Matchbook- Morrison’s Military Set

Morrison’s Military Set

Pearl Harbour sucked the United States of America into the World War II, which, like all wars torn Nations was a tumultuous time for the USA. For the fledgling fountain pen industry, which stood like one to contribute to the war effort, it was definitely not the best of times, as the tailspin that they were forced into, took many years to correct itself.

However, the war also posted opportunities. Army men in the frontlines would write back home to their beloved ones and needed fountain pens which, naturally, had to be supplied and the sudden surge in demand met. However, there was one problem – not all fountain pens were allowed to be carried in the uniform pockets of US soldiers!

The US military regulations were strict and allowed only those pens that could be clipped into the pocket and still allow the pocket flap to be buttoned over, to conceal the pen. This required the clip to be shorter than a standard clip and affixed very close to the top of the cap to ensure compliance. Some Parker and Esterbrook clips, for example were already compliant, other manufacturers had to work on their caps to meet the demands. Sheaffer’s did, with their Balance pens and the 1940’s saw the introduction of the military-clip version.

However, the most celebrated among the Military Clip pens was the Morrison Patriot. Though the Morrison Fountain Pen Company was established in 1910, it was with the War that it seemed to have come off-age, especially with its syringe-filler Patriot that came in many versions including four that honoured the Armed Forces of the US of A. The pens, often in sets depicted in the accompanying match box cover, were aimed at the civilians as a perfect gift for their friends and relatives serving the Nation. The Patriots were made commemorating every branch of the military – the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps and the Army Air Forces. As a matter of fact, such was the popularity of the pens that Morrison was also known to have made a few models for America’s allies as well.

Originally the Patriots had steel nibs, which, following the war induced restriction on the consumption and use of steel were fitted with gold nibs in 1942. Similar was the case with the filling systems as restrictions on the use of rubber led to a shortage of rubber sacs and the lever filling Patriot had to make way for the Syringe Fillers.

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