If one is sufficiently careful, nearly any vintage pen can be used on a regular basis. Nonetheless, most pen lovers avoid using particularly rare and delicate models, such as Parkers in Mandarin Yellow and most pens in red hard rubber (Waterman lever-fillers are an exception, since the material used was layered so that the embrittling red colorant is mostly on the surface).
Look in participants' pockets at a pen show, and you are likely to see a lot of Parker 51s. These are among the most robust of classic pens, but their precursors the Vacumatics and the Duofolds are equally practical for the user. Lever-fillers by Waterman, Wahl-Eversharp, Conklin, and Sheaffer are also very practical pens, strongly built and easily serviced. Other brands to keep in mind are Mabie Todd (Swan) and Conway Stewart -- though many other marques are equally suitable. Don't be afraid to ask for advice when selecting your perfect vintage pen!
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