Pens of perfection.

Writing instruments that make the mark

Because fine pens have become a status symbol for men and women, upscale writing instruments are making a big comeback. Sales have more than doubled in the past five years, according to Terry Wiederlight, owner of the Fountain Pen Hospital (10 Warren St., NYC 10007; 800-253-7367; www.fountainpenhospital.com). "It's become very trendy among celebrities and professionals such as lawyers and doctors to use higher-end fountain pens," he says. In fact, one of his biggest customers is Bill Cosby, who is now the store's spokesperson.

But which brands should you choose? Wiederlight cites the following:

Montblanc: $100 to $5,000 plus

Most brands, like Montblanc (800-388-4810), will offer various lines of pens, ranging from high-end to lower-priced models. Prices are based on style and finish. Although Wiederlight says the inner workings of a lower-priced Montblanc are equal to those of higher-end models, body styles are remarkably' different. Higher-priced pens, in general, tend to be limited editions, and are expected to become collectors' items.

Montblanc lines are usually considered the most exclusive. However, OMAS, Aurora, and Montegrappa also offer great craftsmanship at a somewhat less pricey high end. In addition, Sheaffer, Parker, Cross, and Waterman offer good to superior value at moderate prices. Expect to pay at least $25 for a reliable instrument.

* SHEAFFER'S PFM ("PEN FOR MEN")

For the true aficionado, a vintage fountain pen like Sheaffer's PFM (800-FINEPEN; www.sheaffer.com) from 1959 adds a classic touch of distinction. But expect to pay prices comparable to those for new pens and limit your use, since old pens can be fragile and spare parts scarce. The antiquated design (they tend to leak) and rareness of many antique fountain pens make them best suited for a collector's showcase. Although PFMs are no longer manufactured, you can still purchase them from independent retailers. They are considered basic classic pens and are a good place to begin if you want to start a collection.

* LIMITED EDITION OR THEME PENS

Limited edition or theme pens have special appeal for pen lovers. The Mandela 80 Collection by OMAS (617-426-3607; www.omas .net) commemorates Nelson Mandela's 80th birthday. There are four styles in that series: Birth of Royalty, Struggle, New Nation, and Africa. Each of these styles can be purchased in sterling silver for $1,600 or in gold for $5,800. There are also 80 platinum and diamond versions of the Birth of Royalty model selling for $15,000 each.

Another limited edition is Krone's Abraham Lincoln Pen (847-215-0011). Each of the 1,008 sterling silver pens, which cost $1,650 apiece, contains a bit of Lincoln's DNA obtained from strands of his hair.

* TECHNO-STYLED EDITIONS

On the cutting edge of technology are Jorg Hysek's (800-608-7583; www.hysek.com) carbon fiber creations and Maclaren's titanium bodied 600 model (800-747-6734; www.mclarenpens.com). It takes longer to create the body of a pen out of carbon fiber or titanium rather than plastic, so it's quite costly and you'll pay the price.

Whatever its make, you want the pen you use to make the right impression. As Wiederlight puts it: "If you're signing a big contract, don't pull out a stick pen." You have options.

Choosing the "write" one

* Select fountain pens over ballpoint pens because they write more smoothly and your handwriting will be more distinctive.

* Purchase a fountain pen with a solid gold point for a smooth finish.

* Choose a style and nib width you like. If you prefer the appearance of a broad stroke, select a large nib. For a more refined handwriting style, choose a smaller nib.

* Stick with a larger brand name so that you can return it or have it fixed. Like cars, fountain pens break down and sometimes parts have to be changed. With a larger company, the parts will probably be easier to obtain and more widely available simply because they are more widely distributed. Ink refills will be easier to obtain as well.

* Consider modern pens because they have cartridges that are easier to replace and provide a better seal. The ink is supplied via cartridge, pump, or both. Also, contemporary fountain pens usually offer a choice of nib widths from extra fine to extra broad.

* Log on to www.penthusiasm.com for more information.

--A.B.