This week's vintage FP listing features quality yet affordable writers with flex, some in wild and colorful celluloids. 14k nibs range from Flexible to Wet Noodle and include one Factory Stub. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/BXwARYj
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored in the last couple weeks. Each is guaranteed to fill and write as designed without leaks or other problems. Nibs have been adjusted when necessary to ensure that all lay down a smooth and consistent line.
THESE PENS HAVE NO CRACKS, CHIPS, PERSONAL ENGRAVINGS (except #6), MISSING PARTS, BENT NIBS, MISALIGNED TINES, OR THREADING ISSUES.
Line Widths and Writing Samples: To provide buyers with as much information as possible, I have started to adopt the following line width standards: XXF (.1-.2mm); XF (approx .3mm); F (approx .4mm); M (approx .6mm); B (approx .8mm). These as well as line widths under full flex are measured with a digital caliper but should be considered approximations providing a general guide: width may vary slightly depending on type of ink and paper used as well as amount of pressure applied. All writing samples are on Rhodia dot paper using Pelikan Edelstein Smoky Quartz or Waterman Serenity Blue.
1. 1920s Oversized Ever-Ready Flat Top (navy blue celluloid w/ red bands, GPT, lever filler, 14k XF/F Flex nib). This oversized model measures 5 3/8" capped with a thick barrel girth of 13.5mm. Ever-Ready was a house brand of the American News Company of New York City. Like similar flat tops made by National, Diamond Point, and other lesser known makers of the era, Ever-Ready is known for producing fountain pens whose quality rivaled that of the Big Four companies' – thick celluloid, solid trim, and 14k nibs were standard. This is a large pen (even by today's standards) in navy blue with charming red bands and gold-plated trim. Proportionately large 14k Warranted nib yields Flexible variation and softness, laying down a smooth and consistent XF/F line that widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.9mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Strong snap-back and generous flow make it an excellent choice for expressive writing styles. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. They don't get much better than this. No brassing to the trim aside from one .2mm vertical sliver on the back of the cap band. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Barrel imprint is deep, sharp, and fully legible. Price: $170
2. 1920s-30s Oversized Royal Flat Top (blue and cream swirl celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k F Superflex Factory Stub nib). This oversized model measures 5 3/8" capped with a thick barrel girth of 13.4mm. Information is pretty sparse about the Royal fountain pen company and there is no barrel imprint on this pen identifying the place of manufacture. The trim is a little thinner and more generic than #1 above, but the celluloid pattern is quite eye-catching. 14k Warranted nib is a Factory Stub with Super-Flexible softness and variation. Unflexed, it lays a smooth and consistent F line on the down-strokes and XXF line on the cross-strokes. Under light pressure that line widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) – see WRITING SAMPLE. A versatile nib that's great for adding flair to quick note-taking and everyday writing while its thin hairlines, strong snap-back and generous flow make it equally well suited to calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from the typical spot of wear on the clip ball and high point wear on the sides of the lever. Cap band can be spun with a finger but rests securely in its groove. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Price: $140
3. 1920s-30s New Diamond Point Flat Top (woodgrain celluloid w/ red bands, GPT, lever filler, 14k XXF/XF Superflex nib). Measures 5 1/8" capped. The Diamond Point pen company was founded in New York City some time before 1892. Sometime after 1910, the company began manufacturing pens from parts of its own construction. The quality of these, largely flat top models, was akin to that of the most celebrated makers and they've gained quite a following among collectors in recent years. In the 1920s the company rebranded itself as the "New Diamond Point Pen Company" when it came under new management, which oversaw manufacture of even higher quality pens. This is standard sized flat top model in the attractive woodgrain celluloid pattern complemented by double red bands and gold-plated furniture. Super-Flexible 14k Warranted nib lays down a smooth and consistent XXF/XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent- [B-]. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from a small spot of wear on the top of the clip and infinitesimal slivers on the sides of the lever visible under a loupe. Clip shows a very slight kink that's unnoticeable from the front but discernible from the side (has no adverse effect on function). Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes but for a couple nicks in the black part at the top of the cap. Barrel came sans imprint from the factory. Price: $130
4. 1920s-30s Marxton Flat Top (black chased celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k XXF Superflex/Wet Noodle nib). Measures 5 3/8" capped. Marxton was a sub-brand of the Eclipse pen company of New York City. The price-point of Marxton was mid-range, eclipsing Park Row but eclipsed by Eclipse proper. This is belied by the first rate materials and details of this particular pen, including the wide, heavy gold-plated cap band, deluxe lever with wreath motif, and finely chased celluloid crowned by a white band that appears to be casein. At a glance and in the hand, it looks and feels very much like a Parker of the period. But what truly sets this one apart is the Warranted 14k nib, which is capable of Super-Flexible variation with softness verging on a Wet Noodle. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2mm) under very light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, strong snap-back, and generous flow under pressure. My personal pick of the bunch for calligraphic writing such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B] No brassing to the gold-plated trim. Celluloid has a smooth and lustrous finish aside from some short, shallow scratches here and there and microscratches throughout. Chasing is deep and crisp. Nib appears straight from the side but shows signs it might have been straightened at some point (I did not notice any adverse effect on how it writes, however). Barrel came sans imprint from the factory. Price: $160
5. 1920s Ingersoll Twist Filler (black celluloid, GPT, twist filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). Measures 5 1/4" capped. Founded in Newark, NJ in 1924, Ingersoll made a name for itself by providing solid pens with 14k nibs for a relatively modest price. Today they are perhaps best known for their innovative twist filling system, as exhibited by this pen. To fill you simply submerse the nib to the section in ink, turn the silver knob on the back of the barrel 1/2 turn (no more) and release, then wait about 10 seconds for the sac to inflate. This is an example in black celluloid with white bands and imprint on the crown of the cap (see photo above). Super-Flexible 14k Ingersoll nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and generous flow under pressure make it a great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent. Clip shows no wear aside from one tiny mark at the bottom near the clip ball. Cap crown imprint is sharp, deep, and fully legible. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes aside from one fine scratch around above the groove at the bottom of the cap. This pen came to me with a custom cap band loosely installed, which I've removed but it still left a thin, nearly indiscernible line that can be seen if you zoom into the photos. Unlike the oversized pens, these standard sized models came bandless from the factory (FOR EXAMPLE). Price: $150
6. 1920s Gold Bond Stonite Ring Top (blue and white streak celluloid w/ yellow ends, GPT, lever filler, 14k XXF/XF Flex/Superflex nib). Measures 4 5/8 capped and 5 7/8" posted. This pen was made by the National Pen Products Co. of Chicago, a massive conglomerate known for Gold Medal and Lincoln pens as well as its collaborations with Parker, Wahl-Eversharp, and Waterman in producing re-branded Vacumatics, Dorics, No. 7s, etc. for large retail chains such as Montgomery Ward and Sears. Gold Bond's Stonite celluloid was touted as being hard as stone, hence unbreakable. While that's a little optimistic, these pens are indeed of thick and rugged construction. This is an example in the attractive blue and white streak color pattern with bright yellow endcaps. Ring on the top allowed the pen to be attached to a chain or chatelaine for carrying in a vestpocket or on a belt. Large and elegantly elongated 14k Warranted nib is capable of Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF/XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and generous flow under pressure make it a great choice for calligraphic and informally expressive writing styles. Condition: very good [C]. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from fine slivers of wear to the sides of the lever visible under a loupe. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes aside from some short, light scratches here and there and pin-sized nicks on the ends. Some darkening to the color in areas, especially on the barrel where the cap screws on. Barrel bears the professionally heat-stamped personalization of one Leona Appleton. Barrel imprint is sharp, deep, fully legible. Price: $80
7. 1930s-40s Unbranded Moss Agate (Moss Agate celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k XXF Superflex nib). Measures 5" capped. This curious pen bears no markings but shares the same Moss Agate celluloid that Waterman used for the Patrician, 94, etc: a beautiful blend of green marble and golden brown pearl that has a stunning depth and chatoyance in person. As a complement to the Art Deco clip, the ends of the pen are ornately cut into a relief design that resembles a fan or flower. I received this one nibless, so I outfitted it with a properly sized 14k Moore #2 nib, which is one of the nicest nibs I had on hand. This Super-Flexible nib lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). It's super smooth for being so fine and its strong snap-back, needlepoint hairlines, and generous flow under full flex make it another wonderful choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Gold-plated trim shows no wear but for the typical brassing to the clip ball. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Barrel came sans imprint from the factory. Price: $150
8. 1930s-40s Unbranded "Chimera" (celluloid melange, GPT, lever filler, 14k XXF Flex nib). Measures 5" capped. Made of a wild medley of colorful celluloids interspersed with black and white snakeskin patterns, this may be the craziest looking vintage pen I've ever had to offer. Since it bears no makers mark, I've decided to dub it the Chimera, after the mythical monster whose body was composed of a menagerie of creatures. The pen is outfitted with gold-plated trim and, strangely enough, has the same ornately cut design on the ends as pen #7 above. Again like that pen, this one came to me without a nib, so I outfitted it with a 14k Waterman's Ideal #2 (a nib well known for its expressive writing characteristics). That nib lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to 3B+ (approx 1.8mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). A lovely writer with impeccable flow properties and capable of needlepoint hairlines. Condition excellent [B]. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from light brassing to the top and bottom of the clip. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Barrel came sans imprint from the factory. Price: $150
9. 1930s Medford "Merlin" (navy blue Moon and Stars celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k F/M Superflex/Wet Noodle nib). Measures 5" capped. Aside from the brand, this pen is in all respects identical to the EPENCO (Eagle Pen Co.) Merlin model prominently featured many books on vintage fountain pens. Like its EPENCO counterpart, it was by no means an expensive model. But its singular celluloid pattern has garnered much acclaim from penthusiats. The pen is spangled with golden moons and stars, which are actually embedded beneath the surface of the dark navy blue celluloid to mimic the night sky. This one came to me with a 14k Century Pen nib from the 1910s-20s that's not original to the pen, but considering the steel nails that were standard in these, I can see why they made the swap! The nib is capable of Super-Flexible variation with softness verging on a Wet Noodle. It lays down a smooth and consistent F/M line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under very light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). A nib with paintbrush-like flow that takes little more than grazing the page to flex. Condition: excellent+ [B+] These pens are not easy to come by. And when one does crop up, it's usually in really rough shape as they did not fare well over the years. This is the nicest one I've seen in person or in photos. No brassing to the gold-plated trim. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Barrel came sans imprint from the factory. The only notable flaw is a little swelling of the plastic around the lever, a common issue on these that has no adverse effect on lever function. Price: $170
10. 1940s Morrison Vanadium Overlay ("Silver Chrome" vanadium over black celluloid, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). Measures 5 1/4" capped. The Morrison FP company was founded in New York City in 1910. From the 1920s they offered various mid-priced overlays but it wasn't until the 1940s that they introduced this interesting pen, which features a chased overlay marked "silver chrome" and made of vanadium-plating over sterling silver (see Erano, FP Past & Present, p. 133). Until discovering the pen in Erano's book, I'd never heard of vanadium. But wikipedia informs me that it's a rare element occurring in certain minerals that has been used primarily as an additive in steel and titanium alloys to increase their strength. Thus has it been used in critical mechanical components such as axles, bicycle frames, crankshafts, gears, jet engines, high-speed airframes, and even dental implants! Needless to say this is a very robust, very durable pen. Indeed, its streamlined style evokes the military fighter planes of the 40s. Super-Flexible 14k Warranted #8 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines and generous flow make it another great choice for calligraphic and other expressive writing styles. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Another exceptionally well preserved pen. I see no wear to it aside from microscratches. Price: $160
Shipping: All pens that do not come with their original boxes are packaged in thick PVC tubes to protect them in transit. To CONUS locations the following shipping option is available on this set:
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USPS First-Class with tracking for $5
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USPS Priority with tracking for $8
International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required).
New York Customers: For tax purposes, I am now required to add an 8% sales tax on any sale made in the state of NY. If your shipping address is in NY state, please let me know before payment to receive an adjusted total.
Order, Payment, & Guarantee: Pens are placed on hold for the first person to reply to the thread and PM me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” would be best to avoid confusion), to which I’ll reply with payment details. If I haven't received Paypal payment within 24 hrs, then pens may become available to the next person. All pens are guaranteed to be in the condition in which I've described them. If I've missed something objectionable or the filling mechanism is not fully functional, the buyer may contact me up to 7 days after receiving the pen for a full refund (issued once I receive the pen back in the same condition as sold). I've sold pens online for over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
Submitted August 12, 2019 at 01:46AM by popcodswallop https://ift.tt/2MWAEDt
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