Jumbo

During the thirties, Japanese pen companies produced the so called Jumbo pens. These pens were aimed at senior customers who had problems with the grip of standard pens. So, they were, they are, very thick pens with regular nibs.

The diameter of the pen is about 3.5 cm. The length, 13.5 cm.

The production of these pens continued even after the War, although by that time, they were sold mainly as souvenirs.

On this pic, the security valve is open, allowing the ink to reach the section and nib.

The pen I am showing now has no brand indication save the inscription on the nib—a Platinum-Nakaya in 14 K gold, semi-flexible. The feed is smooth underneath, indicating that it is probably a pre-war pen. The body is made in ebonite. It is, as many a Japanese pen from that time, an eyedropper filler with a security valve. The ink deposit –I am tempted of calling it a tank— holds about 15 ml of ink. Enough to write for months.

14 KARAT GOLD. PLATINUM -4- NAKAYA PEN.

Clip and cap ring have lost all its luster, and the barrel is discolored, probably due to direct sunlight exposure. However, the main problem was the broken feed. Among other issues, it made the nib-feed set to be loosely attached to the section.

Smooth underneath—most likely, a pre-war pen.

These thick pens are very comfortable in the hand. The grip is relaxed on the fingers. This one in particular is well balanced both posted and unposted—the extra 15 grams of ink make the center of gravity to be relatively low.

The broken feed.

I liked this pen a lot. But the broken feed pushed me to return it.

(Sailor Profit 14 in burgundy – Noodler’s Old Dutch Sepia)

Bruno Taut
(Inagi, September 4, 2010)
[labels: Platinum, Japón]