If you have read my 'Choosing A Fountain Pen' article in the Masterclass section you will note where I have written that you have to pay at least £100 for a new gold nib pen. Below that and the nib will only be gold plate or steel. While that generally still remains true, here are the exceptions that prove the rule. All the pens below from the revived Mentmore company have gold nibs with medium points. They come complete with filler units, convertible to take cartridges, and are beautifully presented in a leatherette gift box. To top it all, they carry a lifetime guarantee. Tremendous value for money.

£75

MEN-01

Top of the range in the Mentmore collection is the Monarch, crafted from an acrylic-coated brass barrel with pearl effect inlay, matching cap and an 8ct gold nib. An attractive pen with a good solid feel to it, suitable for both men and women.

£45

MEN-02

Classical design black pen with gold trim and an 8ct gold nib.

£35

MEN -03

Black, acrylic barrel and chrome cap with an 8ct gold nib.

£45

MEN-04

The acrylic-coated brass barrel gives this pen a substantial 'heavy' feel very much suited to a man's hand. With the added bonus of a 14ct gold nib, this pen represents exceptionally good value.

£35

MEN-05

This pen is slightly smaller than the other models and is more suited to a lady's hand. It has an 8ct gold nib.

£25

MEN-06

This sturdy pen with an attractive marbled acrylic finish is the only pen in this range to have a 22ct gold-plated nib. Pens at this price normally only have steel nibs, so this represents excellent value for money. As with all the pens above it comes with filler unit, spare cartridges, presentation box and lifetime guarantee.