Marquise vs Joule Fountain Pen: Comparing Two Distinctive Ferris Wheel Press Designs
A fountain pen can be more than a practical writing instrument. Its materials, proportions, finish and detailing all contribute to the experience of putting pen to paper. Ferris Wheel Press brings this idea to life through designs that combine thoughtful engineering with distinctive visual character.
The Marquise and Joule Fountain Pens are two examples of this approach. Both feature carefully finished metal construction, gold-plated details and interchangeable nib systems, but they offer noticeably different experiences. The Marquise has a faceted aluminium body with a lighter overall feel, while the Joule is a full brass fountain pen with a more substantial weight and an intricately engraved grip.
If you are considering either model, understanding their differences in construction, design, weight and nib options can help you find the right addition to your writing collection.
Meet the Marquise Fountain Pen
The Marquise Fountain Pen brings a distinctive silhouette to the Ferris Wheel Press collection. Its faceted, tapering form is created using CNC machining, giving the aluminium body a sculpted appearance that sets it apart from more conventional cylindrical fountain pens.
The aircraft-grade aluminium construction is complemented by gold-plated brass details. These contrasting materials give the pen a refined finish without making it as heavy as a full brass writing instrument. The Marquise weighs 31.6g with its converter and 29g without it.
Its threaded cap features an air-seal system, helping to keep the pen securely closed when not in use. The pen measures 141mm when capped and has a maximum body width of 13.8mm.
The Marquise also offers an interchangeable nib system using a JoWo housing. It is compatible with the Ferris Wheel Press Adventurers Nib Collection, giving writers the flexibility to explore different nib options.
The design is particularly appealing to those who appreciate a sculptural writing instrument with metallic detailing and a more expressive silhouette.
Meet the Joule Fountain Pen
The Joule Fountain Pen takes a different design direction. It is a full-sized writing instrument with a solid brass body, finished with a rich lacquer coating that gives the surface depth and visual character.
Its design features an engraved brass grip with double gold-plated details. The engraving draws inspiration from the historical Bearrington Print Company, incorporating references to vintage letterpress equipment, type blocks, shelves and printing mechanics. These details give the Joule a strong connection to the storytelling behind Ferris Wheel Press.
The Joule is also designed to provide a substantial feel in the hand. It weighs 45.3g and measures 145.7mm in total length. Its full brass construction makes it considerably heavier than the Marquise.
A full-sized No. 6 two-tone stainless steel nib completes the design. The nib has a removable feeder and is available in Fine and Medium options. The Joule also uses a standard international converter, making it suitable for use with bottled fountain pen inks.
The Joule is a particularly interesting choice for writers who enjoy a heavier pen, detailed metalwork and a more traditional full-sized fountain pen profile.
Design and Appearance: Faceted Aluminium vs Engraved Brass
The most immediate difference between the Marquise and Joule is their visual identity.
The Marquise uses geometry as its defining design feature. Its faceted body and tapered profile create a distinctive shape, while the gold-plated brass accents add contrast to the aluminium construction. The result is a contemporary design that feels decorative without relying on extensive surface engraving.
The Joule places greater emphasis on material, finish and ornamental detailing. Its lacquered brass body creates a rich, polished appearance, while the engraved and double gold-plated grip adds another layer of visual interest.
The two pens therefore appeal to different design preferences. The Marquise is suited to those who appreciate a sculpted silhouette and contemporary metallic detailing. The Joule is more likely to appeal to collectors who enjoy intricate engraving, lacquered finishes and the visual character of solid brass.
Neither design is inherently better. The choice comes down to whether you prefer the distinctive geometry of the Marquise or the ornate craftsmanship of the Joule.
Materials and Construction
Material selection has a direct influence on how a fountain pen looks and feels. It also affects its overall weight and balance.
The Marquise is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminium, with gold-plated brass details. Aluminium provides a lighter body while retaining the solid feel of a metal writing instrument. This makes the Marquise a suitable option for writers who prefer a more moderate pen weight.
The Joule uses a full brass body with a lacquered finish. Its brass grip and hardware feature engraved, double gold-plated detailing. This construction gives the pen a more substantial feel and contributes to its overall weight of 45.3g.
The difference is particularly noticeable when comparing the two pens side by side. The Marquise weighs 31.6g with its converter, while the Joule weighs 45.3g. That difference of 13.7g can influence how each pen feels during longer writing sessions.
For writers who prefer lighter instruments, the Marquise may feel more comfortable. Those who enjoy a heavier pen with a solid presence may find the Joule more appealing.
Nib and Writing Experience
The nib is one of the most important considerations when selecting a fountain pen. Its width, construction and ink flow all influence the character of the writing experience.
Both the Marquise and Joule feature two-tone stainless steel nibs, but their nib configurations and replacement systems have some differences.
Marquise Fountain Pen Nib
The Marquise features a custom-ground two-tone steel nib with a JoWo housing. Its interchangeable nib system allows the nib unit to be removed and replaced.
The standard Marquise specifications list 0.7mm Fine and 1.0mm Medium nib options. It is also compatible with the Ferris Wheel Press Adventurers Nib Collection.
This flexibility makes the Marquise an interesting option for writers who enjoy experimenting with different nib configurations. Whether you prefer finer lines for detailed notes or broader strokes for expressive writing, the available nib choices allow you to explore different results.
Joule Fountain Pen Nib
The Joule comes with a full-sized No. 6 two-tone stainless steel nib. Fine and Medium options are available, with a removable feeder section.
The Joule is also compatible with the Ferris Wheel Press Adventurers Nib Collection through its JoWo-style housing. This gives writers the opportunity to explore compatible nib options while retaining the pen's full-sized construction.
Both models are designed for regular writing, but their different weights and proportions contribute to how each feels during use. The Marquise offers a lighter metal-bodied experience, while the Joule provides a more substantial feel.
Size, Weight and Handling
Although both pens are full-sized writing instruments, the Joule is slightly longer and considerably heavier than the Marquise.
The Marquise measures 141mm when capped and has a maximum body width of 13.8mm. Its weight is 31.6g with the converter and 29g without it. These proportions give it a relatively light feel for a metal-bodied fountain pen.
The Joule measures 145.7mm in total length and has a body width of 14.9mm. At 45.3g, it has a noticeably heavier construction. Its full brass body contributes to that weight, giving the pen a more substantial presence.
Both models have a grip length of 24.5mm, although their different body profiles and materials create distinct handling characteristics.
The Marquise may suit writers who prefer a lighter instrument for extended note-taking, journaling or everyday correspondence. The Joule may be more appealing to those who enjoy the weight and balance of a heavier fountain pen.
It is worth considering that personal comfort varies. Some writers associate a heavier pen with a more reassuring feel, while others prefer a lighter instrument that requires less effort to hold over longer periods.
Filling System and Ink Compatibility
Both fountain pens use a standard international converter, allowing writers to fill them with bottled fountain pen ink.
The Marquise includes a standard international-sized converter. Its barrel can be unscrewed from the grip section to access the converter and nib assembly.
The Joule also includes a standard international converter, with a stated capacity of approximately 0.75ml. Its grip section can be unscrewed from the barrel to access the filling system.
This shared filling approach makes both pens suitable for writers who enjoy exploring different ink colours rather than relying on proprietary cartridges.
Ferris Wheel Press offers a broad selection of fountain pen inks, including traditional colours, expressive shades and shimmering formulations. When using shimmer inks, regular cleaning and appropriate maintenance are important to help keep the feed and nib functioning properly.
Which Fountain Pen Is Better for Everyday Writing?
Both the Marquise and Joule can be used for everyday writing. The more suitable choice depends on your preferred pen weight, dimensions and overall handling experience.
The Marquise may be a better fit for writers who prefer a lighter metal-bodied instrument. Its aluminium construction makes it less substantial in the hand than the Joule, while its interchangeable nib system offers room to experiment with different writing styles.
The Joule is designed as a luxuriously weighted writing instrument. Its full brass construction, engraved grip and larger No. 6 nib give it a more substantial character. Writers who enjoy heavier fountain pens may appreciate this added presence.
One practical detail worth considering is the cap design. Ferris Wheel Press advises against posting the Joule's cap while writing. The pen is balanced to be used with the cap unposted, and posting it may damage the lacquer because of the brass cap threads.
Rather than choosing based on appearance alone, consider how long you typically write, how much weight you prefer in your hand and whether you enjoy a more decorative or streamlined design.
Which Ferris Wheel Press Fountain Pen Should You Choose?
The Marquise and Joule represent two different approaches to fountain pen design.
Choose the Marquise Fountain Pen if you prefer a faceted, tapering body with a distinctive silhouette, aircraft-grade aluminium construction and a lighter writing instrument. Its gold-plated brass detailing and interchangeable nib system make it an interesting option for writers who value both design and flexibility.
Choose the Joule Fountain Pen if you prefer a full brass body with a lacquered finish, a heavier and more substantial writing instrument, and an engraved grip with double gold-plated detailing. Its full-sized No. 6 two-tone stainless steel nib and distinctive construction give it a strong presence in any writing collection.
For collectors, the two pens can also complement each other. Their contrasting materials, proportions and detailing make them distinct additions to a Ferris Wheel Press collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Marquise and Joule Fountain Pens?
The main difference is their construction and overall feel. The Marquise features an aircraft-grade aluminium body with gold-plated brass details and weighs 31.6g with its converter. The Joule has a full brass body with a lacquered finish and weighs 45.3g.
Which Ferris Wheel Press fountain pen is lighter?
The Marquise is lighter. It weighs 31.6g with the converter, compared with the Joule's 45.3g.
Are the Marquise and Joule Fountain Pens made from brass?
The Joule has a full brass body. The Marquise uses aircraft-grade aluminium with gold-plated brass details.
Can you change the nib on the Marquise Fountain Pen?
Yes. The Marquise uses an interchangeable nib system with a JoWo housing and is compatible with the Ferris Wheel Press Adventurers Nib Collection.
Can you change the nib on the Joule Fountain Pen?
The Joule has a removable nib feeder section and is compatible with the Ferris Wheel Press Adventurers Nib Collection through its JoWo-style housing.
Do the Marquise and Joule use the same ink converter?
Both pens use a standard international-sized converter, so writers can fill them with bottled fountain pen ink.
Can you post the cap on the Joule Fountain Pen?
Ferris Wheel Press advises against posting the Joule cap while writing. The pen is designed to be balanced with the cap unposted, and posting it may damage the lacquer due to the brass cap threads.
Which pen is better for someone who prefers a heavier fountain pen?
The Joule is the more suitable choice for someone who prefers a heavier instrument. Its full brass construction gives it a weight of 45.3g, compared with the Marquise at 31.6g with its converter.
Final Thoughts
The Marquise and Joule demonstrate how two fountain pens can share a design philosophy while offering very different experiences.
The Marquise stands out through its faceted aluminium construction, gold-plated accents and lighter handling. The Joule takes a more substantial approach, combining a full brass body, detailed engraving and a lacquered finish.
Both offer interchangeable nib options and standard international converter filling systems, making them practical choices as well as distinctive additions to a writing collection.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a lighter instrument with a sculptural profile, the Marquise deserves a closer look. If you prefer the weight and detailing of a full brass fountain pen, the Joule may be the one that earns its place on your desk.