Need some suggestions please

[micah]

Situation....my first big sale!
I have a gentlemen who is ordering a couple of really nice fountains from me and is wanting to know if I had any suggestions for a new fountain for his Mother in Puerto Rico. From his recollection she has NEVER written with anything other that a Fountain and is now 90yrs old. She told him "it wasn't dignified to write with anything else!" She has been using a Parker for numerous years. I think he said since he was a little boy, until a couple years ago when something broke. He said that she sent it back, but they no longer made that kind and sent her their top of the line pen as a replacement. He said that there was a big write up in their local paper about it.
Now my delimma. He wants to find something that is in the smaller size and very elegant. I have got some BIG shoes to fill considering the time that I have been turning. Price is not an issue, but I don't want to just pick out the most expensive one and make a sell.
Any suggestions?
Micah

 

[woodpens]

I would suggest the Junior Statesman fountain pen with gold trim.

 

[Gary Max]

Micah-- I am far from a FP expert having only made a hand-full myself. I looked around and went with Barons for my FP's --price is right and makes a nice product.

 

[thetalbott4]

You might want to run that by Anthony of PenWorks. His taste and expertise with fountain pens is top notch. IMHO.

 

[Tea Clipper]

I'd choose a 22k Jr. Statesman from Craft Supplies, a 14k gold nib from Anthony (PenWorks), and either Lily Rose BEB from AzSil or Fuchsia BEB also from CSU.

 

[PenWorks]

Yep, I agree with the 22K Jr. Sts. a fine looking pen. []

 

[TomServo]

I agree, even if I haven't made a Jr Statesman myself yet - if she's 90, she's probably not going to want a huge heavy pen - and the statesman is nice and elegant. I'd find out if there's a piece of cherished furniture or something you can try and match - perhaps a favorite wood or color? Find out if she'd prefer a glossy finish or the feel of wood.

Keep in mind that the only difference between a FP and RB/BP is the business end - all the rest is often exactly the same.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Which ever you choose, I suggest you only turn it bushing to bushing. Don't attempt to add curves or bulges as these also add weight. And, when posted a 'bulgy' Baron can feel heavy and awkward to write with for some.

 

[Ryan]

If price is not an issue I would also do the Jr Statesman but I would also put a "Penchetta" gold nib on it. You can see Anthony for the nib.

Ryan

 

[JimGo]

Do you have a picture or model number of the original pen she used? While I agree that the Jr. Statesman is a beautiful pen, it may be bigger than what she used in the past. Once you have a picture, you can decide which kit most closely emulates it, and then either try to re-create the pen (using one of Anthony's nibs!) or come up with something of a similar size. Another factor, though, is whether she's arthritic and can hold a smaller-diameter pen.

IMHO, you need some more info before choosing the correct kit for her.

 

[ed4copies]

Good suggestions!!

Good luck, hope she is happy with your choice.

Another thought, maybe she has an old, sentimental piece of wood she would like you to use. Frequently, people of that age think everything they have will be a burden to those who have to "clean up the estate". But, if an old end-table leg (one of the 3 that are left on it) can be made into this pen, WOW-you're a magician. AND, the pen automatically feels just right!

 

[micah]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
I'm definantly going to ask him about the suggestion of using a piece of wood from furniture, ect. But, I think with us up here in the states and her down in Puerto Rico, that might not be a possibility. I will ask if there is a certain type that is prefered or if he might know what kind the the parker was made of.
I do know that small in overall size and diameter is wanted. No worries about athritis.
It looks as though the Jr. Statesman is probably going to be on the top of the list for suggestion, but I'm still looking.
Thanks everyone!
Micah