Antique fountain pens carry more than ink—they carry history. Each worn barrel and finely cut nib reflects a time when writing was deliberate and personal. When I began building a display stand for my antique fountain pens, I wanted something that respected that heritage while elevating how the pens are experienced on the desk. This project became less about storage and more about giving these timeless instruments the presentation they deserve. And is a very easy project.

Tools and Materials

The project takes less than one foot of a 1×3, so perfect for some of that small scrap in your offcut bin. I used Oak but Walnut or Maple would be perfect for this little Pen Display Stand.

This Pen Display Stand is one of those projects that you really only need a handsaw, a drill, 220 grit sandpaper, and maybe a half-round file to ease the edges. I, of course, used a Radial Arm Saw, Table Saw, and my Router with a 1/8” roundover bit.

Layout

First thing to do is layout your base at 4-1/2Inches and support at 3 inches

Cutting

Crosscut the base and support then rip the pen holder from the 3 inch long piece at 2-1/2 inches wide. The off cut will be your support. Then go back and crosscut the pen holder at 2-1/2 inches.

Drilling

Next, layout your arc for the pen holder and divide it into three of four segments. Drop a point at each cross with an awl or nail. Chuck-up a ½ inch diameter Forstner Bit or a Brad Point bit and drill three or four through-holes around the arc.

More Cutting

Layout the arc on the base next and using your jigsaw or bandsaw cut the curves on both the base and pen holder. You can do this with a regular handsaw too by cutting off sections around the curve then using a file to complete the process of rounding.

Routing and Sanding

Round over all the exposed edges using a 1/8” Roundover Bit or a half-round file. Then sand all surfaces and edges with 220 grit sandpaper to soften the edges. Don’t forget to round the edges of the support too.

Final Drilling

Drill a 5/8 inch diameter hole about 3/16^th inch deep in the base where each of the pens will sit. This depression will keep the pens in place.

Assembly

Assembly is gluing the three pieces stacked one on the other. You can clamp or not but you will be relying soling on the glue to hold everything together. Be sure you give it an hour or three to dry before you apply finish.