The Pilot R was the workhorse pen of the company by the late 1930s and 1940s, and some examples have already shown up on these Chronicles. The following model is made of ebonite and is coated with black urushi. It is an eyedropper pen with shut-off valve, which was of the the usual filling (although not self-filling) mechanisms of the Pilot’s R series of pens. The nib is made of 14 K gold, and is a size 1. The date indicates it was made in November of 1937, which is about 18 months before the nominal prohibition on the use of gold in Japan.
This is a small pen, which might be associated to the war restrictions of the time. However, its construction quality is remarkably good. These are its actual dimensions:
Length closed: 120 mm
Length open: 110 mm
Length posted: 148 mm
Diameter: 13 mm
Weight (dry): 12.8 g
Ink deposit: 1.1 ml
The manufacturing date can be seen on the upper side of the nib (positioned like it is on the picture): 11.37.
The barrel carries the usual pre-war imprint: “PILOT” / THE NAMIKI (logo with an N) MFG. CO. LTD / MADE IN JAPAN. On the nib, on its side, we can read WARRANTED / "PILOT" / 14 K / MADE IN JAPAN / -<1>- / HARDEST / IRIDIUM.
All in all, not a rarity, but a very appealing common fountain pen.
Platinum pocket pen, striated steel – Platinum Black
Bruno Taut
Nakano, June 8th, 2015
etiquetas: Pilot, urushi
Bruno Taut
Nakano, June 8th, 2015
etiquetas: Pilot, urushi
2 comments:
I know this is quite the old article, but upon review I think it is a disservice to call this pen common! According to dated Ads from the Pilot website, the first appearance of the R type was in 1937, meaning they had a shorter production run than Balances. Now, more importantly... This nib doesn't say Pointed!! This has to be the first nib of the 'Warranted' top text inscription style that I've ever seen without pointed included. I wonder what the deal is!
Thanks, Zach, for the information.
What I meant was that the R type was a common pen in those late 30s and 40s. And in that regard it is hardly a rarity. In fact, they are easy to spot in flea markets in Japan. Now, their quality and condition are often quite bad. The model I showed was in very good condition, and being an early unit (from 1937) it could still sport some luxuries like the gold nib and the urushi coating.
Now, the information on the nib engraving is truly interesting. I will keep that in mind when searching for more pens of that time.
Thanks a lot. Happy 2021!
BT
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