Maker: Pilot.
I have almost no supporting data for this pen, to the point that I’m not actually certain about the model number. It’s probably right. The pen itself is not very remarkable in styling, being very similar to models offered by other makers in various other countries at about the same time. The one thing that elevates this pen at all is the decoration of the cap, a band of attached trefoils that are actually incised into the aluminum.
That decoration, the relatively small size, and the softness of the point lead one in the direction of thinking this is meant as a ladies’ model. This may be the case, but until firm data appears, I want to be careful about assuming gender notions across forty years and a gap of cultures. I will thus limit myself to saying that it is, for an unremarkable, probably mid-range pen, it is quite nice to write with if one doesn’t mind a relatively slender pen.
I should also mention, having been somewhat dismissive, that the cap has a smooth set of springs to engage the section and a well-sprung clip. As my example appears to have sat capped and unused since it was made, it seems that the deformation one sees in this sort of cap-holding mechanism producing in certain pens made by Parker is not an issue for this one, although following a policy of storing with the cap loose would not do any harm.
Production Run: Late 1960s, early 1970s. My example was definitely made in 1970.
Cost When New: ¥1,500. In 1970, that would be the equivalent of about $4.15 (for modern value, try this calculator). If it were available for export, the price would likely be higher outside Japan; the cost of living was radically lower in Japan then, to the point that it was viewed much as China is now as a source of cheaply made but relatively advanced consumer goods.
Size: 13.0 cm long capped, 14.6 cm posted, 11.4 cm uncapped.
Point: 14K gold. The point has this and 585 indications, which hint at export sales to Europe.
Body: Plastic.
Filler: Cartridge, capacity approx. 0.8 ml; accepts the CON-20 press-bar type converter (0.7ml) and the CON-50 piston type (0.5 ml).
Pilot L-150MS…. according to current information. The date code on the barrel gives this one’s birthday as 28 February 1970, and it comes from the Tokyo plant.
Detail of the fetching cap decoration.
The pen in its original box, the decor of which shows why I don’t have fond nostalgia for the 1970s.
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.