This is a high-end fountain pen that is made out of lava. Yes, lava. From a volcano.
For some time this pen was known for its 23K gold nibs. Newer models have since transitioned to an 18K gold nib from Bock.
The pen uses Visconti’s Power Filler mechanism. This is a vacuum filling mechanism with a bit of Visconti’s own flair to it.
The pen uses a “Hook Safe Lock” cap that has to be twisted and pushed to engage on the pen body. It takes some getting used to, but it’s an excellent system overall.
Being naturally water absorbing this is a good high-end fountain pen for people with sweaty hands.
Visconti Homo Sapiens Editions
This pen is sold in a number of variations, all of which are not particularly different from one another. Here are the models and a quick breakdown of each.
- Bronze Age: The standard Homo Sapiens. Black body with gold-colored trim
- Bronze Age Special Edition CSI: Similar to the Bronze Age but with a curved smooth italic (CSI) nib
- Dark Age: The trim is polished black and nib, giving the pen a stealth look
- Magma: Like the Dark Age but with glossy red trim
- Midnight in Florence: The Homo Sapiens body with made of resin (Acryloid) that is dark blue and white. The nib is silver.
- Evolution: Silver trim, a wavy striped cap and section, and it uses Visconti’s new Skeleton nib. This is the true outlier from the bunch.
Visconti Homo Sapiens Information
| Street Price | Check Price |
| Manufacturer | Visconti |
| Pen Type | Fountain Pen | Vacuum (built-in) |
| Rating | |
| Barrel Color | Black |
| Barrel Material | Lava |
| Body Diameter (mm) | 14.3 |
| Grip Color | Black |
| Grip Material | Lava |
| Grip Diameter (mm) | 11.0 |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| MSRP | $650 |
| Still Sold | Yes |
| Similar To | |
| Refills | |
| Capped? Retractable? | Capped |
| Clip? | Metal |
| Length Capped / Retracted (cm) | 14.6 |
| Length Posted (cm) | 17.4 |
| Length Uncapped (cm) | 13.1 |
| Weight (g) | 26 |
| Refillable | Yes |
| Nib Material | 18kt Gold, 23kt Palladium |
| Nib Color | Bi-color |
| Nib Sizes | Extra-Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, 1.3mm Stub |