The important question is where do I find the pen? As I write the options are limited because of the terrible situation brought about by the coronavirus pandemic but will assume that this will be over in the not-too-distant future and explore the options in normal times.

Charity Shops

One might think that charity shops would be awash with vintage Swans, Ontos, Conklins, and the like but this is definitely not the case. I have now given up trawling the shops looking for vintage pens after hundreds of visits with no success. I think they must be just binned when other effects are carefully folded and packed and whizzed off to Bernados or whoever.

Antique Shops

Similarly, I have had limited success at antique shops. On the odd occasion that a pen is located the antique dealers seem to work from their own price guidebook where an old item is immensely valuable irrespective of condition, quality, or rarity. During a recent tour of the antique shops in Newark, and there are dozens, I was told twice by the owners that they dont stock old pens as they always get nicked.

Antique Fairs

Antique fairs, again such as the big one in Newark, are much more productive and always worth a visit but you must be early. Pen collectors on a mission will always be the first customers and will miss nothing.

Online Pen Dealer

There are now a fair number of the online website where you can find the Parker Oversize Vacumatic Fountain Pens For Sale. The vast majority of these are trustworthy and honest traders with a good knowledge of vintage pens. The websites are of variable quality, some are easily navigable with a straightforward buying process whilst others are decidedly poor. Where many of them fail is in the descriptions of the pens and the number and quality of photographs. When buying online it is essential to be able to make a sound judgment based on a comprehensive description, this is something that this website pays particular attention to.

Negotiating a Price

If you find something that interests you ask the stallholder to tell you what he knows about the pen then give it a good inspection before asking to try it. As you check the pen and well discuss how to do that shortly, make a mental note of anything that may require explanation or may give grounds for suggesting a price adjustment.

Conclusion

A well-respected and immensely knowledgeable collector/dealer I know once spent a very amusing few minutes explaining how facial expressions and gesticulations from the prospective buyer can be orchestrated to bring down the price. This includes alternately puffing out one's cheeks and sucking in noisily through the teeth whilst slowly, and almost imperceptibly shaking the head from side to side. The occasional sudden widening of the eyes in an expression of horror is sometimes very effective but must be used sparingly, it is the nuclear option.