From time to time, I’ll write an article about a pen-related topic of particular interest to me. A selection of these writings can be found here.
Articles
Look What the Katz Drug In
The mystery of Sheaffer’s numbered Lifetime nibs is finally solved.
Origin of the Sheaffer Balance
The iconic tapered shape of the Sheaffer Balance might not have been as original as is widely believed — and the name itself might have been the creation of another pen company.
Blotting Out the Truth
The century-old myth purporting to explain the birth of the Waterman company is demolished, and the radically different truth is unearthed at long last.
Featherweight vs. Heavyweight
A courtroom showdown between David and Goliath-sized pen companies results in previously unknown revelations about the early history of Sheaffer’s innovative Balanced fountain pen line.
Early Lifetimes
A look at the first few variations of the classic Sheaffer Lifetime square end fountain pen, and the key to a tantalizing mystery is discovered.
Prosperity
Two brands of Depression-era pens with similar names and appearances have vastly different stories, and at least one of them holds some surprises.
Myths of a Lifetime, Part 2
The longstanding myth regarding the abolishing of lifetime guarantees on fountain pens is finally put to rest.
Not in This Lifetime
Is it possible that the first Lifetime pens did not have the famous lifetime guarantee?
Daniel Kirchheimer 