Chelpark Sumo - ink test.

This vintage Chelpark pen has been identified now- it is called Sumo, found a faint etching mark on the lower part of the cap. wonder if they had laser in those days 45 years back- unlikely, must be some simpler method! The etched model name is very difficult to photograph, particularly on a black plastic body. I had some doubt earlier that it a MOTI from Chelpark , but finally seen a photo from fountain pen revolution site- this is different. Then found the name. looking for some detailed history of Chelpark pens in the internet. Anyone having this knowledge please help.

 

The ink filling mechanism consists of a built-in piston plunger, operated by twisting the barrel-end finial by 3/4 turns to purge out the air and then twisting back to draw in the ink. Works perfectly air-tight. Tested several times, found to hold about 10 to12 drops of ink.

 

There is a ink view window at the section end of the barrel, clear acrylic or similar material, now dark brown in colour. Either this is the real colour or it is the effect of ik soaking over the years. Can not tell for sure. One would need to hold this window against a strong light to see the ink.

 

The pen is fitted with original Chelpark nib, a fine ornate nib marked iridium point nib. This medium point nib writes too smooth, I did not have to attempt any smoothing on the tip.

 

Balance and grip comfort of this pen is too good. Being a light plastic pen this is well suited forn regular fast writing for school / college- must have been a regular student pen for those days.

 

Other areas of the pen that is impressive are the fine lines and curves, just too correct everywhere. A fine proportionate build with a matching design clip. Too bad this fine pen is no more manufactured.

 

I had detailed about this pen earlier, for a recap , here is the link : http://soumitrapencollections.blogspot.in/2013/12/vintage-chelpark-pen-moti.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheafer Lifetime 500- restoration of a 75 year old pen.

This is definitely the oldest pen in our collection, about 1.5 times my age!! Bought at Kolkata for Rs 1500/- and did a self styled restoration. Here is the link to the full work report. Your comments please.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/98071903/Restoring%20a%201945%20Sheafer%20Lifetime.pdf

Crocodile 218

Crocodile 218 :

I had been contemplating about this purchase for quite a few weeks, finally gave in.

The Gold and Silver duo sells for $ 24.97 but each pen individually sell for about $18, so I went for the combo. The chequered design on the body is not covered with any lacquering [ unlike Jinhao 500's] and the plating quality is very good. Both pens come with gold plated trim clip, though that is less visible on the golden one. Section part is Golden plated, but not too slippery, even when held with dry fingertips, I don't find any slippage, and that is a very good news for me. The pens are shipped with a slightly designed nibs, however both nibs are very smooth medium width. The snap on fitting caps fit well, in fact all parts fit with just the right tolerance, nothing sloppy here. Overall these metal pens being a little on the heavier side, writing speed is little slower. Cap posting can be done, but for my preference the pen writes better balanced without the cap. Best part of these pens are of course the great looks. Happy that I finally changed by mind and went off to buy them. A fine pair in our collection.  Below is a handwriting sample and some photos of the pes. Hope you all like the pen.

 

 

 

Jinhao 11- Slaelth Pen

Jinhao 11-

 

the stealth pen in matte black. There is more than meets the eye in this beautiful pen as taking photos of a dull matte lacquer metal pen is never satisfactory, The pen however surprises one in many ways- the shape for one! the taper bullet like shape of the barrel, the slant cut on the cap finial and the matching straight taper clip imparts a very smart look to the pen. The section offers good grip and writing is quite effortless. With the cap loosely posted, the pen slows down but writing is still quite nice. There are two shiny chrome rings on the ends of the section which enhance the pens looks when un-capped. When capped however , these chrome rings become hidden under the cap, so that the all matte continuity is maintained. The medium fine steel nib is stiff and very smooth, writing is effortless in spite of the relatively higher weight of the metal pen. The last and final element of finery on the pen is the Jinhao monogram on the cap finial, which is noticed when the pen is kept upright. Overall , a fine looker with very nice performance, I should not have missed it.!

 

Here are some sample writing and photos of the pen. Hope you like it.

 

YONSHENG 016

 

YONSHENG  016 

 

Just anybody would buy this pen for sheer beauty. golden flower pattern on shiny steel grey lacquer and the slim steam line shape is an instant winner. The pen comes in golden colour trim and clip. The fine nib is fitted in specially shaped hooded enclosure that the Chinese sellers refer as caymen mouth [ I guess caymen is some kind of marine creature like shark etc!!}. This is a light pen and offers very good grip for easy continuous writing. The fine nib was found smooth with a little feedback but after a little tuning on grit 12000 it became perfect and writing is now a pleasure. very happy to add this beautiful pen in our collection. hope I knew how to take better photos. Here is some photos and a handwriting sample.

 

 

Indian Pen- Parker Vector Gold GT

Parker Vector Gold GT -

 

This classic design from Parker is actually a simple looking pen with absolutely no frills, but quite a practical one. No wonder why there is such long time following from many Parker lovers. In my opinion the vector design looks its best in Gold. This is a light and well balanced pen and the cap is freely  postable [ slide fit]. This is the pen for tireless long writing at good speed, certainly a favourite among students all over. To my surprise the fine polished section is not slippery and that gives the confident grip and writing comfort. The pair in our collection was purchased from ebay.in for RS 600/- each sometime early 2013.The nib is one of the simplest I have come across I many designs. only complain about this pen and many other Indian made parkers is the crude looking converter they supply, I would expect better for a Parker at this price.

Attached below are some photos and sample handwriting. Overall a pair of nice cult pens in our collection.

 

 

Indian Pen - Pierre Cardin Kriss

Pierre Cardin Kriss -

Pierre Cardin brand in India is marketed by Flair pen company as their top end pens. These two pens namely the Kriss and Masterpiece, both share the same large section and large medium point iridium tipped German nibs and a relatively not so refined desi slide piston converter. Kriss comes with conical flat ended finials while the other one comes with rounded end finials. Writing ergonomics and balance and stance are same for both pens,

The body is constructed of lacquer coated metal tubing, most likely aluminum, judging by the weight or very thin brass. The pen is not heavy compared to its large dimensions. The lacquer coating is provided with fine sparkle metal dust , called satin nickel finish by the maker. Looks good nevertheless. The pen comes in gold colour trim and clip and dual tone 18 KGP nib. Overall this is quite an ornate looking pen. Posting the cap while writing does not affect the balance of the pen, rather somewhat improves the same. This is a  choice pen for slow and comfortable writing.

Sample handwriting and some photos below.

   

Indian Pen- Pierre Cardin Masterpiece

Pierre Cardin Masterpiece

 

Pierre Cardin brand in India is marketed by Flair pen company as their top end pens. These two pens namely the Kriss and Masterpiece, both share the same large section and large medium point iridium tipped German nibs and a relatively not so refined desi slide piston converter. Kriss comes with conical flat ended finials while the Masterpiece one comes with rounded end finials. Writing ergonomics and balance and stance are same for both pens,

The body is constructed of lacquer coated metal tubing, most likely aluminum, judging by the weight or very thin brass. The pen is not heavy compared to its large dimensions.  We are having three units with us, one with an ornate Gold colour cap and the other two with regular Black colour caps.The pen comes in gold colour trim and clip and dual tone 18 KGP nib. Overall this is quite an elegant yet simple looking pen, the external looks a very much inspired by that of Montblanc Meisterstuc 146 [ the section design is different]. Posting the cap while writing does not affect the balance of the pen, rather somewhat improves the same. This is a  choice pen for slow and comfortable writing.

Sample handwriting and some photos below.

 

 

 

Indian pen - Camlin Elegante

HERO 343- the Rs 40/- student pen!

SZ-LEQI Paris- Golden colour pens.

As of now I could not find out much about this " SZ-LEQI Paris" Brand, except the  following from a site called << Passion4pens.com >>. Here is what I could find :

 

Established May 5, 1994, Shenzhen Leqi Stationary & Gifts Company, aka SZ.LEQI is one of the first to import and distribute various now famous brands of writing instruments in the China market. Starting in 2000, the SZ Leqi® Paris global brand was developed in Paris, France directly. 2004 saw the "NAKI" brand being launched including medium-to-high class writing instruments. NAKI products bear an impressive, well known musical note that represents NAKI's product stategy.....delicacy and uniqueness. You will appreciate the NAKI premium products reflecting classic grace and delicacy in each pen. Enjoy!!

Crocodile 168 - Embossed Leather body

Musical Clip pen- Jinjue A-2