems arise especially when users want to delete old messages. There were already three larger incidents in which at least one message was lost. Because of the pop-up problems, some users prefer direct email communication; however, publishing clickable email addresses harbours spam risks. A switch to a Joomla-based environment is planned in the medium term; whether a PMS system will continue to be offered is open, since commercial solutions cause costs.

### Are fountain pens like Montblanc or Graf von Faber-Castell really suitable as an investment, as a Welt am Sonntag article suggests?

Increases in value occur practically only with a few, anyway already high-priced limited editions; the broad market is not affected by this. Collectors warn of an oversaturation through ever more and ever more expensive special models in ever smaller editions, since potential collectors are thereby discouraged from building up a sensible collection; Omas and in part Montblanc are mentioned as examples of risky brand policy. Speculative buyers and dealers can distort the market, but a parallel functioning lovers' market remains realistic. The article cited is criticised in content as superficial, e.g. through the mixing of Writers Editions and Patron of the Arts; brand emphasis appears editorially arbitrary. Writing instruments should be bought primarily out of joy in the object and in writing, not as an investment.

### Which good writing-instrument specialist shops are there in Munich, Nuremberg or Regensburg for viewing and test writing various brands?

In Munich, alongside the Montblanc boutique, especially Schreibmayr in the Fünf Höfe is recommended; there Mrs Kühnen is available for sound advice. Complementarily, the Munich fountain-pen fair by Gerhard Baur (annually, 2007 on 7 July) offers an opportunity to view a broad brand variety and get into conversation with collectors.

### How can writing instruments outside the common models be found and test-written if local specialist retailers only carry the standard range?

In many regions the specialist retailers' range is strongly restricted; special editions or brands like Cartier are hardly available in stock. Good dealers order models on request without obligation; however, it is unfair to have a writing instrument ordered only for inspection without intent to buy. More practicable are visits to specialised dealers in larger cities, the visit of collectors' fairs or ordering via established mail-order dealers. Warranty stipulations of individual brands (e.g. only to use their own ink) are in practice an additional obstacle.

### Which problems occur with the PMS system (private messages) of the forum, and is a changeover planned?

The PMS system was temporarily unavailable but could afterwards be restored. A migration to a new system is planned; users should in the meantime back up relevant messages by email. A wish from the community is the possibility to disable receiving private messages generally, since attachments cannot be sent anyway.

### Where can one obtain high-quality desk accessories like leather trays or storage cases?

For leather trays, El Casco (black leather, DIN A4) is recommended. Solid-wood accessories are offered by Edwood with models like the Morbier Bois tray. Sources are specialist shops for office furnishing, stock clearances of insolvent dealers or online auctions like eBay; a nationwide Edwood dealer is not known, which is why enquiries directly to the manufacturer or to sellers are worthwhile.

### Which international magazines for writing-instrument collectors are recommendable, and is Stylophiles still available as a printed edition?

Stylophiles long counted among internationally active collectors as the reference magazine for writing instruments and convinced especially through the high-quality pictures by Bill Riepl; today, however, it no longer appears in printed form. Pen World International has a significantly higher circulation (ten- to twentyfold), but is regarded as weaker in quality; due to stronger advertising customers, Pen World has established itself economically better. Mary Burke earlier worked with Andreas Lambrou at Classic Pens and belongs to the relevant collector scene.

### Are striking writing instruments appropriate in everyday professional life and in public, or should one fall back on more discreet pieces?

Collectors use in everyday office life the respective preferred piece but pay attention in meetings with externals to a rather restrained choice. Even more striking pens like the Waterman Charleston or Montblanc 145 can be used without problem; only unusually designed pieces like the La Bohème with retractable nib regularly attract comments, which however mostly turn out positive. For users of simple plastic ballpoints, every brand pen already appears striking.

### Is a printed or scanned colour chart for Atramentis inks available and at all meaningful?

A colour chart for Dr. Jansen inks exists and was occasionally scanned and made available; however, newer special inks like Cervantes are missing from it. The expressiveness is limited, since depending on fountain pen, nib width and ink flow the perceived colour varies strongly. Online solutions are possible, provided consultation with the ink manufacturer is held; an official, complete colour chart of the manufacturer is not consistently available.

### What contents does the again online-placed collector website community-fountainpen.de offer?

The website is a collection of specialist articles on writing instruments grown over many years, e.g. on care, book reviews, cleaning and model history. It has been technically newly set up after a longer offline phase and is now accessible again. Particularly mentioned are the detailed book reviews, which offer collectors noticeable added value.

### Which paper is suitable for fountain pens and how can it be recognised before purchase?

Decisive is whether the paper is sized: sized paper has a smooth surface, lets the ink rest on top and prevents bleeding and showing-through; examples are Clairefontaine writing pads. Non-sized or open-pored paper (typical copy or laser-printer paper) absorbs ink like blotting paper. Higher grammages from about 100 g/m² mostly deliver significantly better results with a fountain pen than 80 g/m² standard paper. Notes like 'inkjet-suitable' on the packaging are a vague indication but do not replace one's own writing test.

### What significance does writing with the fountain pen have today in everyday school life, and how does one judge initiatives to promote good handwriting?

Initiatives that bring writing with the fountain pen back more strongly into teaching (e.g. at a Scottish school) are seen as a positive counterweight to the general neglect of writing education. Observers report that many teachers themselves hardly know how to handle the fountain pen correctly, and writing culture as a whole has lost importance. Others argue that good handwriting can only be sensibly conveyed when basic reading and writing competences are present. Examples from England additionally show how clearly neglected writing culture in the long term affects the legibility of handwritten texts.

### What effects does the forum update have on layout and operability?

The update was primarily a security patch; visible layout changes like a switch from tree structure to a flat post display as well as coloured bars next to user names came up alongside. The options can be further fine-tuned by administrators; not all effects (e.g. the coloured bar) were retained in every configuration. Additionally, the user interface was more strongly Germanised and the permissible size of embedded pictures increased.

### Which online dealers for writing instruments are recommendable, and why do buyers increasingly fall back on internet mail order?

Recommended is among others Rolf Thiel with his shop missing-pen.de because of a broad selection and positive experiences. In stationary trade, even common models like the Pelikan M205 or certain Parker and Moleskine products are often not available, since smaller dealers can hardly keep the full range. Collectors report that online buying is often faster and more reliable than local retail, which further reinforces the trend to internet buying.

### Which improvements were made to the forum, and which functions were newly introduced?

Within the framework of a forum update, private messages (PM) as well as a coloured status bar were introduced. Owing to problems with the new forum software, a fallback to the predecessor version 1.0.2 was subsequently made; the new functions however remained. Additionally, the possibility was discussed to allow profile views only to logged-in users in order to enable contact via email.

### Which writing instruments offer, instead of the typical mixed-material construction (e.g. silver/gold/platinum on a black barrel), a uniform precious material for barrel and cap?

Recommended are the Cross Townsend models Lapis and Jade, on which barrel and reservoir are made of the same semi-precious-stone material. These models are regarded as visually higher-quality than comparable Montblanc pieces. Original prices were around 425 euros for the fountain pen, 249 euros for pencil or ballpoint and 299 euros for the rollerball. They are no longer being produced and are only obtainable used.

### How does one upload pictures in the JPG format in the forum, and does one need an image-editing program like GIMP for this?

Pictures in the JPG format can be posted directly; an image-editing program like GIMP is not strictly necessary. Detailed instructions can be found in the forum help as well as in dedicated help threads. With difficulties, step-by-step descriptions of other members help, with which the function can generally be used successfully.

### What affinity exists between the collecting of paperweights and fountain pens, and which collecting objects are treated in investment sections of reputable newspapers?

Collectors often have several parallel collecting areas; frequently affinities develop between related topics like writing instruments, paperweights (especially paperweights of crystal glass, e.g. by Caithness in Scotland) and similar. In the investment sections of reputable newspapers like Financial Times Deutschland, such collecting objects are increasingly discussed as an asset class, similarly to Limited Editions of writing instruments. Paperweights can achieve collector prices in the four- to five-figure range.

### How should the karma function of the forum be dealt with, and what consequences does abuse for punishing other members have?

The karma function is intended as a quality mark for particularly good posts and not for anonymous punishment of other members. Since the function was much abused and used according to daily mood, the forum management has technically deactivated negative ratings; the previously given negative karmas were reset to the starting level. Thus only positive ratings are still possible, which is predominantly evaluated in the forum as a sensible compromise. Complementarily, posts in sections like Books and Repair should be more strongly appreciated, since these too represent significant effort.

### How can pictures of an old Montblanc writing instrument be uploaded in this forum to enable a model determination?

When composing a post, below the input window is the option Attachments and other options, through which photos can be uploaded. For a model determination, the post should be placed in the appropriate technical section of the forum.

### Why have, since the last forum software update, all postings of a section been permanently displayed as unread, and how can the problem be circumvented?

The phenomenon seems browser-independent (tested with Konqueror, Mozilla, Opera in several versions) and is also not remedied by renewed logging in and out. A workaround consists in switching the display via the filter function show last 4hrs/24hrs to 24 hours, 48 hours or a week, in order to find newly added posts in a targeted manner. A pure solution through a browser change or browser update brings no improvement. With the admin, an error message with screenshots should be submitted, since the problem could not be systematically reproduced in this form.

### Which salutation or which quotation is suitable for a letterpress-printed gentleman's card with a centred name, to be used for personal occasions like thanks, invitations or regrets?

As universal, somewhat less formal salutations, e.g. With best recommendations, In best friendship or With friendly greetings are suitable. A fitting short quotation (e.g. by Mary Catherine Bateson on the topic of continuity and retrospect) can also be a versatile alternative. Stylistically it is to be noted that classic gentleman's cards with centred name are intended exclusively for personal handing over, not for sending; cards for sending bear the name usually at the top left and manage without an address. Anyone wanting only a single card format should be aware of the corresponding stylistic compromises.

### How does one behave with a professional eBay seller who refuses to accept the return of a Montblanc Edgar Allan Poe and claims an alleged crack on the grip section that supposedly was not present before shipping?

With payment via PayPal, buyer protection can first be applied for; PayPal freezes the money and decides after hearing both sides. In the procedure, all relevant facts should be documented extensively and supplementary comments submitted later. In parallel, it is sensible to ask the seller for a concrete damage description and with this information to contact Montblanc in order to check a possible repair option; with older Limited Editions like the Poe, however, spare parts are very scarce. Disputed points (smoker's smell, crack, ink residues) can subsequently hardly still be unambiguously clarified, which weakens the buyer's position as soon as the writing instrument is already returned. Generally, eBay is not consistently trustworthy even in the professional area; with future transactions, a more detailed entry documentation (photos, written defect notice) should take place for security.

### Which notebooks and papers are well suited for daily use with fountain pens, since Moleskine standard paper has proved unsuitable?

Recommended are above all products by Clairefontaine, whose paper is well sized and also suitable for nibs with strong ink flow and is offered at fair prices. An alternative within the Moleskine world is the Folio collection, whose thicker, presumably acid-free paper bleeds through significantly less and is thus better suited for archiving. Generally, it is recommended to test several paper types, since suitability depends strongly on the respective nib-ink combination.

### What should forum users heed regarding a planned maintenance of the forum software, and what known follow-on problems occur thereby?

During the maintenance, the forum is unreachable for several hours; in the specific case, a software update was simultaneously carried out. After the update of the forum software (Joomla/Simpleboard), in the column 'Last Post' in every section the default value 1970/01/01 01:00 appeared without an author name, because the field 'moved' in the table mos_sb_messages was set to NULL. This can be remedied with the SQL command UPDATE mos_sb_messages SET moved = 0 WHERE moved IS NULL or by setting the column to 'NOT NULL' with default value 0 in phpMyAdmin. Before such interventions, a backup of the table is recommended; alternatively, the problem also disappears section by section by itself as soon as a new post appears.

### How are Montblanc watches to be evaluated qualitatively, and what experiences are there with service and models?

The Montblanc watch collection covers a broad span from everyday models of the Sport collection up to manufacture movements in the high five-figure price range and is in workmanship and feel predominantly positively judged, comparable to the brand's writing instruments. Popular complications like the Rieussec Monopusher Chronograph are described as technically impressive but thick and heavy and are therefore not ideal for daily use. A practical disadvantage is the diminishing dealer network: for a battery change with subsequent guarantee of water resistance, the watch must sometimes be sent directly to Hamburg, which causes additional costs. Anyone considering a Montblanc watch should therefore prefer mechanical movements to avoid future battery changes.

### Is Tom Westerich (Penboard) still reachable if he does not respond to emails?

Tom Westerich is, according to information from several forum users, still active in Hamburg; with 'Prime Style Marketing' and personal contacts it was confirmed that he has not permanently moved to Italy. With absent email response, it is recommended to contact him by telephone, since he occasionally also acts under the pseudonym 'Dr. Ink'. Communication and availability questions can thus generally be quickly clarified.

### Can writing instruments be sensibly combined with other high-quality accessories like watches, shirts, shoes or suits, without this becoming financially unlimited?

A colour and stylistic coordination of writing instrument, watch and clothing is possible and leads to a coherent overall picture, without one having to acquire an own jacket for every pen. Practically, the effort is limited because the selection of wearable colour and material combinations in classic business attire is anyway manageable and one writing instrument fits several outfits. Anyone using several writing instruments in parallel, e.g. for notes and signatures, on the other hand often pays less attention to detail coordination. Individually designed cases can additionally round off the overall picture.

### What are the backgrounds and consequences of a hacker attack on a Joomla-based forum software, and what measures are to be recommended after an update?

Hacker attacks on such communities mostly use automated scripts that scan the web for certain Mambo/Joomla installations and then specifically compromise PHP or layout files. Favouring are a not quite current software version, a generic mass host without CMS-specific hardening as well as the high spread of the system. After an attack, a timely complete update to a current forum software is sensible, although private messages in the new system may under certain circumstances be lost and should be saved in advance. Encrypted-stored user data were not affected in the specific case; in future a specialised Joomla host as well as consistent care of all dynamic files (PHP, CSS) are recommended.

### Which shape and inscription are sensible for an embossing pliers or embossing press for private paper, and where are reputable sources?

Usual are both round and angular embossing motifs; often the initials suffice, optionally supplemented by the name, in a classical English handwriting. The blind impression is typically placed at the bottom right on the letter sheet, while the signature stands on the left. Pliers suffice for standard papers up to about 100 g/m²; with stronger paper (e.g. Conqueror 120 g) it can still just be used; for thicker qualities massive presses are preferable. As sources, Dreher Solingen (dreher-solingen.de) for presses and pliers, druckerey.de for individually printed letter cards and siegelshop24.com for seals and sealing wax are named; a small gilded press with a wooden foot costs including engraving about 90 euros.

### Why does a pop-up message about a new private message appear in the forum although the inbox is actually empty?

It is a known technical problem of the existing forum software (Mambo); the pop-up message is in such cases erroneously triggered without a message actually being present. A repair is not worthwhile on the old system, since a switch to Joomla is imminent; with the migration the forum should become more stable and clearer. Until the changeover, the pop-ups can thus be ignored.

### Which German-language magazines on the subject of writing instruments exist, and how can the English-language Pen World be obtained from Germany?

On the German market, 'Kult am Pult' and 'Schreibkultur' are the central magazines; they were originally produced for specialist trade but can now also be subscribed to by end consumers. 'Pen Plus' no longer exists. 'Kult am Pult' is available in well-stocked station bookshops, usually in print runs of ten to fifteen copies per branch; the reporting is broadly scattered, often promotionally shaped and treats inexpensive and high-priced writing instruments with the same tone. The financial viability of the magazines rests primarily on advertising revenue. The English-language Pen World is not regularly in trade in Germany and must be directly subscribed to.

### Which link collections to writing-instrument manufacturers and collector websites are particularly recommendable for the expansion of an existing link list?

Sensible entry points are the manufacturer websites with their own history sections, e.g. Pelikan and Montblanc, as well as specialised collector sites like collectiblestars.de with overview to Angloamer and Rifka. For the German-speaking collector scene, the DMOZ directory in the area 'Freizeit – Sammeln – Schreibgeräte' offers a curated overview. The link list of the community can be supplemented by anyone with contributions of further relevant web pages, provided these are not spam-like and offer added value for collectors.

### Which letter paper in cream tone and with a basis weight of about 100 to 120 g/m² is particularly well suited for writing with a fountain pen without bleeding through?

Tried and tested are Zanders Gohrsmühle, e.g. available via Staples, as well as Zanders Classic. The – today only rarely available – Montblanc letter papers are also highly valued and are partly still obtainable via eBay. Anyone searching outside classic standard papers will find numerous special varieties in the most varied cream tones and grammages at Gmund. Generally, attention is to be paid to high material density, light cream tone and low absorbency, so that the ink rests saturated without flooding.

### What does the new website of the C.A.S. (Collectors Association for Writing Instruments) offer and which functions are particularly useful?

The new website enables a fast online registration; a membership confirmation takes place partly within a day. For new members there is additionally the chance of an Aurora 88 in the CAS edition. Event registration too — for example for trips like Copenhagen — works via the site. The club magazine can be read online; an archive of older issues, however, is still missed. The link list on the site is regarded as needing improvement, since the division into categories seems partly unsystematic.

### How can the sale value of a larger collection of hardly used Waterman and Parker writing instruments (including Man 100 Harlequin, Sérénité, Carène, Laureat, Expert, Sonnet) be reputably ascertained?

An independent value determination is most pragmatic via current market prices of comparable pieces, e.g. auction results and relevant forum posts. A professional valuation by individual collectors or experts is possible but is, for writing instruments of this segment, due to comparatively high expert costs, in most cases not worthwhile. Since only the case of the Sérénité is preserved, realistic discounts compared to complete sets are to be calculated especially for the other pieces.

### Where can one buy the Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Helmut Jahn Edition Set cheaply, and which accompanying papers belong to it?

The offered set was acquired within the collector community for 300 euros and assessed as a good price for this edition. Special certificates or special papers do not, according to the recollection of those involved, belong to the scope of delivery of the Helmut Jahn edition; only the usual packaging was included. A separate certificate of authenticity beyond the usual Montblanc inserts is accordingly not to be expected.

### Is collecting old writing instruments a typical age-related phenomenon?

Collecting old writing instruments is not evaluated as an age-related phenomenon but as an expression of a conscious connection to craft, history and personal biography. Especially in uncertain times, many people seek support in the tried and tested and associate with vintage pieces memories of their own youth. Even in younger collector circles, interest in classic fountain pens is widespread, so there is no correlation with age.

### Can an already reground gold nib be reground broader again?

A broader nib can theoretically be achieved by grinding the iridium tipping, e.g. from EF to F. The leeway, however, is very small, since with too much material removal the iridium tipping is damaged or removed, which makes the nib unusable. For larger changes, e.g. a return to a clearly different nib width, mostly a new nib is anyway the more economical solution.

### Which German-language specialist magazines on the subject of writing instruments and writing culture exist?

As relevant periodicals, especially 'Kult am Pult' and 'Schreibkultur' are to be mentioned. The respective current issues are available in well-stocked station bookshops; otherwise via the publisher or specialised specialist trade. Further articles and link collections can be found in relevant fountain-pen forums like penexchange or community.fountainpen.de.

### Why is the forum software so slow after the update and which functions are no longer available?

The performance problems and display errors lie neither in the browser of the user nor in a single platform: they have been confirmed by several users under Safari, Opera and Firefox. Functions like correctly formatted quotations (BBCodes) and access to certain pages like the forum rules are faulty after the update. For time reasons, the operator hands over the technical administration of the website to a firm that should remedy these problems step by step.

### Is the Zoomify function for picture enlargement a sensible extension of the forum website?

The function is basically evaluated as sensible, since it eases the recognition of fine details on high-resolution photos. A prerequisite is a high-quality starting image, which is why Zoomify cannot be universally used. The display additionally requires a current Flash Player and a modern browser; with older browsers like Netscape, display errors occur.

### Which ink bottles without gold-coloured trim are alternatively available to the Montblanc models?

A broad selection of ink bottles from various manufacturers, including Montblanc models without brass trim, is offered by the Dutch mail-order company La Couronne du Comte. One of the desired models recalls the Montblanc Sign-it Gold ink bottle, which was publicly advertised about ten years ago. Anyone rejecting gold-coloured trim and valuing moderate prices will find sensible alternatives there.

### Which contents and background information does the commemorative publication on the 75-year jubilee of the Bremen paper shop Dörrbecker of 1936 offer?

The commemorative publication on the 75-year jubilee of the firm G. A. Dörrbecker, written by Henny Durlach, first illuminates the history of the Bremen Sögestraße as today's main shopping street. From page 18, the founding of the paper shop by G. A. Dörrbecker, excerpts from the takeover contract, the respective economic situation as well as the rise of a 15-year-old apprentice to later co-partner are recounted; since then the company is run by the Hübener family. A continuation appeared in 1986 on the 125-year jubilee under the title '125 Years of Life, Work and Trade in the Sögestraße' by Hermann Gutmann; it contains the commemorative publication of 1936 as a facsimile print.

### How is one to deal with negative karma ratings in the forum and is a deregistration because of this justified?

The karma system is expressly not intended as a means for excluding or punishing individual members but should as an anonymous quality indicator stimulate reflection on one's own posts, especially with regard to tone. A deregistration because of decreasing karma is therefore not the intended result. New members are granted sufficient time to settle in, since at the beginning even clumsy questions are normal. A friendly and binding tone is demanded as the basis of forum operation.

### What basic data and what market availability does the Montblanc No. 32 show for young collectors?

The Montblanc 32 was produced in the 1960s, about from 1961 to 1970, and was available in numerous colour and nib variants and partly with metal cap. Since Montblanc at the time, alongside Meisterstücks, also made cheaper school and everyday fountain pens in large numbers, the 32 is still well and inexpensively procurable via eBay, provided no special variants are sought. Gold nibs were in this time also widespread on simpler writing instruments; the pure material value of modern gold nibs moves in the range of 15 to 20 euros.

### Which desk pads are recommended for use with fountain pens?

Preferred are leather pads, which make the writing feel considerably more pleasant. The original Montblanc writing pad cost some years ago about 360 to 380 euros; today around 400 euros are to be reckoned with. In practice, the use often competes with a notebook placed centrally on the desk, so a smaller notebook variant can be helpful in order to create room for the pad.

### Are older piston fountain pens like a Pelikan 140 suitable for everyday use, or is there an increased leakage risk?

Provided the piston filler is in a properly overhauled condition, it is unproblematically everyday-suitable; even Montblanc Meisterstücks are regarded in this respect as uncritical. With very old writing instruments, however, the cork seal can be in need of renewal, which should be enquired about when buying. Pelikan has used plastic seals since 1946, which are significantly easier to maintain and less susceptible than cork seals; a Pelikan 140 is therefore well suited for daily use. Problems mostly arise only with damaged grip sections (e.g. hairline cracks), which are generally not repairable.

### Where can comprehensive price lists or specialised forums on S. T. Dupont lighters be found?

Via the contact person passed on by private message, further information can be obtained. As a public source, the Italian collector site pens.it with rough guideline values for Dupont lighters was recommended, although Italian prices can deviate from German ones. A dedicated German-language S. T. Dupont lighter forum was not named.

### What basic data does the children's book 'Wenn ein Füller zaubern kann...' have and what comparable books with cursive writing exist?

The book 'Wenn ein Füller zaubern kann...' by Horst H. Jork appeared in 1985 in 1st edition in the Engelbert publisher (Balve/Westfalen) as part of the PEB children's and youth book series and comprises 61 pages in good handwriting. In this handwriting get-up, numerous children's and youth books were produced at the time. Currently books in complete handwriting have become rare; a still well-known example today is the 'Hare Felix' series with handwritten letters.

### How can contact be established with Axel or with Scription after the sale of Dörrbecker?

The email address deposited in the forum signatures corresponds to the one given on the website penparadise.com. Scription is, after the sale of the shops and a professional time-out, currently not reachable; enquiries or orders are answered neither currently nor in the future.

### Which Montblanc promotional articles are worth collecting, and which are not mentioned in the report on fountainpen.de?

There are collectors who specifically gather Montblanc promotional articles. In the report, among others, the praline tins of metal are missing, which Montblanc traditionally gave away before Christmas and which occasionally turn up on eBay. These tins are also promotional articles and no regular retail products.

### Which are currently the most expensive writing instruments on the market?

As the most expensive writing instrument, the Aurora Diamante with a price of around 750,000 euros is named. In the evaluation it should be considered that 'teuer' in the literal sense means that something costs more than it is worth; terms like 'wertvoll' or 'hochwertig' are factually more apt.

### Why has the Montblanc forum fallen asleep, and is a continuation to be expected?

Since 2007, there are no longer time capacities to actively maintain the forum, which is why the website also remains at the old state. Visitor numbers currently still lie at around 1500 to 2000 per day. Users' needs have changed; content discussions recede in favour of other formats. Despite reduced activity, the website remains as a resource.

### What contents does the report 'Der elfte Finger' in Welt am Sonntag about the fountain-pen specialist Julia Gusano offer, and are the collector statements mentioned therein accurate?

The article portrays Julia Gusano in Madrid and contains historical background on fountain pens, illustrations of her workshop as well as references to historical pieces like the Montblanc Safety 12 with nib prices around 600 euros. The quantities mentioned in the report, however, are to be put into perspective: the claim that only six examples of the Montblanc Safety 12 are still known is, according to collector assessment, incorrect, as is the value statement of 16,000 euros felt to be sensationalist. An illustrated online version with additional background texts appeared in parallel under an alternative title.

### How does the forum deal with questions that do not belong to the topic of writing instruments, e.g. on acquaintance with Cubans in Germany?

The forum is aimed at writing-instrument collectors; off-topic questions contradict the forum guidelines and are moved by the administrator to the section 'Miscellaneous'. Content-wise, there is no strict restriction, provided a reference to the collector community exists; however, correct categorisation of posts is binding.

### Can in the forum one's own photos be offered as desktop wallpapers for download?

An open upload possibility does not exist, since webspace, technical administration and copyright questions must be clarified. Submitted photos can after coordination by email with confirmation of one's own authorship be sent to the administrator and after review be manually embedded. Owing to the voluntary maintenance, however, publication can occur delayed.

### How are the German and English Wikipedia articles on Montblanc to be evaluated in content, and should forum members contribute to them?

The German Wikipedia entry on Montblanc International GmbH offers a compact overview and milestones, while the English article ('Montblanc pens') is clearly capable of being expanded. Topics like the change of model ranges (early celluloid series, Generation, Bohème, StarWalker), the takeover by Richemont, the gold-nib production, the piston system and the Atelier Artisan could be supplemented. Since Wikipedia is open, anyone can supplement contributions; references to existing overview pages should be retained. The Montblanc Museum, which is mentioned in some contributions, is located in the Hamburg plant and is accessible within the framework of factory inspections.

### What is an ebonite feed and where do its advantages and disadvantages lie compared to feeds of plastic?

Ebonite is hard rubber, a natural rubber cross-linked through high sulphur shares, which is coloured black through soot additions. Modern feeds mostly consist of polyamide (Nylon, Delrin) and are produced by injection moulding, while ebonite feeds have to be mechanically cut. Ebonite shows better adhesion properties for ink, which is why enthusiasts prefer traditionally made ebonite feeds. A precisely constructed plastic feed can, however, be functionally equivalent or even superior; decisive remain the precision of lamellas and capillaries. The appeal of the ebonite feed thus also lies in the craft demand and in the image.

### Does eBay really offer a telephone service hotline with personal contact persons?

Yes, eBay has introduced a customer service with a telephone hotline (01805 - 626 000), which is secured via a customer-specific service PIN. On call, users are identified by name based on the eBay account name. The service is initially in a test phase in which only selected users have access; an extension to all members is planned. A prior verification of the email (e.g. via the My eBay inbox or by forwarding to spoof@) is advisable in order to exclude phishing.

### How are the properties of the Waldmann Pocket in sterling silver/black to be assessed regarding filling, nib and writing behaviour?

The Waldmann Pocket in black/sterling silver 925 is a compact cartridge fountain pen with plug-on cap; a converter does not fit due to the short inner barrel length. The nib is a steel nib by Schmidt (Iridium Point), available in M. In practical testing, the pen shows a regular, saturated ink flow, no start-up difficulties even after longer non-use or open storage and lies well in the hand despite the slim barrel when written with the cap posted. Dimensions: 12 cm closed, 13.5 cm with the cap posted.

### What does the positive business development of the Swatch Group say about the situation of the luxury sector and about the collector segment?

The Swatch Group makes its profit above all in the luxury segment with brands like Breguet, Glashütte Original, Blancpain or Rado, while the brand Swatch itself loses market share in the low-price area against competitors like Fossil or fashion brands (Esprit); a spin-off or rebranding was even considered. The positive group development is therefore no unambiguous indicator of an upturn in the classical luxury market. For collectors, the example shows how strongly collector numbers and values depend on the economic development of the brand: with Swatch, collector prices of formerly sought-after pieces have fallen significantly.

### When was the TV report on Stefan Fink and his workshop in the magazine K1 Journal aired on Kabel 1?

The report on Stefan Fink, originally announced for 6 September 2005, was postponed by Kabel 1 at short notice by around four weeks. As the new broadcast date in the magazine K1 Journal, Friday, 28.10.2005 at 18:45 was named.

### Are the Manufactum upper-school exercise book and the folded letters offered there suitable for writing with a fountain pen?

On the upper-school exercise book itself, no experience values were available in the thread. The folded letters bleed strongly when written on with a fountain pen, so the ink looks ugly on the outside-visible address area. For a presentable inscription, ballpoint, pencil or roller is therefore recommended. The paper of the folded letters is thus not fountain-pen-suitable.

### How should one best store a collection of writing instruments: in collection folders or in a wooden case?

Both storage forms are possible; in practice, experienced collectors combine various storage forms like boxes, folders, showcases and trays. Important is that the writing instruments are protected from mechanical damage and light. Hints and articles on proper storage can be found in the forum archives and in relevant specialist articles. Providers like penboard.de offer suitable boxes at moderate prices, although not always with a glass lid.

### What consequences does the sale of the shops have for the future business area of the provider?

In future, exclusively writing instruments of limited editions of various manufacturers from earlier years will be offered; new goods will no longer be carried. The occupation with historical Montblancs will continue to be pursued. In the forum thread, no substantial further factual information beyond this business announcement was given.

### How is the hair-fine nib slit produced in Montblanc nib manufacture?

The nib slit arises through hair-thin parting discs with which the nib is cut in a fine-mechanical step. This information comes from a factory-inspection report in the Fountainpen newsletter No. 5, which contains details on nib manufacture at Montblanc.

### Where can one obtain the collector's book The List on Montblanc writing instruments, and how is its quality to be assessed?

The book is as a reference work, despite some weaknesses, unique; criticised, however, are the partly disproportionate illustrations and the mediocre picture quality, which can give laypersons a wrong impression of the writing instruments; an improved new edition is planned but temporally still open. Source is mostly Regina Martini, who offers the book regularly in her eBay auctions. Most recently the price was around 12.50 euros plus postage. Alternatively, Mrs Martini can also be enquired about directly.

### What factual information was given on the C.A.S. collectors' get-together on 25 February 2007 in Dortmund?

The C.A.S. collectors' get-together took place on Sunday, 25 February 2007, from 14:00. The venue was the restaurant Zum Franziskaner, Düsseldorfer Str. 21, 44143 Dortmund (telephone 0231/586 21 18). In the restaurant, the possibility existed to take a lunch at one's own expense, although the kitchen was closed between 15:00 and 17:00. In total, eleven collectors took part.

### What background and sources are there on the mentioned online video about fountain pens?

The video stands in connection with an article from the customer magazine of Deutsche Bank in the November issue, in which investment possibilities in the area of writing instruments are reported. Mentioned in it is also the work of the C.A.S.; the magazine used photos made available by the C.A.S. The corresponding report can be read as a PDF on pages 34 to 37 of the corresponding issue.

### How does one correctly reply in the forum to a post, so that the reply is properly assigned to the original entry?

In order for a reply to be correctly sorted under the corresponding post, the reply button must be used, which stands directly under the respective post. There, at the bottom right, are the buttons Reply and Quote. If, instead, a button above the post is used, the reply can be sorted incorrectly.

### How should the forum deal with enquiries in which model identification is linked with the actual goal of a value determination for sale?

Striking is the frequency of combined enquiries about model and value that ultimately aim at a planned sale, without communicating this openly. Factual questions about model designation, age or production period are gladly answered in the forum, because the hobby rests on mutual information exchange. Pure price and value enquiries are by contrast usually referred to corresponding forum notice posts or deliberately left unanswered. Recommended is to continue giving factual information but to consistently exclude value questions.

### Of which stainless steel does the Montblanc 144 Solitaire Stainless Steel actually consist, and how is the alloy composed?

The material used is the standardised stainless steel 316 L, which with only 0.03 percent carbon counts as exceptionally low in carbon; the L in the name stands for low carbon. Vanadium is, contrary to some older descriptions, not contained. The typical composition reads around 17 percent chromium, 12 percent nickel, 2.5 percent molybdenum, 2 percent manganese, 1 percent silicon as well as the rest iron. Steel grades are identified internationally via material numbers, whereby the DIN designations are the clearest and can be looked up in relevant material tables. The webpage on the 144 Stainless Steel was corrected after this hint.

### What is the Montegrappa Peace Pen and why is it regarded as record-breaking?

Montegrappa has presented with the Peace Pen a fountain pen of platinum with large diamonds. The announced retail price of 1,000,000 US dollars makes it a candidate for the Guinness Book of Records. By comparison, classical models like a Meisterstück 144 or 164 seem price-wise negligible. A large view of the piece was viewable via the Vogue Gioielli website.

### When and where does the CAS collectors' get-together Dortmund take place in April 2005?

The second CAS collectors' get-together 2005 took place on 10 April 2005 at 14:00 (lunch from 13:00) in the restaurant "Zum Franziskaner" at Düsseldorfer Str. 21, 44143 Dortmund. The kitchen of the restaurant is closed between 15:00 and 17:00. Registrations and queries were possible via the email address Fuellhalter2004@yahoo.de. A short report on the meeting was subsequently published in the forum under the section "Sammlertreffen".

### What are the adjustable nibs from an old architect's compass set and what were they used for?

They are ruling pens that were dipped in India ink and used with a wooden grip for technical drawing. Without a wooden grip, they can be fitted to a compass in order to draw precise circles of nearly any line thickness. The nib is always drawn diagonally over the tracing paper, which is why taking up too much India ink must be avoided, since otherwise unsightly blots can arise. Such devices belonged to the standard equipment in the architecture training of the 1970s.

### Why does a link to the picture gallery of the 45 Meisterstück on fountainpen.de not work, although the menu was allegedly corrected?

The original link contained an error; correctly it reads old-30er- instead of old-20er. Even after correction on the server, it can take 24 to 48 hours until changes are visible to all users. The reason for this are proxy servers e.g. of Telekom, which cache static web pages and thereby deliver buffered between server and end user. In the meantime, many browsers therefore still display the old or faulty version of the page.

### Is the tendency to stage the ballpoint as an art object also transferable to fountain pens, and which artists are known to work with fountain pens?

While the ballpoint is increasingly taken up as material of modern art projects (e.g. in exhibitions like "The Biro Limited Edition"), the fountain pen remains so far largely untouched. Artistic work with the pen, however, plays a role: architect Helmut Jahn uses, according to Montblanc Chronicle, always a good dozen Montblanc fountain pens for designing his buildings and executes his sketches with brown sepia ink. Such original drawings now achieve high prices on the art market, which underlines the importance of the pen as an artistic tool.

### What consequences does the ECJ ruling on the distribution of luxury articles have for online dealers and collectors, and how is it evaluated?

With the ruling, the ECJ strengthens the rights of branded-article manufacturers by recognising the luxurious aura as an essential quality feature. Thus manufacturers may more strongly steer the distribution of high-quality brands, by which online trade and especially discount or third-party platforms can be restricted. Collectors see this critically, because tendencies emerge that manufacturers want to push back the trade of own second-hand goods, and platforms like eBay as a marketplace are endangered. In the discussion, an eBay petition for restriction-free online trade was therefore also supported. The complete ruling text the ECJ provides under the file number C-59/08.

### Why can private messages suddenly no longer be opened or displayed in the community's PMS system, although the inbox reports full mailboxes?

The problem occurs regularly when the shared email storage fills up because many users do not delete old messages. It is therefore asked to manually remove no-longer-needed messages so that the system works smoothly again. Additionally, the current PMS system is no longer up to the increased usage volume, which is why a replacement by a new system has already been announced, whose availability however is still pending. Until then, the PMS function should only be used restrictedly.

### What is the auction of nibs in favour of press freedom by Reporters Without Borders about?

Reporters Without Borders auctioned between 19 and 29 October 2006 six high-quality fountain pens with handwritten dedications by prominent writers, actors and journalists on eBay in the section "Stars & Charity". Patronages were taken over, among others, by Julia Jentsch, Ulrich Wickert, Marietta Slomka, Henning Mankell, Harry Rowohlt and Reinhold Beckmann. The campaign was supported by Pelikan, Faber-Castell, Cleo, Waterman and Parker. The proceeds went to the worldwide engagement of the organisation for freedom of the press and opinion.

### Which German-language, private and non-commercial collector websites with well-founded contents on the subject of writing instruments are recommendable?

Recommended are especially maxpens.de, the site by Werner Rüttinger (ruettinger-web.de) as well as top-pens.de by Gerhard Baur. For specialised topics, waterman-kirkel.com (Volker Köhl, Waterman) and bleistiftsammler.de are insightful. An extended overview can also be found in the Open Directory Project under the section Schreibgeräte as well as in the link collection of the forum. Decisive is that the site really conveys collector information and does not primarily serve own trade.

### Is it normal that the rotary mechanism of a new Montblanc Bohème noir fountain pen scratches when extending the nib?

A scratching noise when extending the nib is on the Bohème not normal and mostly indicates ink residues in the rotary mechanism. If the fountain pen was only recently bought (within the warranty period), an exchange at the seller is recommended. If a careful cleaning does not help, the device should be sent to service at Montblanc.

### Why can a long post composed in the forum suddenly be lost on sending?

Responsible is usually the temporary login in the forum: with longer inactivity, the user is automatically logged out for security reasons, so on sending the post is lost. Anyone wishing to avoid this should activate at login the option "I want to remain logged in". Additionally, network settings on one's own computer can cause problems, e.g. when the MTU value of a WLAN router is set over 1400; in such cases no posts can be made any more.

### How can manufacturer, age and value of a fountain pen with gilded 18-carat overlay and an unknown brand name be determined?

The unknown brand name and the construction of the overlay point to Italian production; an unambiguous assignment is, however, difficult without further sources. Hints in the forum refer to the book by Jean Rösler, in which some small brands are described as sub-brands of known manufacturers like Montblanc. An exact dating and value estimate is only possible through direct comparison with similar Italian jewellery pens, which is why an enquiry in Italian collector forums is also worthwhile. With private manufacture without traceable maker, the value remains above all a material one (gold content of nib/overlay) as well as an emotional one.

### Which internet sites offer extensive information around exclusive writing instruments like the Aurora Umberto Nobile?

A comprehensive information source on the hobby is the website kulturgutschrift.de, which provides numerous articles on various writing instruments and editions, including the Aurora Umberto Nobile. The site counts as a valuable supplement for collectors, since well-researched contributions on brands and models are not frequently to be found.

### What was said in the Welt am Sonntag interview "Schreiben tut der Seele gut" by Dr. Manfred Lamy, and which writing instruments were presented with prices?

The interview with Dr. Manfred Lamy under the title "Schreiben tut der Seele gut" appears in print significantly more concise and less substantive than his other statements; presumably numerous passages were editorially shortened. The complete conversation is not available in the online version but only appeared in the print edition of Welt am Sonntag. In the print version, additionally, writing instruments with prices are depicted, including OMAS Doctor's Pen 2010 (around 1650 euros), Graf von Faber-Castell Pen of the Year (around 2200 euros), Caran d'Ache Secret Journey III (around 8500 euros), Lamy Dialog 3 (around 200 euros), Namiki Rabbit in Moonlight from the Emperor's Collection (around 8400 euros), Montegrappa Alfa Romeo (around 700 euros) and the Montblanc John Lennon Special Edition (around 680 euros).

### Is a research enquiry of the marketing chair of TU Berlin on the topic of communities serious, and should one participate?

The enquiry counts, after telephone consultation with the responsible person, as serious and is therefore recommended for participation, presumably within the framework of a diploma thesis. Universities are with scientific studies dependent on volunteers outside the student circle. The survey is anonymous, and for scientific surveys the guidelines of the ADM e.V. apply, according to which data may only be further processed anonymously and no conclusions about individuals are permissible. Sensitive questions, e.g. on salary, can be skipped without consequences.

### Why was forum registration temporarily switched to manual approval?

Owing to a SPAM wave with temporarily 20 to 50 new registrations per hour, the registration was supplemented so that not only an email confirmation but additionally manual approval by the webmaster is necessary. Reading without registration remains possible; only posting requires the check. With very high registration volume (in an example about 300 registrations per day), it can happen that regular registrations are also accidentally rejected; in such cases one should turn by email to the webmaster. The measure is temporarily set up and will be loosened again as soon as the spam pressure subsides.

### What significance does the 2006 stamp block with writing instruments by Cleo Skribent as motif have?

Nowadays stamps can also be created by private providers with self-chosen motifs, so writing instruments by Cleo Skribent as motif are no peculiarity of the state post. Such stamps are above all suitable as individual promotional gifts for companies. In the postal sector, in recent years several private service providers like Turbo P.O.S.T., PIN AG and Westdeutscher Post Service have come on the market with their own stamps. The actual collecting appeal of such stamp editions is manageable.

### May an administrator on a member's request delete all of their forum posts?

The deletion concerned not the regular forum posts but exclusively articles in the content area of the website, on which the author had all rights and which he could not directly remove himself. In such a case, the author's wish has priority, even if the loss of qualified contributions is regrettable. A separate section "Prices" is not provided in the forum. Regular postings are not removed on mere request but only on violations against the forum rules.

### Why was the Unicef banner removed from the Fountainpen website?

The banners were always displayed free of charge and brought the operator no income. The reason for removal was demands of third parties to supplement the imprint by a VAT number, since a commercial activity was falsely assumed. Instead of banners, references to Unicef campaigns will in future take place editorially, e.g. via links. The website is expressly non-commercial, and the imprint was adapted to the requirements of the MDStV.

### How is a writing instrument with built-in camera function (e.g. Hyundai Silver Eye) to be classified in data-protection terms and practically?

Devices with inconspicuous camera function raise considerable data-protection questions, since secret recordings are not permitted in many situations. Comparable are smartpens like the Livescribe models, which however primarily serve audio recording and digitisation of notes and are usually used with the consent of conversation partners. The Hyundai Silver Eye is unlikely to establish itself on the market, especially since successors with higher resolution like the Golden Eye already exist. Users should in any case check whether corresponding recordings are legally permissible.

### How is the article "Gewinnbringende Edelfedern" of "Welt am Sonntag" on investment in writing instruments to be evaluated?

The article is in the collector community predominantly seen critically. Especially the quantities named are regarded as misleading, since they do not correctly reproduce the actually produced amounts. Writing instruments are as a pure investment only conditionally suitable; collecting-technical and personal aspects stand in the foreground. Sound information is to be found rather in specialised collector circles and specialist publications than in general business sections.

### What book recommendation is there on the 250-year history of Faber-Castell?

Recommended is the jubilee book "Faber-Castell Since 1761 – Die illustrierte Geschichte einer Bleistiftdynastie", which appeared on the occasion of the 250-year company jubilee 2011. On Amazon, the book can be browsed online beforehand, which conveys a good impression of the contents. It is suitable both for collectors and for historically interested persons around the topic of pencil and writing culture.

### When and where does the next CAS collectors' get-together take place in January 2005?

The first CAS collectors' get-together of the year 2005 took place on 30 January 2005 from 14:00 (lunch from 13:00) in the restaurant "Zum Franziskaner", Düsseldorfer Straße 21, 44143 Dortmund. Participating were six collectors, of whom several from the first acquaintance meetings as well as newcomers from the forum and the personal circle of acquaintances. Registration ran via the organiser's contact address. Further information on the regional collectors' meet-ups can be found on the association page.

### Is a price of around 2,900 euros for a Montblanc Hemingway fountain pen realistic?

Almost 3,000 euros are predominantly assessed as clearly excessive; realistic depending on condition appear about 1,500 to 1,800 euros, in individual cases also less. With an absolutely shop-new, sealed example in the original packaging, collectors in private sale can however quite call up 2,900 euros and more, especially with auctions with competing collectors. On eBay such peak prices are rarely achieved; at the same time fraud risk and authenticity problem are higher there. Overall the edition with 20,000 pieces was comparatively large, which should be reflected in the pricing.

### Is it unusual that Montblanc writing instruments on eBay can be financed by instalment payment?

Instalment financing is widespread on eBay for many high-priced auction articles and is nothing special for Montblanc writing instruments. The seller thereby receives his money immediately; the buyer pays in instalments to the financier. An instalment payment is, however, always more expensive than direct purchase and must be serviced until repayment. Anyone who cannot directly afford a writing instrument should therefore refrain from financing.

### Which changes does the update of the forum software of the Fountainpen forum bring with it?

During the about 30-minute maintenance, the forum was raised to a more recent software version, above all to close possible security gaps. On the layout only minor changes were made; new are, among others, additional buttons, e.g. a direct link to the forum rules. Functionally, the forum remains largely unchanged usable for users. In terms of content, no posts are lost thereby.

### How is the "Welt am Sonntag" report "Die echten Edelfedern" on investment in writing instruments to be evaluated?

The contribution is assessed as superficial and partly outdated – for example, the group affiliation of brands is no longer correctly represented, since Omas at the time of publication had for some time no longer belonged to LVMH. In terms of content too, the statements on quantities and value developments are partly inaccurate. Writing instruments are as an investment object only conditionally suitable and should be acquired primarily out of collector interest. Sound information is to be found rather in specialised collector circles.

### Is it reputable on eBay auctions to demand a fee per line of information about a fountain pen?

The procedure described is assessed by experienced collectors as disreputable and does not correspond to the usual practices among collectors. Added to this is that on eBay it is forbidden in an auction to refer to one's own website. Often such offers are less real collector service than an advertising measure for one's own books or websites. Collectors support each other in relevant forums typically free of charge.

### Why are source references to the web address embedded in forum photos and what effect does that have against unauthorised picture use?

Since photos of the forum page were repeatedly used without permission by third parties in online auctions, source references are copied directly into the pictures, while the copyrights remain with the photographer. Platforms like eBay generally automatically delete auction photos with embedded web address, so the unauthorised use practically resolves itself. Anyone who has contributed their own photos and is not satisfied with the concrete form of the watermark can request individual adjustments.

### How can one judge whether an old ink bottle with glass body and supposed silver fitting is really antique?

Real historical silver overlays always bear a hallmark; if this is missing, the authenticity is questionable. On the market many artificially aged ink bottles are in circulation that are only between just under 20 and 30 euros worth. Even high-quality photos do not always allow reliable distinction between original and replica.

### Why do old pen mechanisms dry up after a short time, and where can feeds be procured or repaired?

A too-fast drying mostly goes back to insufficient ink flow, whose cause typically lies in the feed or in a wrong nib position. Classical repair businesses generally work on nibs and mechanisms, not on feeds themselves. Feeds and nibs are, among others, made by the firm Bock, which is a suitable contact for corresponding enquiries.

### What is to be made of a Montblanc Royal Black Diamond set with brilliants at a Christie's auction?

Even when achieving twice the estimate price, such a piece still counts as a bargain, although taste varies strongly; some collectors feel the fully brilliant-set fountain pen to be overloaded. The stones are throughout real brilliants in Top Wesselton quality with 56-facet cut and were set by hand into the solid-gold housing. The final price of around 20,000 USD stands in clear disproportion to the pure material and workmanship value and is in collector circles felt to be surprisingly low.

### Can a short waiting time between consecutive posts be set up in the forum to avoid double postings?

The forum is based on a combination of Joomla and Fireboard, so only functions can be used that this software already brings. An own programming of individual features is therefore not possible; a switch of the forum software would moreover endanger the valuable stock of old posts. Suggestions like a minimum pause between postings are collected and can in future be presented to a programmer responsible for the community.

### Is a connection of this forum to the Tapatalk app for iOS and Android devices possible or planned?

A Tapatalk connection is technically basically possible via a plug-in but fails due to costs and effort: the forum is operated as a non-commercial hobby and already causes annual middle three-digit euro amounts. Plug-ins are additionally for security reasons generally used restrainedly. With an anyway planned update of the forum software in the coming months, it should be checked whether a Tapatalk integration is sensibly implementable. The connection is, however, not assured.

### When does the CAS collectors' get-together take place in Dortmund, and what is discussed at the meeting?

The CAS collectors' get-together in Dortmund took place on 3 December 2005 from 12:00 in the Franziskaner; the originally planned second date on 4 December was cancelled for lack of replies. Attending were eight collectors; the atmosphere was described as informal and informative. As the next meeting, February 2006 was already envisaged, at which everyone should bring duplicate, incomplete or defective writing instruments in order to make them functional again together. Possible dates would be the weekends 4/5 or 11/12 February 2006; the lighting conditions in the restaurant should still be improved for this.

### Why does the regular VAT rate apply to Montblanc writing instruments and limited collector editions and not the reduced art rate?

Which products are subject to the reduced VAT rate is conclusively regulated in Annex 2 of the VAT law; writing instruments are not listed there, so they are generally taxed at the regular rate. Limited editions too are tax-wise classified as writing instruments and not as artworks. From the tax-law view, such pieces can however in a professional context count as "work tools" and thus be deducted via income tax, e.g. via multi-year AfA depreciations. Thus a part of the higher VAT can in the individual case be compensated again, provided the tax office recognises the professional use.