Thoughts on an Heirloom pen

I'm posting this to see what people's perspective on an heirloom pen might be following an interesting experience I had this afternoon.

Typically, I have always thought of an heirloom pen as something you would never use, but would look at, cherish and pass on to the next generation. This opens up the possibility of a pen designed as a piece of art, but not really a user - think Montblanc Patron of Art or something similarly crafted.

I am trying to move some of my collection to free up funds for new additions. I had about 10 interesting pens listed on an Australian sales site, and a fellow contacted me for my suggestion of an heirloom pen to pass on to his new-born son. He was going to use it occasionally for 12 years, and then pass it to his son as a very special gift. He wanted something which would stand the test of time, and would have a nice juicy ink flow.

I suggested a St Dupont as being made to the highest standards of nearly any pen, and being metal would last forever. He found it too dry. We then looked at a 149 I had, which he liked, but I think he found it a bit boring.

We settled on a very plain pen with a twist. A Sailor 1911 L in plain black with gold trim, but sporting a Cross Point Nagahara nib. I wasn't overly keen on selling, but he really likes the paint brush feel and the way it wrote, so it went from me to him as an Heirloom for his son.

Instead of buying an heirloom pen, he bought an heirloom nib which will never be made again. A piece of functional art, craftsmanship and history all in one.

I have to say, I was really impressed with his choice (he's not a pen user and doesn't have any other fountain pens), and it's changed my perspective on the concept of an Heirloom pen.