Dave, my apologies for the late comment, I had intended to get it in prior to the community news, but, life happens.

I too have always been fascinated by these tools. My fascination was multiplied by both of my parents working in parallel industries when I was young. My father worked in an art and drafting supply house, my mother in an office supplies store.

Instead of turning to fountain pens, my disposition is toward ball point pens. While I do agree that they aren't the greatest writing tools, I have leaned toward advertising pieces and novelty pens. I have pens in my collection from as early as the 1950s and 60s. Mostly local business advertising, a few national chains/brand names. 

Art class in middle school introduced me to papers and textures and artisan papers. I am a proud owner of a 100% hand made journal. (Not by me, I don't have that level of skill) the 300 pages of paper is all hand made from recycled cardboard and denim an the entire volume is bound in hand tooled leather. It is so nice, I am scared to write in it...lol