Vintage Russian pens

[AzJon]

So, while perusing fleaBay I always see a large number of Russian/Soviet pens up for sale. Had anyone purchased these before or be able to attest to the quality (or lack thereof)? I don't often associate "Soviet" with "quality" but I am certainly open to having my mind changed and was just curious if anyone purchases or uses these unknown (to me) pens.

[eicart0523]

I just bought two Soviet pens from a US seller. One is pretty nice. The cap is very snug on the other and doesn't fit all the way on so it's not going to get used.

Sent from my LGLS770 using Tapatalk

[grainweevil]

I have a couple of Soyuz "51" wannabes, one of which has a goldfish in the end of the barrel. A feature which Parker singularly failed to offer, and thus a win for the Ruskies, methinks. They're not bad; maybe on a par with the better Hero 616s in build quality, or perhaps fractionally better. But some interesting filling systems out there; accordion sacs, twist fillers, etc. Excellent pics of various models and makes on a Russian forum here (http://www.elitepen.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5202&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=210), here (http://www.elitepen.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5351), here (http://www.elitepen.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5658), here (http://www.elitepen.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8474), and here (http://www.elitepen.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8117), which might be of interest.

[AzJon]

Thanks for the links!

I always see them on eBay/elsewhwere, but never really see people post about them.