Laban Antique vs. Antique II: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been browsing brass fountain pens lately, you may have stumbled across the “Antique” and “Antique II”, and may be asking “what's the difference between the Laban Antique and the Laban Antique II?”

These are two closely related pens with a shared “vintage metal” vibe, but with styling differences that matter once you’re deciding what to actually carry and write with.

The quick background: same family, two releases

Think of Antique as the original design in the series, and Antique II as the follow-up. Yes—Antique II is the newer version, but “newer” here doesn’t mean “replaces the old one.” It’s more like Laban released a second, slightly different take on the concept.

Both are meant to deliver that hefty, all-metal, classic-shaped experience fountain pen people tend to love: satisfying weight in the hand, a clean silhouette, and the “this could be in a desk drawer in 1950” aesthetic.

What stays the same (the big stuff)

For newer hobbyists, it helps to start with what doesn’t change:

  • Overall concept: brass-bodied, vintage-inspired, daily-writer-friendly
  • Filling system: cartridge/converter (simple, reliable, easy to clean)
  • General size/weight class: both are in the “solid, substantial metal pen” class

So if you’re worried you’re choosing between wildly different pens—don’t. You’re mostly choosing between two styles of the same idea.

The real differences: design language + options

Here’s where the choice becomes fun.

1) Styling: minimal vs “pinstripe” vintage

  • Antique (original): more understated and “clean vintage.” It’s the version you pick if you want a brass pen that looks classic without drawing attention to itself.
  • Antique II: leans harder into the retro identity with etched/pinstripe-style lines on the cap and barrel. The effect is more decorative and a bit more “designed,” while still staying classy.

If you like subtle elegance, start with Antique. If you want a vintage look with visible detail and texture, Antique II is usually the one that makes you smile when you pick it up.

2) Colors and finishes

In many listings, Antique II shows up in more colors/variants, including bolder finishes. The original Antique tends to feel more “straight metal / traditional finish” oriented.

If you’re shopping for a brass pen in something other than classic metal tones, you’ll often find more choice in the Antique II lineup.

3) Nib presentation (small but noticeable)

In at least one detailed comparison, the Antique II is described as feeling a touch slimmer in the hand—even when the published dimensions look close. For new fountain pen users, that can translate to a slightly different balance and visual proportion, even if the writing experience remains broadly similar.

Which one should a newer fountain pen user pick?

  • Choose Laban Antique if you want: classic, minimal, timeless brass pen energy.
  • Choose Laban Antique II if you want: the same idea, but with more visual character (pinstripes/etching) and potentially more finishes to pick from.

Either way, you’re looking at a straightforward cartridge/converter brass fountain pen that’s easy to live with—so your decision can be mostly about the design that fits your taste.

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