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Pens and Pencils | Reviews and Data

Visconti Homo Sapiens

Visconti Homo Sapiens Fountain Pen

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.

Visconti Power Filling System
Visconti Power Filling System

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
RefillableYes
Nib Material18kt Gold, 23kt Palladium
Nib ColorBi-color
Nib SizesExtra-Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, 1.3mm Stub