Can I Sketch with an 80 YEAR OLD FOUNTAIN PEN!? - Will it Really Work?

Video Description

Can a FOUNTAIN pen that's over 80 years old still create beautiful sketch art? Join me as I put the Mabie Todd Swan Self-Filler 6260, a classic fountain pen from the 1940s, to the test. With Diamine Earl Grey ink loaded up, I tackle a sketch of Pittenweem, a charming coastal village in Fife, Scotland. Let’s explore the incredible history, craftsmanship, and sketching potential of this vintage writing instrument. ________________________________________ What Makes the Mabie Todd Swan Special? The Mabie Todd Swan is more than just a pen—it's a piece of history. Known for its elegant design and innovative engineering, the Self-Filler 6260 was ahead of its time. In this video, I take a closer look at: • The Filling Mechanism: A fascinating lever-fill system that was both practical and durable for its era. I’ll demonstrate how it works and discuss its condition after decades of use. • The Flex Nib: One of the standout features of this pen is its flexible nib. I test its responsiveness and line variation, showcasing how it performs for both writing and sketching. • Build Quality: Despite being over 80 years old, the pen's craftsmanship has stood the test of time. From the detailed engraving to the robust materials, it’s a joy to hold and use. ________________________________________ The Sketching Process For this test, I chose the picturesque village of Pittenweem, known for its colourful houses and serene harbour. Using Diamine Earl Grey ink, a subtle yet striking shade, I sketch the scene and explore how this vintage pen handles fine details, shading, and dynamic line work. Along the way, I’ll share: • Tips for sketching with a fountain pen, especially one with a flex nib. • Insights into how vintage pens compare to modern tools for art. • Challenges (and joys) of using an antique pen for creative work. ________________________________________ Can an 80-Year-Old Pen Still Deliver? Spoiler alert: The Mabie Todd Swan doesn’t disappoint! But it’s not without its quirks. I’ll discuss the condition of the pen, the effort needed to restore it, and how well it performs despite its age. Whether you're a collector, an artist, or just curious about vintage fountain pens, this journey is sure to inspire. ________________________________________ Why Vintage Pens Matter Using a vintage pen like the Mabie Todd Swan connects us to the past and showcases the incredible craftsmanship of a bygone era. These pens aren’t just tools—they’re stories waiting to be told. If you’re thinking of trying a vintage fountain pen, this video might just convince you to take the plunge! ________________________________________ Join the Conversation Have you ever sketched with a vintage fountain pen? Do you own a Mabie Todd Swan or another pen from this era? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories. And if you’re new to vintage pens or sketching, feel free to ask any questions. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to see more pen reviews, sketching tutorials, and creative inspiration. ________________________________________ Hashtags: #FountainPen #MabieToddSwan #sketch #DiamineEarlGrey Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzG3PyflAz0ga0QstzLaV8g/join My Patreon (Art Club) is now up and running where you get more tips longer versions of my Youtube content and exclusive videos for a monthly fee (7 Day Free Trial Available): https://www.patreon.com/DougJacksonArtLessons https://www.youtube.com/@dougjacksonart My Shop - https://dougjacksonartwork.com/original-sheffield-art.html#/ My Website - https://dougjacksonartwork.com/index.html#/ About my Materials - https://dougjacksonartwork.com/material.html#/ Instagram - https://instagram.com/doug_jackson_artwork/ TikTok - tiktok.com/@doug_jackson_artwork ... CHAPTERS ... 00:00 Introduction 00:21 unboxing 04:02 filling 05:34 Testing 07:32 sketching 09:09 conclusion