The 1920 General Manufacturing Co. Snapfill #2 Lever Filler in black chased hard rubber is an unusual filling mechanism. When you lift the lever from the barrel, a small hinged extension drops from the lever to the press bar. Pressing the lever then depresses the bar, filling the pen. When the press bar is fully depressed, the hinged extension then automatically snaps back into the lever and a “click” is heard as the lever lowers back …
What does 750 on my nib mean? Last week, we answered this question with regards to 585 on a nib, so this makes sense to follow with! This is the gold content of your nib – it is 75.0 % gold, which translates to 18 karat gold. An 18 karat gold nib is not “pure” gold, which would be 24 karats, and too soft for a nib.
Another quote about writing! When I stop working, the rest of the day is posthumous. I’m only really alive when I’m writing. – Tennessee Williams
Here is a 1932 Vacuum Filler Junior (the mid size model) in opaque Black (solid black – not laminated). Parker was issued a design patent for the laminated plastic (which at first Dupont doubted they could manufacture). Introduced as the “Golden Arrow” in mid-1932, the name was changed to “Vacuum Filler” in November that same year, and again changed in mid-1933 to “Vacumatic.” Parker attributes the Vacumatic as saving the company during the lean Depression years. …
What does 585 on my nib mean? This is the gold content of your nib – it is 58.5 % gold, which translates to 14 karat gold. The 14 karat gold is not “pure” gold, which would be 24 karats, and too soft for a nib.
Willie Nelson has it right! I’m not a writer in the sense of being an author, but I do feel happy when I’m using my pens! How about you?
From 1920,a #4 size Anonymous button filler in Black Hard Rubber, with 9K Solid Gold overlay in Barley pattern. English hallmarks. Near mint+ in original tooled leather box signed “By Appointment Mappin & Webb Ltd. Regent Street, London, W.” Mappin & Webb started in 1775. Their London showroom opened in 1849. They received their “appointment” from Queen Victoria in 1897. They are still in business today, a major jewelry and gift store, and do still sell …
What’s the point of washable blue ink? Washable blue was the ink of choice when fountain pens were being used in schools, essentially. The ink would be easy to wash out of clothing, off of hands, and whatever else it got on.
I have been admiring the IAMPETH updates online, and it makes me think of how much time, energy, effort, and dedication these skilled calligraphers have. They devote themselves to learning every detail there is in creating stunning scripts, and they make it look so easy.
This Conklin from 1920 is a #20 Crescent-fill “Dummy” in Black Chased Hard Rubber. A mock pen, used for window displays, so a sellable pen would not get ruined by the heat, sunlight, etc. The pen is either painted black or heavily coated in clear sealant, so it would not discolor from the elements while on display. The cap can go onto the top or bottom. The nib is signed “14K Gold Plate.” The lock …
