The Conklin Pen Company
is one of those lines which has been resurrected in the modern
setting-- after having been beaten down by the Great Depression, the
Second World War, and the appearance of ballpoint pens, it closed up in
1955, and was dug up in the year 2000 but some enterprising souls who
were interested in making pens to appeal to collectors (they somewhat
disingenuously include "Est. 1898" on the box and instructions, but
digging around their website reveals truth). This
particular model is less of a reproduction of a previous Conklin pen
than one suggestive of vintage pens. The full model name, Mark
Twain Signature, is predicated on a relationship between the famous
author and the original incarnation of the company. Twain used
one of Conklin's crescent-filler pens, and wrote an endorsement for
them to use in their advertising. A facsimile of Twain's
signature is inscribed on the band of the pen, but in honesty that's as
much connection as he would ever have had with this pen.
I try not to be a contrarian at all times, so I will not go into any
length about how poorly most modern pens compare to their vintage
cousins. Considering this pen only as a modern object, I have to
call it quite impressive. This is apart from its scale, which in
the modern "big equals worthy" mode is pretty hefty (the presentation box, which makes the pen seem of
a human size, is actually big enough to hold a pair of children's
shoes). Rather stiff, which is also in the modern mode, the
writing is otherwise smooth and pleasant. The point and feed are,
I suspect, provided by an outside supplier as they are quite similar to
those mounted in the Quill which I
have. This is not a dig, as in-house creation of these elements
has become more the exception than the rule.
I should say that I got this pen in trade, rather than paying for it
outright. I cannot, therefore, comment on the value for money
aspect of the thing, although I discover them at various online
locations for less than $100, which in the modern line is not too
terrible, especially amongst the revived marques.
Specifications: Medium steel
point. Cartridge filler. 14.4 cm long capped, 15.9 cm
posted.
Condition: The only thing that detracts from a sense of newness
is some tarnishing of the band and tail-cap, although this carries with
it the suggestion that actual silver is involved.
Repairs: Cleared the feed of dry ink.
Location: My collection.
For sale?: I'm not
putting a price on it, but if you're after one, it's probably worth
making an offer.
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