Put pen to paper: five fabulous fountain pens

Parker 51

Should James Bond have deviated from a British brand, this is the one he’d have slipped inside the breast pocket of his Savile Row lounge suit. Vintage only, from about £175—there’s a good selection at Penfriend (020– 3907 6807; www.penfriend.co.uk) or Vintage Fountain Pens (01964 532297; www.vintagefountainpens.co.uk)

Churchill

Solid and impressive, with plenty of presence; a fitting homage to the great man. Available in lots of different colours, but the classic black with gold fitting feels suitably Churchillian. Conway Stewart, from £449 (0333 006 4646; www.bespokebritishpens.co.uk)

Viceroy Grand

Large and bold, with a wonderfully weighty feel tempered by intricate Victorian engraving on its silver shaft. Yard-o-led, from £895 (0121–369 0510; www.yard-o-led.co.uk)

The Doctor’s Pen

Made of sterling silver, known for its antibacterial properties, the cap is adorned with the Rod of Asclepius. Even the most florid of signatures at the bottom of a prescription will look better thanks to this pen. Stratford Pen Company, from £430 (0333 006 4646; www.bespokebritishpens.co.uk)

Magna Classic Vermeil

Encased in 23-carat gold-plated silver and based on the shape and dimensions of the Onoto Magna, launched in 1937, this is, in the opinion of many aficionados, the best fountain pen ever made. Onoto, £1,995 (01603 811165; www.onoto.com)