Some of the most famous literary works in history began with a pen on paper, scratching out lines that would become unmistakable today. Whether the author wrote on paper or even cardboard, they needed a trusty writing implement to do so. If you’ve ever wondered what your favorite authors, like Stephen King or Ernest Hemingway, used to put their thoughts down, check out these six iconic pen models used by famous authors now.
6. Montegrappa Fountain Pens
Starting our list of iconic pen models is the Montegrappa Fountain Pen. Used most famously by Ernest Hemingway, he didn’t prefer just one model of Montegrappa pen in particular. Hemingway was more partial to the brand since he was stationed near one of the factories while serving as an ambulance driver in World War I. Since then, Montegrappa has created a pen named for Hemingway, featuring an Art Deco design with a tobacco and amber coloring.
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5. Gold-Capped Biro Cristal Ballpoint Pen
Fifth on our list of iconic pen models is the Gold-capped Biro Cristal Ballpoint Pen. Favored by Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond series, when he wasn’t tapping away on his Royal Quiet Deluxe Portable Typewriter, he was using a Biro Cristal pen. In an interview with author Jack Kerouac, he revealed a noticeable difference from his pens to the normal Biro Cristal — a gold cap he would switch from pen to pen once the ink dried.
4. Parker Duofold Classic Pen
Next on our list of iconic pen models is the Parker Duofold Classic, used by Arthur Conan Doyle. The Sherlock Holmes author favored this pen model, using it religiously to craft his various Holmes novels during the forty or so years he wrote about the detective. The Duofold Classic was also a favorite of English novelist Graham Greene, who wrote Brighton Rock, Our Man in Havana, etc.
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3. Parker 51 Fountain Pen
Rounding out the top three iconic pen models is the Parker 51 Fountain Pen. Another Parker model, this one was instead prized by Welsh poet and writer, Dylan Thomas. Known for its fast-drying ink, Thomas wrote several famous pieces of writing with the Parker 51, including Under Milk Wood and the poem “Do not go gentle into that good night.” The poet photographed the Parker 51 in his hand often, with a cigarette in the other.
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2. Waterman Hémisphère Fountain Pen
Second on our list of iconic pen models is the Waterman Hémisphère Fountain Pen. Used by best-selling Stephen King, he mentions the pen at the back of his novel Dreamcatcher: “This book was written with the world’s finest word processor, a Waterman cartridge fountain pen.” Author of Carrie, The Shining, Misery, and numerous other works, King specifically prefers the Hémisphère Fountain Pen, which features a slim shape and chiseled detailing.
1. Conklin Crescent Filler Pen
Last but not least on our iconic pen models list is the Conklin Crescent Filler. Prized by Mark Twain for its unique self-filling features, the author said, “I prefer it to ten other fountain pens, because it carries its filler in its own stomach and I cannot mislay even by art or intention.” Twain was the author of works such as Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Gilded Age, and even became a spokesperson for the Conklin Pen Company in the years following his initial statement about the pens.
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