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My Pen Collection – 2021

Posted in Fountain Pens

I’m a data hoarder. I keep track of my pen collection in an extensive AirTable database, full of delicious data. For fun, I put together this infographic of my collection from the day I bought my first pen through May 1, 2021. It’s interesting seeing the trends. To view larger, click on any section of the image.

Pen Collection as of May 1, 2021. 177 Pens. 2 Not Yet Arrived. 5 Decommissioned. 1 Out for Repair. 6 Returned. 5 For Sale. 45 Sold. 14 Gifted. 1 Lost.
Overview. In 2016 and 2017, all pens purchased were from mainstream brands and brand new. In 2018-2021, pens purchased were between 5% and 25% from Indie brands and purchased secondhand.
Collection contains pens from 56 brands purchased from 25 locations.
Currently Owned. 106 Pens. 98 in Regular Use. 2 Not Yet Arrived. 5 Decommissioned. 1 Out for Repair. Pens come from 7 different countries, with most coming from the USA and Italy. Year Purchased: 2016 - 1; 2017 - 3; 2018 - 18; 2019 - 38; 2020 - 35; 2021 - 11. Edition Type: Special - 34.9%; Normal - 33%; Limited - 21.7%; Custom - 472%; Vintage - 2.83%; Numbered - .95%; Prototype - .95%; Unknown - .95%. Purchase Condition: 71% New, 29% Secondhand. Company Size: Indie - 23; Mainstream - 83. Pen color is divided over 17 colors, with the majority being Black, Multicolor, Red, and Gray. Nib Width: Nib widths vary from EF to Stub, Flex, Unknown, and Non Fountain Pen (Rollerball); the majority by far ar F. Nib materials include Steel; 14K, 18K, and 21K gold, Palladium, and Titanium. Over half of the nibs are steel.

6 Comments

  1. Cecily Walker
    Cecily Walker

    Hi, might you be willing to share a screenshot of your collection database? Inquiring minds want to know! 😁

    November 2, 2021
    |Reply
    • Hi Cecily, I currently have an update on how I maintain my pen inventory scheduled for November 23rd. I’ll make sure to include screenshots. 😊 Just so you know, the graphics in this post were created in illustrator, they weren’t generated from my database.

      November 2, 2021
      |Reply
      • Cecily Walker
        Cecily Walker

        Thanks! I look forward to the screenshots. I knew that you didn’t use Airtable for the screenshots; I’m more interested in the data structures!

        November 4, 2021
  2. David Deep
    David Deep

    This is very interesting, Rachel! Great graphic presentation. I didn’t realize you have only been a fountain pen enthusiast for five years. You have certainly accumulated a lot of knowledge in that time. What is meant by “decommissioned?” Are these parts donor pens?

    June 4, 2021
    |Reply
    • I certainly dove in head first, and keep swimming deeper. 🤣 Decommissioned usually means I’m not using it for some reason (e.g. it doesn’t suit my preferences) but it was a gift or unique edition I won’t get rid of.

      June 4, 2021
      |Reply

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