A Treasure from the Past: Discovering My Grandfather’s Fountain Pen
As I was sorting through an old cabinet, I stumbled upon a tin labeled Dixie Mix—a keepsake that once belonged to my father, filled with small treasures from my grandfather. Inside, I discovered a beautiful collection of vintage items:
A pocket watch
Two mother-of-pearl pocket knives
An assortment of mechanical pencils with red lead
Boxes of extra lead
And, to my delight, a fountain pen in pristine condition
Vintage Dixie Mix tin with writing tools
Uncovering the History of Vintage Writing Tools
Curious about these old tools, I did a little research. I learned that the mechanical pencils are actually called propelling pencils, dating back to the 1930s. The red lead was commonly used in carpentry, which made perfect sense—I have a small chest of drawers and a cabinet that my grandfather built for me when I was a baby. Sadly, he passed away when I was just three years old, so I have no memory of him. Finding these items felt like a special connection to the past.
The Conklin Endura Fountain Pen: A Vintage Gem
Conklin Endura Fountain Pen
One of the most exciting discoveries was the Conklin Endura fountain pen, made in Toledo, Ohio. Engraved on the clip is the patent date May 28, 1918, and on the filler mechanism, November 17, 1925. The pen features a striking black and pearl design, dating it to the late 1920s or early 1930s.
After learning more about its history, I found that only certain modern inks are compatible with vintage fountain pens—so, of course, I ordered the right ink to bring it back to life!
Incorporating the Fountain Pen into My Art
Up until now, I’ve primarily used modern drawing and illustration pens in my artwork. But now, knowing this fountain pen belonged to my grandfather, I feel inspired to incorporate it into my creative process. Using a tool that has such a deep family history adds another layer of meaning to my art.
I can’t wait to experiment with it—who knows what beautiful creations will come from this special piece of history?