Nowadays, anniversary pens are ubiquitous—they make a perfect excuse to create some limited editions and to trigger some artificial demand for some brand. But when did these anniversary pens make to the market? In Japan, the case of the Sailor Jubilee pen at the time of the 50th anniversary of the brand (1962) is well known, and this pen truly deserves its own text. Today, though, we will speak of a previous example, albeit somehow mysterious.
A not-so-normal Pilot Super 200.
In 1958, the brand Pilot became 40 years old. At the time, the workhorse of the brand was the Super model, which came in a number of versions and sizes, from the Super 50 to the Super 500. And a Super 200 was released for the occasion. But there was nothing special on this particular model save an engraving on the barrel: “40th anniversary of Pilot Corporation”.
The one and only reference to the special occasion. The engraving reads something along the lines of "40th anniversary of Pilot Corporation". Only for shareholders.
However, what makes this pen most interesting is the fact that it was never intended for sale. This anniversary pen was made for the shareholders of the company and for some selected salesmen. And the paradox is that this feature might make this pen all the more valuable, albeit Pilot might not directly benefit from it.
Nothing special on the nib. It simply reads "PILOT / MADE IN / JAPAN / 14K".
The filling system is the traditional on most Super pens--the hose system, also known and the quarter-switch system.
In fact, a number of commemorative goods were made by Pilot in those years. They were not for sale and, needless to say, there are some memorabilia collectors looking and fighting for them.
My thanks to Mr. NK and to Mr. Shimizu.
Clavijo Velasco Ro-iro – Pilot Iroshizuku Yama-budo
Bruno Taut
Nakano, May 31st 2017
Etiquetas: Pilot
Bruno Taut
Nakano, May 31st 2017
Etiquetas: Pilot
5 comments:
This is the exact opposite of what an anniversary pen is all about. I love it! An inter-company celebration and a "pat on the back" for making it to 40 years of existence. Sorry folks, it's not for sale! The idea of doing and the simplicity of this special edition makes it the ultimate anti-anniversary, anniversary pen! Thanks a lot for showing it to us.
I used this pen for a while. It was a pleasure using it as I love heart shaped nib holes :)
Thanks, Nikos and Bana Sikça Yaz, for passing by and commenting.
Your point of view, Nikos, is truly interesting--the anniversary pen of the company that does not need to prove anything. The sweet irony is that this humility makes it so desirable!
You were lucky, Zeynep, for having used such a pen. Now, heart-shaped nib holes there are a plenty!
Thank you both!
BT
Food for thought as Pilot's 99th and 100th approach.
Coleridge
Thanks, Coleridge, for passing by and commenting.
However, modern anniversary pens are a lot more flamboyant and public...
Cheers,
BT
Post a Comment
Your comments are welcome and appreciated.