There was a time in North America when the words "Made in Japan" were a
code for really cheap consumer goods rather than a proud declaration of
high-end electronics and automobiles. This little object comes from that time,
the only marking on it being those words slightly pressed into the
point, although it's a little cagey as to just where in that period it
springs from. One side or the other of the Second World War,
since during the war there wasn't a lot of importation from the eastern
Empire. This is the other pen that braved the terrors of my
father-in-law's toy chest, in company with this proud survivor.
I can't decide whether this pen or its fellow survivor is the lesser
pen. The other has a self-tipped steel point, while this one has
some actual tipping material but of no great finish. The plastic
on this one is definitely inferior, and the general finish is much
clunkier. I don't think anyone was too concerned when it got in
amongst the Matchbox cars in those decades past. It's not a great
writer, and it's mainly affection that drives me to keep it and try to
make it work properly.
Specifications:
Fine point, but made of what is a bit of a mystery. Possibly
brass-- theres a little bit of a finger-print etched into it.
Lever filler. 11.8cm long capped, 14.2cm posted.
Condition:
I suspect it's very much as it left the factory; most of what's wrong
with it seems to stem from heavy-handed machining. The clip has
some curves in it which seem post-manufacture. The point has a
slightly warped tine, which is also probably child-induced.
Repairs: Feed
and point removed for cleaning, sac replaced. Section was loose
in body, and has been adhered in place with section sealant which might
not support it entirely in the hottest weather.
Location: My collection.
For sale?: Valentine's gift from my wife, given when I first showed signs of pen-madness. You'd have to offer me an awful lot, many hundreds of times more than it's worth.
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