Fountain pen purchase in London

What is this thing "pen" that you speak of....

I'm more interested in how a pen turns into a fountain!

I keep my chickens in a pen...

But seriously, these things are still sought after:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/15/nyregion/fountain-pen-hospital-manhattan.html

Becky, you are showing your age or I should say - lack of age. O' to be young again! Have thought about a fountain pen in years but it would be a nice souvenir. And in really fine shops they offer both left and right hand pens.

pepeps, I am not familiar with the prices of pens here in the states, or the stores in which to buy them.

If you are thinking of a Mont Blanc pen, they have their own website.
Here's one pen priced at $1,005.00:
http://www.montblanc.com/en-us/collection/writing-instruments/meisterstueck/112891-meisterstueck-solitaire-blue-hour-midsize-ballpoint-pen.html?mid=787mzl36533&mkwid=sBeSBxQRK_dc&pcrid=104455385548&kword=&match=&plid=&gclid=CjwKEAjw_PfGBRDW_sutqMbQsmMSJAAMpUapO1oax-TDTiknVrbvqWy6wC00QrasO23e5tJQQUGCGxoCpUrw_wcB

On the same website, there is a pen priced at $220. and one for $450.

Here is the website for Harrod's department store, London; fountain pens:
http://luxury.harrods.com/search?w=fountain+pens&view=p
The Mont Blancs seem to be in the same price range as on their own website.

You'll want to go to Harrods if you go pen-shopping in London.

Dave, thanks for the New York Times article. My grandfather had a bunch of these, collected from about 1912 to 1960. They are beautiful, especially those with an emerald and black swirl pattern or a burgundy and black swirl pattern.

Harrods have a whole pen department, Selfridges too, to a lesser extent. There will be lots of choice in many dedicated pen shops, Cross, Faber, Mont Blanc, Montegrappa, etc. but i wouldn't expect them to be cheaper... But you might get something here you can't get there.

Interesting to me when the non elected Prime Minister signed the Brexit divorce letter this week she chose to use a US made fountain pen made by Parker.

There are a number of pen shops in London

One is in ledenhall market, another is in the st pancreas station.
There is also a large graphics store in soho, a block from the seven dials .
Vat may make a difference.

There are a number of pen shops in London

One is in ledenhall market, another is in the st pancreas station.
There is also a large graphics store in soho, a block from the seven dials .
Vat may make a difference.

These days, there are few British pen manufacturers, so although you may purchase a pen here, it will be made elsewhere. Senior wealthy business figures that I have come across in London all have Montblanc pens (German). Parker stopped manufacturing in the UK some years ago.

Manufacturers tend to adjust prices for currency fluctuations, so there probably won't be much price saving unless you reclaim the VAT or buy at the airport.

There are a few UK manufacturers such as Jack Row, but some of these pens can run into thousands of dollars.

I would go for lowest cost. Can't imagine paying hundreds or a thousand bucks for a pen.

If you will be around on a Saturday it might be fun to browse the Portobello Road Market. Lots of small antique dealers, probably even one that specializes in pens, might be a cheaper option than a high end store. Stores are open other days as well, but Saturday is by far "prime time"

As with all such purchases, you have to do research before the trip. Look at pens here and see what they cost. Then, when you get to London, you'll know if the price is better for a specific model, or if you see a style there that you can't get here.

I'll second Harrods.....a fairly large pen section.

And then when you get home you have the duty to pay at Customs. If it is a four-figure price that will be well over your allowance so you will pay again. But then if it is a four-figure price that probably won't bother you.

I am no fine pen expert, but if they are like cameras, you may find that the guarantee available is only valid in the country of purchase unless you pay more for a worldwide guarantee. Therefore, you would have to come back to the UK if there were a problem or pay to get it fixed at home.

Thank you all!