I thought it was obvious in the sample text... I would say from a fine to stub 1.1...
Since it's not yet on the list, TOZ Penkala.
Penkala, the inventor, is very well known throughout the region, as he was the inventor of many things, some of which include the first solid ink fountain pen and "automatic" pencil. His name is in fact so well known here, that we simply call fountain pens "penkala".
The company TOZ Penkala from 1907 still exists. You can see their catalogue here:
http://www.toz-penkala.hr/proizvodi-garniture
penwash (March 31st, 2021)
There's also vivapen from Slovenia - they're actually the largest ink cartridge producer in the world. They make also bottled ink for several large and well known brands, as well as their own pens. On our first Pelikan meetup in Slovenia, they showered us with free ink and fountain pens.
Which turned out kind of odd, as only 4 of us gathered and we were left with litres of ink and dozens of fountain pens
https://www.vivapen.com/index.html#section_4
penwash (March 31st, 2021)
Yup.
FredRydr (March 31st, 2021)
I’m such a sucker for red and black mottled vintage hard rubber that is matched with gold accoutrement.
Jon Szanto (March 31st, 2021), penwash (March 31st, 2021)
The black hard rubber BHCR pens are, of course, chased, while most red and black hard rubber pens are not chased, leaving the surface smooth. In the dark, I doubt you could tell by feel alone an all-black smooth hard rubber pen from a red and black smooth hard rubber pen.
A quick snapshot. From left to right (with lingo): black hard rubber (BHR) smooth; mottled red and black hard rubber (MHR) smooth; black chased hard rubber (BCHR) chased:
IMG_3745.jpg
Keep in mind that chasing isn't for grip (though it may benefit), but enhances the appearance of a boring black rod. The mix of red and black hard rubber creates an interesting appearance without the need for chasing. For fun, look for the various patterns created by the old manufacturers, as well as the names collectors have since coined for them: mottled, woodgrain, ripple, rosewood and others.
Last edited by FredRydr; March 31st, 2021 at 08:56 AM.
eachan (March 31st, 2021), Jon Szanto (March 31st, 2021), Schaumburg_Swan (April 9th, 2021), Seattleite (April 4th, 2021)
Yazeh (March 31st, 2021)
Thanks so much for the photo Fred. Now I get it. My Conway Steward 330 is a BHR, which is quite smooth to the touch, compared to MHR.
Here is the flexing capabilities in a video I did for the Bible Ink review. (It's a dry Iron gall ink)
Ok, this is really sick: I just purchased a set: fp, pencil, and... one other object TBD. I did so because it specifically has the name "Pen Company Brand". As generic as it could ever be. Photos when it gets here.
"When Men differ in Opinion, both Sides ought equally to have the Advantage of being heard by the Publick;
and that when Truth and Error have fair Play, the former is always an overmatch for the latter."
~ Benjamin Franklin
fountainpenkid (April 9th, 2021), Scrawler (April 9th, 2021), Yazeh (April 8th, 2021)
While we're waiting for Jon's latest find, we'll visit this nice BCHR made by:
T.H PAYNE Co. from Chattanooga, TN, USA.
I would be very impressed if you have a pen from this company, or can tell me more info about them.
And as you can see in the photo, the *chasing* (patterns engraved on the barrel and cap) is still clearly visible and complete. Also amazingly, all the trims (clip, cap band, lever) are still snug and show no signs of major wear. Either the owner of this pen took care of it, or this pen was never used much, which probably partly caused by the nib, which is so messed up.
Suffice to say that I spent quite some time to get it to write again, in a way that I like.
But the deed is done, and I'm happy enough to sketch this with the pen.
Interestingly, a letter G in a circle adorned both the top of the clip and the end of the lever. Wonder why? G. Payne is the founder perhaps?
Jon Szanto (April 12th, 2021), Sailor Kenshin (May 5th, 2021)
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