Moleskine Meets J. Herbin Vert Empire
11/29/2009Serendipity. Now there’s a word you don’t hear often but it suits this occasion. Serendipity is defined as “The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.” Ink/pen/paper success is accomplished in exactly that manner. Today I got lucky.
As I was writing an entry in my daily journal, an Apica 6A10, I was struck by how small I could comfortably write with my 1950’s era Parker ’51’ Aero. The barrel color is called “navy gray” and is quite similar to J. Herbin Vert Empire. The fine, dry nib that is ideal for paper that feathers just begged for a go at a Moleskine and so I obliged.
The result was excellent. Not only is the writing nearly feather-free, the combination of ink color and ivory paper is soft and very appealing. In addition the mid-century pen coupled with the vintage looking journal is elegant and retr0 cool. There is a bistro in my neighborhood with little café tables and a touch of Parisian chic that fits the look better than the on-every-street-corner coffee shop. Mmmm, know where I’m headed?
While there might not be a ’51’ in your future, they can be found on eBay and various pen boards if you must have one. The Aero-metric model is hardy and relatively easy to maintain. Even so do buy from a reputable source and preferably a pen that has had a new sac installed. The price range is $50-100 with the 14k nibs like mine or rare colors bringing in the higher prices.
Another pen option is the Hero ‘329’ that sports a hooded nib like the ’51’. The Hero ‘616’ is a true copy of the ’51’ so that’s another model to consider. I have no experience with Hero pens so this isn’t a recommendation but there is at least one positive review at Fountain Pen Network. Check out Amateur Economist and Another Word for Nerd for more opinions. Frankly, any fine nib that writes on the dry side will do.
Now I’m off to try today’s happy accident in a fitting setting. Make that a double espresso and a croissant, if you please. I think I’m going to sit here a little longer than usual.
Sigh. Your destination sounds wonderful. I own three Hero fountain pens and one is a hooded nib but I can’t remember what number it is. Fantastic writing instrument for those of us in a meager budget induced lifestyle. Thanks for the ink review, too. I’ve been looking for inks that do well in dry, fine nibs.
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by JoniB 11/29/2009 at 9:46 amOne of these days I’ll try a Hero but for now the ’51’ is meeting my needs quite well.
If you are on a limited budget and who isn’t these days, the ink sample program at Pear Tree Pens is a great way to find out what works well for you. I’ve ordered samples several times. While the amount of ink is limited, using a syringe to transfer the ink to a pen will give you enough to make informed choices and maximize your resources. It’s so much more fun to buy an ink that makes you smile than to buy one you’ll never use.
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by inkophile 11/30/2009 at 4:15 amYES! Another great combo that goes very well with the Moleskine. Great work!
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by Woodworker 11/29/2009 at 11:13 amCool post and pic! 😉
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by Chris Meisenzahl 11/29/2009 at 2:30 pmSounds very alluring. I might have to give that combo a try myself! Good to know that the Moleskine journals have good fountain pen options.
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by journalingarts 11/29/2009 at 4:14 pmThere must be a lot of workable ink and pen duos for Moleskine. I’ve dedicated one of the small Reporter journals to future tests. When there are enough good results, I’ll post about it.
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by inkophile 11/30/2009 at 4:02 am[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Margana and kookychick, Okami. Okami said: RT @inkophile: A new post from Inkophile: Moleskine Meets J. Herbin Vert Empire: http://wp.me/pfSKv-mq […]
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by Tweets that mention Moleskine Meets J. Herbin Vert Empire « An Inkophile’s Blog -- Topsy.com 11/29/2009 at 5:08 pm[…] Read the entire review at An Inkophile’s Blog. […]
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by Moleskiners 12/01/2009 at 12:01 am[…] Moleskine Meets J. Herbin Vert Empire […]
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by Top Ten Posts at Inkophile « An Inkophile’s Blog 01/19/2010 at 12:11 am[…] J. Herbin Vert Empire – Muted green. […]
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