News

The Mentmore Diploma first appeared in 1934 and was updated to a semi hooded version, this pen, in 1948, presumably as a response to the hooded nib of the Parker 51. The pen is a typical English button filler and holds no real surprises in the restoration process. With gentle heat, I use a hairdrier, the nib section can be removed, it's a right hand thread.  Care should be taken when using a drift and knockout block to remove the nib and feed as the hood shape and size can render it succeptible to chipping The barrel is generously proportioned, a...

The Parker 75 Diamante is a gloriously opulent 75.  The Cisele crosshatch squares are topped with a pyramid to give the diamond effect and the whole thing is coated in 23Ct. Gold: The facets on the squares give the pen a light reflecting quality which justifies the name of the pen, a diamond.  This is evident when the Diamante is compared to the much less scarce Parker 75 Cisele Insignia, in this case the 'deep cut' later version:

I asked an AI bot to write an advert for a Parker 51.  At first glance it looks quite good but most of it could actually refer to any pen.  Here it is,if you can be bothered! Introducing the Parker 51 Pen: Redefining Elegance and Craftsmanship Experience the timeless allure of the Parker 51 Pen, a true masterpiece that combines exceptional craftsmanship, exquisite design, and flawless performance. Crafted for those who appreciate the art of writing, this legendary fountain pen has stood the test of time and remains an icon in the world of fine writing instruments. 🖋️ Unparalleled Writing...

The term 'Pocket Pen' is slightly confusing as, it could be argued, that any pen with a clip is designed to fasten to a pocket so is, almost by definition, a pocket pen. This is not merely a semantic issue though.  The fact is that many pens were much longer than the average pocket and a true 'pocket sized pen' was likely to be too short to appeal to a wide market. The ingenious solution, pioneered by the Japanese company, Pilot, was to make a pen with a very long cap and section, which would 'overlap' when capped, and a short...

I sometimes describe a pen as one that 'makes a statement', usually large and impressive pens or something quite quirky. A friend recently sent me a photograph of the ultimate pen in this respect, and it was, most certainly, making a statement. Here is Lek Walesa signing the Gdansk agreement with a giant ballpoint pen decorated with a picture of the newly elected Pope John Paul ll, (Karol Wojtyla, former archbishop of Krakow) It, no doubt, was a statement!  After the fall of communism ten years later Lek was elected president of Poland and won a Nobel Peace Prize, a true working...