Thanks Mike,

You were lucky to have had access to fountain pens so young. Yes, I think the definition of 'fountain pen' extends to cartridge pens. I believe anything with a nib and an ink reservoir fits that category.

I actually have an old wooden pencil case of the sort you mention. Thing is, fountain pens really need to sit in individual spaces so they don't rattle together. That's what my cheapo leather case does, each pen has its own elastic loop. I know that this verges on the obsessional, but after spending &pound;100+ (or possibly a lot more) on a writing implement you'd want it to stay in pristine condition.

Yes, 'fetish' is the word I was trying to avoid! Or possibly 'obsession'. 