Waldmann Xetra Vienna Black Lacquer Fountain Pen
Today’s review is part 2 of the Waldmann review courtesy of Luxury Brands! The model I am looking at today is the Xetra Vienna Black Lacquer. Thanks go out again to Luxury Brands for letting me borrow these for review.
Packaging: The packaging is the same between both models. The outer box is black cardstock with “Waldmann made in Germany since 1918” as well as the company logo in raised silver lettering. The lid of the outer box comes off and the front flap of the box opens to reveal a black leather inner box. The same words and logo are stamped on the lid and there is a silver plate on the front of the box and lid with “Waldmann” and the logo engraved in grey. The inside of the lid has the same writing and logo in silver. The pen rests on a removable leather bed which sits on top of a warranty card, polishing cloth, package of cartridges and a hangtag showing the pen is made from silver.
First Thoughts: This is the epitome of elegance in a pen. The contrast of the black lacquer and the silver engraving just blew me away.
Design: Similar to the Manager, the Xetra Vienna is made from silver which gives the pen a nice weight but does not make it too heavy. The cap and barrel are covered in black lacquer and the cap is heavily engraved revealing the beautiful silver underneath. The cap finial is a polished silver dome, below which is a rectangular clip with the Waldmann “W” engraved. The cap engraving, which is hand engraved in “Vienna Pattern,” pairs perfectly with the black lacquer and exposed silver parts of the pen. The cap tapers slightly until it reaches the barrel band which is engraved with “Waldmann,” “Made in Germany.” The cap takes 5 ¼ turns to remove, which is a large number of turns but I would have no concern that the pen will stay closed in my pen case or even my pocket. The bottom finial is flat and a narrower diameter than the barrel which allows for the cap to be posted securely if you choose to post. The barrel gradually tapers from the finial to the previously mentioned engraved barrel band. There is a slight step down from the barrel to the cap threads and grip section. The threads are very fine and not noticeable when holding the pen. The grip section is straight and smooth silver and continues straight to the nib.
Nib Performance: The nib appears to be a number 5 and is the perfect size for this slim pen. The polished steel nib is decorated with scrollwork around the tines and has “1918,” the Waldmann “W,” and “M,” for medium engraved. I only performed a dip test for the review, but the nib was buttery smooth and laid down a perfect European medium line.
Filling System: Standard International Cartridge/Converter
Value: $425 USD
Overall: The engraving and design of this pen are simply amazing. Yes it does have a steel nib, there is a gold nib option, but it is a nicely performing steel nib and the rest of the pen make up for that. This is a hand engraved, solid silver pen that will grab everyone’s attention. I have relatively large hands and this pen fit nicely and the weight was enjoyable as well. I could see myself having long writing sessions with this pen.
Specs:
Name: Waldmann Xetra Vienna Black Lacquer
Design: Silver with black lacquer
Length: 137mm (5.39 in)
Posted: 165mm (6.5 in)
Diameter: 11mm (.43 in)
Weight: 38g (1.34 oz)
Nib: Stainless Steel
Filling System: Cartridge/Converter
Pros: Hand engraved, silver pen, great nib performance.
Cons: Slightly expensive for a steel nib
In the same price range:
Lamy Imporium
Pineider Full Metal Jacket
Montegrappa Harry Potter
