Fountain pens have been considered the apogeee of the pen maker's craft since the late 19th century.  No other pen type can match the versitility, elegance and smooth personalized writing of a fountain pen.  Compared to ball points and even rollerballs, they do require more care but yield rewards the others cannot.  They are the most long lasting of all pens; it is not unusual for a pen to out- live its original owner.  They offer the widest range of inks and tip styles of any pen type. Enthusiasts actively seek out the rare examples for their collections and enjoy using them daily.

Pens with removeable caps (fountain and rollerball types, which use water-based ink) are made in two types: posting and non-posting.  Posting styles are designed so that the cap is removed from the tip and placed onto the back of the pen when in use.  In non-posting pens, the cap is intended to stand on your desk to impress your clients as you write.  Some people prefer the balance of the one over the other.

There is an excellent article in Wikipedia on the history of these writing instruments.  

These pens use either a cartridge system or a refillable ink converter. Both are included with the pen.  They are supplied with a medium width iridium tip. Other nib widths are available.  The style measures approximately 5" long, the cap is approximately 5/8 diameter, the body approximately 9/16" diameter.  Care and use instructions are included with each pen.

posting, spalted maple, 24k gold plate 

                            #67..................................$45

posting, Olive wood, 24k gold plate     

                                   #64............................$50

Non-posting, Mahogany, rhodium plating with
10k gold and black accents

accepts either refillable ink receiver or
cartridge (included)

                                                    #813........................$60.00