Fountain pen collectors classify pens manufactured before 1965 as vintage fountain pens. Fountain pen lovers have stored and passed on pens from one generation to another. Pens appreciated for their looks, designs and efficiency in writing may be stored, in some cases with little or no practical writing use. A vintage pen does not only have nostalgic or display value; many vintage pens are used actively for writing purposes, too. And its true that vintage pens aged thirty to fifty years surpass the new fountain pens in the writing department for the reason that then they were considered as the main tool for writing, unlike now. As more skilled labor went into producing fountain pens, vintage nibs are smoother than their modern counterparts.

Some vintage pens may be in mint condition, while others might be fragile and require delicate handling. There are vintage pens in possession of pen collectors and museums with jewels and gems studded in them. Vintage fountain pens are inlaid with lacquer designs known as maki-e. Vintage fountain pens are also made up of bamboo, glass, hard rubber and celluloid.

Utmost care must be taken for maintaining a vintage pen. Hot water and solvents should never be used to clean a vintage fountain pen. The material used in vintage pens may not be sturdy enough to withstand hot water and solvents. Direct sunlight may cause color to fade, so vintage fountain pens should not be exposed to it. Its advisable to carry a vintage pen in the outside pocket rather the inside pocket to preserve from heat. Fountain pens, especially vintage pens, should not be soaked in liquids.

Repair of a vintage pen should be left to an expert. A slight extra pressure here or there while mending parts by an amateur may cause breakage because of the fragile condition of the pen. Parts for replacement in vintage pens are being sold as factory-made originals and reproductions. Most vintage pen parts are not interchangeable. One should be very careful about 100-year-old pens, hard rubber and casein and Coronets.

Numbers of manufacturers competed with each other during the Golden era of fountain pens (1880-1930) and produced durable, efficient and stylish products, which are much better than those being produced now. A vintage pen is worthy both for its writing as well as its display value.