Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Writer, editor, publisher and fan of all things handwritten. I know...it's hard to believe, but this year marks five decades ...

Consider a fountain pen. With the variety of gorgeous writing instruments available, not to mention the broad range of prices, there is something that will suit virtually all tastes and budgets.

Using a fountain pen shows attention to detail ... which develops a ‘wonderful patina’ with use. Made of sterling silver, known for its antibacterial properties, the cap is adorned with the Rod of ...

Not circuit diagrams. Any old pen can do that. No, the pen is a rollerball with silver ink that can actually draw real, working circuits. The ink dries to leave silver trails behind on the paper ...

Most modern nibs are made of steel, gold or iridium, and the fountain pen bodies are made of ebonite, stainless steel or sterling silver. A true fountain pen also has a self-contained reservoir ...

Mont Blanc Meisterstück Martelé Sterling Silver Fountain Pen. "The relevance that fountain pens and handwriting had is diminished," says Nicky Pessaroff, editor-in-chief of Pen World magazine.

And, though the name has also been traded along the way, Yard-O-Led has been creating intricate silver writing instruments in Birmingham for over 200 years. Today, the workshop comprises a small team ...