HAPPY MEAL

This is a mixed bag of mini markers which I got from a couple different sources.

The last 3 came via marker trades with JUSTSOMEMARKERS, the first and third came from an ebay score, and the second one came from the homey Skam that runs Homebase in Toronto.

EL MARKO (MODERN VERSION)

This is a modern version of the El Marko, which for the longest time was my Holy Grail marker. I had found a similar version to this one at Scrap SF in 2010. I really don’t like the update for obvious reasons. It’s a neutered down version of the OG El Marko, with none of the personality intact. This one came without a cap, but i’m pretty sure I can track down a spare. Nice little compact size. Chisel tip. 

MONTANA 4MM SHORT

This is a nice little compact jobber that I spied on Skam’s desk, and later procured for myself. Kinda looks like a Chapstick, with a cap on it. All black, with silver labelling. 4mm chiseltip. Label says its “nonrefiffable”. Somebody at the design studio musta been inhaling some of them neighboring factory fumes to let that typo happen. Makes really nice tight black lines, no bleed. It is pretty well worn in right now and is making nice fades.  Nice airy high from the fumes. Made in Germany.

SANFORD’S IMPACT

This is an older little model. Has the old Sanfords logo/wordmark. Looks like a shrunken down version of their Expo dry erase marker series. Same cap shape, same tapered down body silhouette, same plastic construction. Nice cap detail - the word “PERMANENT” is featured on raised letters, in a metallic finish. Chisel tip. Bit of a wonky nib shape from use on this one, so the line quality is skewed. Nice mellow marker odor.

SNOWMAN 400

This is a dope marker. I’ve always liked the Snowman, ever since I got the jumbo version, and always wondered if there were different variations in the marketplace. Metal body with a pushed in base, that I think provides greater structural support. I’ve seen this feature on a few metal markers, and compared to flat bottom markers, they just seem stronger and more durable. Really nice wordmark, reminiscent of the edding logo, now that I compare it to this recent batch of trades. Made in Japan. English/German/French translations. Solid chisel tip. Makes crispy thick black lines with no bleed. Really good performance. Says “neutral smelling” on the label. *SNIFF*. Mmm. I guess this is pretty neutral. Well put together marker designwise and functionwise. Great addition to the collection.

EDDING 500 

Dope metal marker, compact size. Has all the familiar brandmarks of edding. Chisel tip. DOA but i’m sure in it’s prime, this one worked its magicks. Edding markers are consistently great performers. Understated classic.

EDDING 500 (PLASTIC)

This is the modern plastic version. Boo. Big UPC label printed on side. DOA. I’m sure it’s a great marker, I just prefer metal construction.

DUCK DUCK DUCK DUCK DUCK GOOSE GOOSE

This is a selection of medium metal barrel markers from the marker trades with M from justsomemarkers.com. Great assortment of the edding 3000 series from different years,  featuring different label details and characteristics….plus a couple strays.

EDDING 3000

This entire series range are a classic silhouette and construction. Prominent edding side brand colors, wordmark, and italic san serif body font. Body text in English, German, French and Spanish translations. The UPC code is printed directly on the barrel. Side profile diagram indicates its a pointed bullet tip. Low odor. This thing came DOA, dried up, but i’m sure when it was new, it worked a charm, like all edding products do.

EDDING 3000 GERMAN

They’re all “German” but I called this one German…because this marker features German and English label exclusively. Really nice bold type. All type is contained in box fill or box outline, making for a nice balanced design. Seems like an earlier model. The “i” in edding is straight across, not slanted, I looked at some other models, old and new, and can’t figure out at what point the “i” changed to slanted look. Nice pointed bullet tip. Really nice screw off top, so the marker can be refilled. Great feature. Another DOA arrival. Great specimen of an early edding 3000.

EDDING 3000

I guess in a timeline, this one came after the “German” one, but before anything else with a UPC code on it. Contains all the familiar brand details in an edding; wordmark, red/blue colors on white barrel. German/English/French/Spanish translation on side in similar italic sans serif font. Pointed bullet tip. Another DOA arrival.

EDDING 3000 (BOLD)

This seems to be the most modern edding 3000 model from this bunch. Big bold wordmark and logo on side label. The end has a tapered lip, in exposed metal, which is a feature not seen in all the previous models. This allows for the cap to fit on the back. A nice small design change that should be implemented moving forward for the brand.Nice odor, not too strong, but enough of a kick. Makes nice even lines in a deep black tone. Great marker. Classic.

EDDING 3300

The 3300 series have the same body specs as the 3000, but feature a chisel tip. Relatively modern. UPC code on label, German/English/French/Spanish translations on side. Features all the familiar brand marks. Another clean functional marker design from edding.

CORONA 43000

This is a nice little German made marker. Similar silhouette as the edding. Metal barrel, white coating. Bold black and red colors. Bullet tip 2-4mm. Screw off cap on this one, so you can refill. Nice feature I wasn’t expecting to see on this. Makes nice clean lines with minimal bleed. Low odor, provides nice pleasant buzz. 

SAKURA 140 PEN TOUCH M

Dope metal barrel Sakura. Matte silver finish. Bold red wordmark and logo contrasted by clear black labelling. Chisel tip. Made in Japan. Ribbed cap.  I have another in my collection with similar silhouette and markings. This is a good companion piece. Quite a distinct odor. Its got a subtle oaky kick masked in with the dizzy-stink. Don’t see much Sakura around anymore. Nice pick-up.

SUPERBROAD

A while back I came upon a really great website JUSTSOMEMARKERS that contains beautifully shot images of markers and intellectual dissemination of marker history.

The entries look at a diverse range of markers that fall within the vintage-to-rare spectrum, as well as companion pieces that show different marker applications and usage, and some in-depth stories behind some marker brand design aesthetics.

Really great to see other collectors and their approach to highlighting their finds, and reading about what aspects of these items they find the most interesting.

Traded emails with the guy that runs the site and recently we traded some pieces from our collection. 

Preparing a nice little interview with him that i’ll post up on here sooner than later, but for now, onto showing and reviewing the great trades !

Big thanks M for all the dope additions to my collection.

EDDING 800

Its in a wrapper so I don’t wanna disturb it. Nice solid construction. Familiar edding brand characteristics; wordmark/color markings/multi-lingual labelling. Edding is kinda like the Sanford of Germany;a strong, heritage brand that produces high quality markers with high visibility in the marketplace. All of their products work well from what I have tested, so without opening the package, I know to expect good things.

EDDING 800

Boo. Plastic construction. Sticker label. UPC code on side. This is a modern version of the 800 and it is a big step in the wrong direction. Jumbo markers, from heritage companies should ALWAYS be made from metal. This is dried out, but has different qualities even in this state, compared to the other edding dried out markers. Chisel tip is seized, all stiffened up. The less said the better on this one. Boo hiss !

EDDING 800 SUPERBROAD

Beautiful marker. Nice older style. Logo box on these are square, and the lower case “i” in edding is still straight across. Newer versions have that curved logo box feature and a slanted “i” dot. Nice solid construction. Bold, clear, design lines and layout. Another different cap design on this one. Wonder what the reason for the design evolution on these marker marker caps are ? All the shapes on all these markers from this grouping all have different shapes and features. Anyways. Wow. What a surprise when taking off the cap. Pristine chisel tip. Not a dimension in chisel tips i’m use to seeing. Makes streaky lines; its semi-dried out. Still has some nice kick to its stench. A great vintage edding to have added to the collection.

This is a newer version. Got that extra notched lip on base so that the cap clicks on the bottom. Different shaped cap to previous model. This thing feels really light in comparison to the one reviewed above. 5-18mm chisel tip. Chisel tip is still squared-off rigid. Tip is also smaller than the previous one. Makes nice sharp lines. Deep black color. Still get touched from the odor, but not as wonk-inducing as the previous. Other than the “cap attaches to bottom” feature, this marker is a big dis-improvement on the 850 model. Just doesn’t have the same physicality.

Look at this big fucker of a marker. Super solid. Familiar edding wordmark and brand colors. German/English/French/Spanish translations. Nice nonoganal (nine sided) cap design. Nice “e” on the top of the cap. Nice sparkling worked-in chisel tip is soft and rounded. Slightly DOA. Still has a strong odor that could knock you for a loop though. “for heavy duty marking jobs”. Indeed. Got a nice weight to it. Feels nice in hand when held in a stabbing/marking motion.

METAL DETECTOR

Here’s a power grouping of vintage metal markers that I got off of ebay. Not often that I get to see these older specimens just out and about, so when I saw them up for bid, I had to pop. All amazing specimens that wow with bold, clean design and sturdy quality construction. 

MARKTEX TEXPEN

A vintage piece that seems to be the precursor to a Dalo Texpen. Rubber pump on the back to get the ink inside flowing. Super sturdy metal construction features nice red and white design and labeling on black body. Nice thick clip on the side. Metal ball tip. Nice weight to it. Dried out. 

MAGIC MARKER

Alakazam ! I wish I had more vintage Magic Marker brand in my collection. Great mix of construction, font, and color on this. Bold orange on white body, which has yellowed due to age giving it a nice look. Quirky wordmark. Solid consturction. Hmm. This one says it comes from the Magic Marker Corporation in Glendale NY. All other Magic Markers I have came from the UK. The container was made and printed in Canada. The mystery continues. Don’t know why I haven’t come across more of these things around my travels. Really nice transition from barrel to chisel tip. A nice aged haze to the odor. Still works perfectly. Makes consistently even, clean lines. A great addition to the collection.

BLAISDELL LIQUID TIP

“The Gentleman’s Marker”. My words, not theirs. This is a really sleek, well designed subtle black marker. It looks like the end with the pen clip is the cap, but that is a fixed design detail that doesn’t come off. The cap is on the other side, form fitting to the chisel tip nice and snug. Clean gold and black labelling. “Liquid Tip” wordmark in nice script font. Says “large” on the side. Does that mean this thing comes in “small” and “extra large” ? Challenge accepted. Sturdy chisel tip. DOA but still has a pungent stank. A unique/throwback classic ! 

IDEAL MARK 

This is a true classic from one of the most respected and historied marker making companies. Based in Belleville, Illinois, IDEAL MARK is manufactured and distributed by Diagraph MSP. The modern version retains many of the same characteristics as this early model. It’s a very distinct, well-constructed silhouette. Super sturdy metal barrel, gloss orange paint with black Stencil-style wordmark and labeling. Lovely barrel-to-tip metal transition. Great sturdy pointed felt tip. Has a nice shoe-polish-ey odor. These have stood the test of time rather well. Easily one of my TOP 10 favorites in the collection, which numbers about 700 different black markers right now. Would love to have these be my everyday markers, but I find them a bit too precious to use. Over the moon to have these added to the collection. 

SANFORD 69

This is a great pick-up. Complete set of in-package vintage Sanford 69 markers.

Does 69 mean something else in marker code ? I have this other Magic Marker that has 69 on the label, and that one is small scale as well.

Cardboard slipcover, styrofoam tray slides out to store markers.

SANFORDS MARKER DELUXE 69

Really like these mini metal Sanfords. Have the modern version, which has an updated Sanford logo, but still retains the striping motif up-barrel. This vintage one is in great condition. Sturdy metal fabrication, chisel tip. Nice worked in fibre on the chisel tip. Makes nice flowing deep black lines. Has a great, familiar, elementary school lets-get-dizzy odor. A really nice well preserved specimen. 

PRECIOUS METALS

The SF marker pick-ups keep coming. DIET - HTK really dug around to come up with these oldies.

CUDAHY PACKING CO

This marker was produced for the Cudahy Packing Co. by manufacturer unknown. Super solid metal construction. Screw cap. Triangle wedge felt nib. 

TEX RITE PRODUCTS - DETROIT

I’m not 100% sure, but I suspect this marker originated from this company. The clip alone on this marker is a streamlined work of art. Screw cap. Rounded felt nib. 

Both these markers are simple, well constructed items. I really appreciate this style of marker. Nice weight to them. Make a distinct sound when you unscrew the lid. Smells like old metal.  Not a lot of words to write about them. You kind of have to hold them in your hand and play with them a bit to get a feel for things yourself.

BLACK. METAL.

Whole slew of metal-base markers to add to the collection, courtesy of DIET - HTK.

BEROL LIQUID TIP 1100

Love this. Great stubby shape. SOLID one-piece metal construction. Side labeling screened on. Simple BLACK/WHITE color markings. Sparse details, Just says Berol.LIQUID TIP wordmark, ALL SURFACE MARKER with permanent ink, in a black box, and 1100, product code on side. Classic Berol Liquid Tip grooved black marker cap. Chisel tip. This thing is DOA, but still retains that strong hint of metal-marker aroma that takes me back to grade school.

EBERHARD FABER DESIGN MARKER 229-LF

Another great metal marker from Eberhard Faber. Solid one-piece metal construction. BLACK/WHITE colorblocking on side. Nice DESIGN wordmark. other than that, all other details are quite subtle. Small pt text, with cutouts towards tip leave room to indicate COLOR CODE and COLOR. Pointed nib. DOA. Also still retains that strong hint of metal-marker aroma. Made in USA. A true design classic and drafting table staple.

MARSH 88-HF

Marsh is a company with great history. Really happy to have this in the collection. Super heavy-duty metal barrel construction.  Bold MARSH stencil wordmark in RED, with black accent lettering, labeling details, and model NO# details. Bullet tip. Ink runs nice and thick, dark black ink. Good coverage. Top notch marker. 

RUSTOLEUM AMERICAN ACCENTS PAINT PEN

A heritage brand. Made in USA. Heavyweight metal construction. Sticker marker label has satin finish. Not the most attractive label design. “Decorative Paint Pen” appears all wispy on the side, the Rusto wordmarks appear small and un-prominent. I guess this marker is supposed to appeal to the home improvement sector. Chisel tip. Makes dark black ink lines. Good consistency. I guess I just would like it to look a bit more “old style”

POTTERY BARN TOUCH UP

This thing is lean and mean. Solid metal construction. Black text on white backing. This thing contains a chemical known in the State of California to cause Cancer and Birth Defects.  Wish I read that bit before giving it the inhale test. Well, it smells a whole lot of strong. Pretty cool that Pottery Barn makes their own touch-up paint marker. The cancer/birth defect thing…not so cool. 

Mark-Al

I first came across this brand at Acklands Grainger about a year or two ago. The marker pickup at the time was an instant favorite, due to its appealing design and metal barrel construction.

These markers are a true Marker Lovers marker, and it’s no surprise since they come from Laco-Markal, who have been producing high end industrial for a minute now out of Elk Grove Village Illinois. Just an all around classic look to their entire range.

They have the best website design I have come across from a marker company; the photographs and specs and clarity make for an efficient experience.

Before I start reviewing, I give a big shout out to the peeps at Markal for sending me free samples a week after I sent them an email. I know maybe they just think they are doing their job, but the fact that they even have a separate section/email address specifically to take sample requests is a really nice feature.

MARKAL DURA-INK 200 - I’m sure the earlier version was a metal barrel. This is plastic. The entire DURA-INK range has a consistent and appealing graphic design and layout. It seems to have been designed in the 50’s, and i’m glad that they haven’t changed the wordmark and branding all too much. A really nice black/blue/red color scheme in white. The MARKAL wordmark is anice chisel-tip script. The DURA-INK wordmark is also chisel-tip script, verging on bubble letter territory. Both wordmarks are very sign-painterly. Nice blue band on top of label. Clear labelling. MARKS ON ANYTHING - DRIES IMMEDIATELY - LONG-LASTING - WATER RESISTANT. Really nice thick chisel nib. Soft but firm density. The actual ink is a nice borderline indigo black and applies super smooth. This marker is a winner.

MARKAL DURA-INK 80 - This is a valve actuated bullet tip marker. Super nice shiny chrome finish with sticker labelling. I usually don’t like sticker labelling but they did a good job with the finish of the sticker. It looks like it could be screened right on the metal. Heavy duty industrial construction. Marks well.

MARKAL DURA-INK 60 - This is a medium bullet tip, similar in style to the Super Sharpie, so I am interested to see how it compares.  Nice heavy-duty plastic construction with screened on labelling. Thicker than a Super Sharpie, so a bit nicer to hold. Little to no bleed, even on watercolor paper. Makes nice consistent lines. A great addition to the collection.

There are still a couple more Markal products I need to cop. Big fan of the brand.

IDEAL

IDEAL FELT TIP MARKER

I’ve known about all these types of vintage metal markers from companies like Marsh and Flo-Master, but rather than get them off of ebay or other online sources, I wanted to be able to acquire them hand-to-hand or stumble upon them in person. I always imagine coming across them while on a road trip across the US, finding them in some five-and-dime store or in some old school garage or barn. I know one of these days i’ll stumble upon a vintage marker motherlode. Till then, I get by with a little help from my friends.

Got this marker from Andres when I was at his spot in SF. I know it’s “rude” but I had already scoped out his marker stash way before he brought them out. Note to other lurkers. The first door in the hallway is not a paint closet. It’s someone else’s room. Where they sleep.

This IDEAL marker is from the IDEAL stencil machine company in Belleville, Illinois USA.
Whoah ! Just looked at their website and they got some black marker heat ! Looks like i’ll be doing some direct ordering…anyways….

I wish EVERY single marker came in a nice well designed cardboard box like this. Even if it wasn’t a well designed box, i’m sure each box would have it’s own quirky charm.
This box features a nice black on orange labelling with very nice product illustration on the sides, and clear instructions on usage on the other sides.

Nice solid brushed aluminum metal barrel construction, with nice brand engraving on the top. Hexagonal screw off cap that allows the user to fill with marking ink. Nice thick valve action nib.

On a side note, these things make really crazy ipe-pay ombs-bay.

It’s definitely one of those “holy grail” markers.

DALO COME AND ME WAN GO HOME

These came as part of a shipment from Markers and Beyond. Let’s get to it.

DALO - This is a strange marker. It has an oversize barrel capacity and rubber bulb base to pressurize container so you can make marks. You would think that it should have a nice wide nib by the looks of it BUT the nib is a super small metal ball. Making marks, and even getting the pressure system right, takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, the handstyle and marks or effects you can make are very unique. The paint itself is super paint-like. Like sludge at times. For art and other non industrial purposes, this marker is probably not for everyone. It’s a bit quirky. Made by Dykem.

BLEED THRU IM-14 - Nice heavy duty metal jacket valve-action ink marker. The marks bleed-thru oil based paints. Hence the name.

MIGHTY X PM-47 - Jumbo size industrial grade valve action marker. Environmentally safe and friendly offering from the folks at Arro-Mark, who make a whole slew of nasty for the environment inks and products some of which are known in the state of California to cause cancer. Nice marker though. Great fibrous nib.

MIGHTY MARKER PM-23 - My favorite of this little bunch. The last 3 all have the same silhouette and cap, but this one has the labelling applied directly to the aluminum barrel. The label has the MIGHTY MARKER wordmark is rendered in some 3-D perspective, and there is an outline of a strong muscle man on there as well. The outline is pretty good. It even shows a buzzcut. Good thinking graphic designer guy. There is even a toll free number on the label.1-888-440-ARRO.