Living
Pen Collecting Becomes a Hobby for a Younger Generation
Pen shows used to be dominated by retirees. A recent gathering of enthusiasts in New York City shows the field has gotten wider.
New and vintage fountain pens displayed for sale at the Empire State Pen Show on Oct. 11.
Photographer: Daniel Taub/Bloomberg“We’re in New York City! First time ever!” bellows Crazy Alan. “I’m here to sell, you’re here to buy!”
It’s 10:14 a.m. on Saturday morning, and the inaugural Empire State Pen Show is just getting started. Dozens of people who lined up early have filed into the Rhinelander ballroom on the New York Hilton Midtown’s second floor and are hunched over tables of fountain pens, ink bottles, notebooks and other stationery items.