I have been an antique dealer for about 20 years and for the last 12 years I've owned an antique shop. My shop is quaint like Zagreb , the city it is located in. One could not imagine all the different objects, both decorative and functional objects, have passed through my hands.

My interest with fountain pens actually happened by chance. One day a diplomat from Portugal came into my store and asked if I had any. I did not, so I began networking with other antique dealers to see what they had, the next day several fountain pens arrived at my store. I then notified the diplomat. He came back in and we began talking. This not only led me into a friendship, but also to my extensive knowledge in the fountain pen.

I slowly became obsessed with pens. I remembered one specifically that I used when I was young man, it was the first automatic graphite pencil created by Penkala, and I began to research it. However, I soon realized that there was very little that was printed on these pens. This fustrated me and sent me on my own search for information on this brilliant inventor. I then knew that I must write a book on Penkala.

For many months, my mornings consisted of reading and learning all I could on this subject and in the afternoon I would work in my antique shop. My behavior brought a ripple into my family life. My wife told me that I was too young to be writing a book and asked me what I would do when I retired.

My collection of pens was quite small. I contacted neighboring countries, such as Italy and Germany , but still I did not have enough. It wasn't until I put an advertisement in a local newspaper, that it all came together. It was a rainy Friday evening, just minutes before I was to close and my shop door opens. A man soaked to the bone steps in, carrying a big black bag and asks me if I am still buying pens. I, of course, answer yes. We exchange a fee and he drops the bag on my counter. I look inside to find layers of pens, new and old, and half the bag is conveniently filled with Penkala pens. That day I felt blessed and knew that I could start writing my book.


In the process of researching, I found that Penkala's youngest son was still alive and living in the Croatian coastal city of Opatija . I anxiously arranged a meeting with him. He shared with me priceless family history, such as photographs and other objects. One of these objects was a large paper mache bust of the company's icon. It was originally used in store front windows to promote sales of Penkala pens. Penkala's son then donated this sculpture to Museum of the City of Zagreb , where it remains today.


In my gallery you can find painings from well known croatian artists such as Ivan Kozaric, vintage lamps (from 1900. and 1920s), vases, figurines, pens etc.


At the moment I'm finishing the second edition of Penkala book (1st one is sold out). If you have any questions regaring vintage pens or antiques and collectables of your interest, please contact me.


MIROSLAV TISCHLER ANTIQUES GALLERY
ILICA 66 (located in a center - view a map)
ZAGREB
CROATIA
Working hours. from 9:30 to 13:00 & from 17:00 to 20:00
phone. 00 385 1 4920 858
e-mail. penkalapens@yahoo.com