Maker: Champion.
This particular pen has a stamping on the lever, too small for my camera, reading “No. 5 50¢” Four bits has never been a pile of money, being somewhere in the region of a modern $8 (about the same as the modern Parker Reflex, a cheap pen if ever was) in the decade I suspect this pen sprang from. That decade, by the way, is 1930-1945. 1930 because it’s made of celluloid, and prior to that date a cheap pen would more likely have been made of hard rubber. 1945 because after that the styling would be so very dated that even at that low price it’s hard to imagine anyone buying it. Pure guesswork. If I find evidence one way or another, I’ll amend this entry.
There is an implication that there are at least four other models in the Champion line-up. For the moment, that mere speculation will have to stand, as no information is forthcoming.
For all that it’s a cheap pen, it writes well enough. Smooth enough, with a bit of flex. You can tell it’s not a Parker or a Waterman when you use it, but if you can’t afford one of those, it doesn’t embarrass by dribbling.
Production Run: At a guess, 1930 – 1945.
Cost When New: 50¢ (for modern value, try this calculator).
Size: 12.9 cm long capped, 16.3 cm posted, 11.4 cm uncapped.
Point: “Special Alloy” (plated steel).
Body: Celluloid.
Filler: Lever, capacity approx. 0.6 ml.
The Champion No. 5– The biggest thing about it is the name
If you are relying on the preceding information to win a bet or impress a teacher, you should read the site’s scholarly caveat. Remember, this is the internet, and it’s full of bad information.