Inktend / Pen library / 39+1
Delta
39+1
A model in Delta's fountain pen lineup. Specs below reflect the typical configuration across Delta's core range.
A solid mid-range option once someone has decided fountain pens are a habit worth investing a bit more into.
Specs
About Delta
Delta was founded in 1982 near Naples by Nino Marino, Ciro Matrone and Mario Muscente, and built its reputation on bold Italian designs and materials, most famously the orange resin Dolcevita line. The company closed in 2017, and several of its former staff went on to found Leonardo Officina Italiana and Maiora. The brand was re-established in 2022 under Maiora with co-founder Nino Marino leading production in southern Italy, offering resin and celluloid pens with steel or gold nibs in the several-hundred-dollar range and above.
How to fill the Delta 39+1
Fill it two ways: snap in a pre-filled international cartridge for convenience, or use a converter — a small plunger or twist mechanism that installs the same way a cartridge does — to draw ink from any bottle. The converter route opens up the entire world of bottled ink, which is where most of the hobby's color variety lives.
Choosing a nib size
Nib size determines line width, not writing pressure — fountain pens are meant to glide, never press. Extra-fine (EF) suits small, dense handwriting and thin paper; fine (F) is the most broadly recommended default; medium (M) shows more ink character and shading; broad (B) and stub grinds favor bold, expressive strokes and calligraphy-adjacent writing. The 39+1's gold nib will also flex slightly with pressure, giving line variation that a steel nib of the same size won't produce.
Keeping it clean
A quick flush with cool water every time you switch ink colors — and a full clean every 4–6 weeks of regular use — is enough to keep the nib and feed performing well. Inktend's cleaning reminder is tuned to a 21-day baseline and adjusts naturally to how often you actually refill.
Pairing inks with the 39+1
Because refills are quick with a cartridge or converter, this is a good pen for rotating through several colors rather than committing to one; sample vials work especially well here.
Frequently asked questions
More from Delta
Specs reflect the typical configuration across Delta's core lineup rather than this exact model — check current listings before buying.