Our Sold Archive provides information to budding vintage fountain pen/writing equipment collectors and social history students.
Each fountain pen or piece of writing equipment forms part of the collective history of its period and has a history unique to that particular item. In the 1930’s a silver banded fountain pen (right) was purchased by estate workers, with no doubt hard earned wages, and inscribed to present as a silver wedding gift to the land owner. It was reported recently that, in the days before the National Health Service, when health care had to be paid for, a man pawned his fountain pen to raise funds to enable his wife to be released from hospital. A recently sold writing cabinet was originally a presentation piece to recognise 40 years of loyal service in a period when jobs were for “life”. Just three examples which only scratch the surface of the lifetime of memories held within each item. A treasure trove of history that no new fountain pen could convey.
Below, and on following pages, are all the pens in our Sold Archive, displayed in a random order. If you wish to search the sold archive, then the Search Catalogue page gives you an opportunity to do so. On other pages you can find the desktop items part of our Sold Archive, as well as lists of our current stock of pens and desktop items.
Parker Duofold Junior Pen and Pencil Set | Stock number: 5253 |
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Medium nib, Button fill system. |
Sold |
This vintage fountain pen and pencil set, in what appears to be its original box, was made by the Canadian offshoot of Parker around 1928. With its classic black and rolled gold trim it is in surprisingly good condition for its age with only minor age wear overall. Of interest to collectors will be the fact that it has the number “13” on the end of the barrel blind cap. Whilst there are references to Parker numbering for the period, in my experience, it is quite rare to find an example. The cap has two gold filled bands and Parker ball ended clip with the words “PAT. SEP. 5.16 PARKER”. The pen barrel has the words “Geo S. Parker Fountain Pen – Duofold Jr. – Toronto Canada” and the "Lucky Curve" emblem. The medium point nib states “Parker Lucky Curve”. The “Lucky Curve” relates to the type of feed which was used by Parker until August 1928. From that date the “Lucky Curve” feed was replaced, as in this case, by a more conventional feed but the barrel imprints continued to be used until stocks were exhausted.
The pencil with its matching ball ended clip is also a junior size and an expel/repel filler. It still has its original (albeit now rather grubby) rubber and a lead in place with some in the lead storage chamber under the rubber. Refill leads are 1.2mm Yard O’Led obtainable from good stationers. The barrel text reads “Parker Duofold USA”. It is not uncommon in this period to find Canadian and American items in the same box as initially Parker sent parts to Canada to meet production needs.
The box is overall in good condition. There is age wear to the internal lining but no ink staining. The exterior also as some age wear with a small amount of scuffing on the bottom but a pleasing patina overall. It sports the “Parker” branding on the top and has a satisfying working closing clasp.
The fountain pen measures 11.7cm with cap on and 14.8cm with cap on barrel end. The pencil measures 12.3cm excluding lead length. The box measures 15.4cm. Suitable for everyday writing or to add to a vintage fountain pen collection this is a quite rare pen and pencil combination, particularly in this condition and in its original box. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. (unless stated otherwise) and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. Filling instructions on both the pen and pencil will be sent with your order.
Reference: Parker Duofold - David Shepherd and Dan Zazove - Surrenden Press 2006. | |
Sheaffer Targa Sterling Silver Overlay | Stock number: 5275 |
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Fine to medium nib, Cartridge fill system. |
Sold |
This vintage pen is one of the successful Targa range - a very popular model produced by the Sheaffer Pen Company from 1976 to 1999. This particular version - model 1006 - has a sterling silver chequered overlay with black inlay on both ends. The clip, very sensibly, is chrome to better withstand the strain of pulling in and out of a pocket. It sports the stylish Sheaffer 14ct gold inlaid nib with a fine to medium point which states "Sheaffer U.S.A. 585 14k". As you will see from the photograph there is some age wear and some crazing on the black inlay at the bottom of the barrel. So I have listed it as in fair to good condition and this is reflected in the price. As you would expect it has the Sheaffer "Lifetime" dot on the cap clip and around the cap ring states “Sterling Silver Sheaffer U.S.A.”. It has the Sheaffer ink cartridge filling system and measures 14.1 cm with cap on and 15.7cm with cap on barrel end. The Targa range is fast becoming highly collectible and with its large range of finishes is an interesting model to collect and as well as a pleasure to use everyday. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. unless otherwise advised and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. A gift box is available free of charge on request.
Ref: http://www.sheaffertarga.com
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Sheaffer Targa 1001 X | Stock number: 5112 |
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Medium nib, Squeezebox fill system. |
Sold |
This vintage pen is one of the successful Targa range produced by the Sheaffer Pen Company during the 1980's. This particular model is the 1001 X with a brushed chrome finish and gold fill trim. It has a stylish Sheaffer inlaid nib with a medium point which states "Sheaffer U.S.A. 585 14k". Condition of the nib and pen body is good. It has the Sheaffer "Lifetime" dot on the clip with gold plating on the cap top, clip and trim. As you will see from the photograph there is minimum age wear overall. It has the original Sheaffer model and nib width sticker on the reverse of the cap. This can of course be easily removed if you wish. It has an aerometric (squeezebox) filling system however it can also take a Sheaffer ink cartridge. It measures 14cm with cap on and 15.5cm with cap on end. A stylish vintage pen to either add to a Targa collection or use as an everyday writer. A matching ball pen will shortly be available in the accessories section. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. A gift box is available free of charge on request. | |
Waterman Royal Plate Overlay | Stock number: 5221 |
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Medium nib, Lever fill system. |
Sold |
This gold plated overlay lever filling vintage fountain pen was made by Waterman in the 1920’s. It has all the hallmarks of a quality Waterman pen. The overlay has alternating panels of “Barleycorn” and “Pinstripe” design. The clip has the Waterman “Ideal” globe and the words “Royal Plate” with the gold plate symbol below. The cap rim states “Waterman’s Royal Plate” - again with the gold plate symbol. The barrel has a clear engraving lozenge and the words “Waterman’s Royal Plate” around the barrel end – with the Ideal logo and gold plate symbol. The Waterman Ideal nib has a medium point and is a pleasing writer. This exceptional vintage fountain pen measures 11.2cm with cap on and 14cm with cap on barrel end. With minimum age wear this is an excellent example of Waterman overlay pens of the 1920’s – suitable as an everyday writer or to add to a Waterman collection. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. A gift box is available free of charge on request and filling instructions will be sent with your order. | |
Mabie Todd & Co. Ltd. Swan SM205/59 | Stock number: 5272 |
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Broad Oblique nib, Lever fill system. |
Sold |
This lever filling vintage fountain pen was made by Mabie Todd & Co. Ltd. in England in 1939. MT&Co.Ltd. originated in America in 1843, opening its UK subsidiary in 1884 in Cheapside in London. At one point Swan pens were advertised as “the pen of the British Empire” as the English subsidiary bought the rights to the European and colonial business in 1915. This particular model, the SM205/59 is typical of the marbled pattern lever fillers Swan produced in the late 1930’s. The cap has one thin rolled gold band and a particularly attractive inset ball ended clip with the “Swan” logo at the top. This logo is also impressed onto the top of the cap. The barrel has a stylish black lever and the model number impressed around the bottom of the barrel. The barrel text reads “”Swan” Self-Filler Mabie Todd & Co. Ltd. Made in England” with the “Swan” logo. The unusual pattern is a mix of green and grey marble with a red vein and is quite distinctive. The nib has a broad oblique point which makes it a slightly wet writer and it reads “Swan 2 G 14c 585 Mabie Todd & Co. Ltd. Made in England”. Condition is good with only minor age wear. This unusual vintage fountain pen measures 12.5cm with cap on and 15.7cm with cap on barrel end. Suitable for everyday use or to add to a “Swan” collection. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. unless otherwise stated and are bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. Filling instructions will be sent with your order. A gift box is available free of charge on request.
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Conklin | Stock number: 5233 |
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Very Fine nib, Crescent Filler fill system. |
Sold |
This interesting, unusual and innovative vintage fountain pen was made by the Conklin Pen Co. Ohio in the early 1900’s. It has what is termed a “Crescent Filler” system. The gold fill crescent which can be seen on the side of the pen is pressed to deflate the sac and released to allow ink to enter. The ribbed circular area which runs underneath the crescent is called a lock ring. This is turned after filling to prevent the crescent being depressed accidentally and turned prior to filling to allow the crescent to be pressed down to deflate the sac. At the time this was an ingenious and innovative method of filling the ink sac which Conklin used between the early 1900’s and the 1920’s.
This vintage fountain pen is made of hard rubber in common with most pens of the period. It has gold fill trim on the wide cap band and crescent filler which is inscribed with the words “Crescent Filler Trade Mark” on one side. The nib is a Conklin Toledo No.2 with a very fine point. The cap is a screw on rather than slip on so is held firmly. It has some body wear due to age and the barrel imprint is very feint however it does state “Conklin’s Self-Filling Pen”. The addition of the apostrophe “s” dates it before 1910(1). It is a clipless model (pocket clips were introduced around 1916(2). This particular example now has a French accommodation clip of pleasing design and decoration which adds to its overall aesthetic appearance. The wide cap band is ornately engraved FHR – however this does not detract from this impressive and rare early vintage fountain pen measuring 13.2cm with cap on and 16.5cm with cap on barrel end. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. A gift box is available free of charge on request and filling instructions will be sent with your order.
1& 2Fountain Pens and Pencils – George Fischler and Stuart Schneider – Schiffer Publishing - p.227
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Parker 51 - Wine - Rolled Gold Cap | Stock number: 4197 |
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Medium to slightly broad nib, Aerometric fill system. |
Sold |
This vintage pen was made in England by Parker around 1955. Its aerodynamic design has made it a classic and the plaudits it has received over the years both in terms of design and reliability are well deserved. Its contribution to design is evidenced by its display in the Design Museum in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York and it has been marketed as “51…the world’s most wanted pen”. This particular model has a wine coloured body and a rolled gold cap. This particular example is good condition with some surface age wear but nothing of note. The Parker 51 nib has a medium to slightly broad point. It measures 14cm with cap on and 15.2cm with cap on barrel end. The Parker rolled gold cap is in good condition with only minor brassing and a clear jewel on the cap top. The aerometric filling system is often termed "squeezebox" and is a very simple method of filling the pen with ink by unscrewing the barrel to expose a metal shell covering the ink sac - just press the metal bar and release up to five times and this vintage pen is ready to use. Parker 51’s are not only a collector’s item but also an excellent everyday workhorse. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. Filling instructions will be sent with your order and a gift box is available free of charge on request. | |
Merlin No.33 | Stock number: 1009 |
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Fine - medium nib, Button fill system. |
Sold |
This Merlin No.33 vintage pen was made in Germany around 1950. It is a very serviceable economy line button filling pen. Being 12cm (4½ inches) long with the cap on it is a good size for the smaller hand. This particular example has a grey striated finish with a gold tone clip. Whilst it is a vintage pen it has not previously seen much use and therefore the fine-medium Merlin 14ct gold nib will smooth to suit your hand. It measures 11.8cm with cap on and 14cm with cap on barrel end. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. A gift box is available free of charge on request. | |
Conway Stewart No.388 Green Marble | Stock number: 5263 |
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Fine to Medium nib, Lever fill system. |
Sold |
This Conway Stewart No. 388 was made in England around 1939. The finish is a mix of pale and dark green marble with rolled gold trim. It has the original Conway clip to the cap with two thin and one slightly wider cap band. The body has the original Conway lever and the inscription “Conway Stewart 388 - Made in England”. The nib is a Conway 14ct fine to medium point and it is a pleasing writer. Condition is good with only minor age wear as can be seen from the photograph. It measures 12.6cm with cap on and15.8cm with cap on barrel end. A classic vintage fountain pen with an attractive finish and an ideal pen to use as an everyday writer. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. unless otherwise stated and are bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. Filling instructions will be sent with your order. A gift box is available free of charge on request. | |
National Security No.222 | Stock number: 5203 |
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Medium to Broad nib, Lever fill system. |
Sold |
This vintage fountain pen was made by National Security, an English manufacturer, in approximately 1945. It has a black chased finish to the cap and body and gold plated trim on the clip, lever and one thin cap band. The barrel states: “National Security – No.222 – Made in England”. It has a “Warranted 14ct first quality” nib with a medium to broad slightly oblique point. There is some age wear to the lever plating and a dullness on the cap band hence I have listed it as being in fair to good condition and priced it accordingly. National Security pens are not that common and this, with its medium to broad nib is a pleasing vintage pen to use. It measures 13.2cm with cap on and 16cm with cap on barrel end. An ideal pen for everyday use or to add to a vintage pen collection. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. A gift box is available free of charge on request.
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If you would like us to try to source another copy of a previously sold item, please stating the stock number of the item in question, which you will see above its picture on the right.