Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 33

Thread: Platinum ID please

  1. #1
    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Carlisle, Pennsylvania USA
    Posts
    4,909
    Thanks
    1,396
    Thanked 6,390 Times in 2,505 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default Platinum ID please

    I was given this pen, that I know only that it is a Platinum cartridge pen with an 18k extra extra fine nib. For an XP nib, I am impressed with its flow and smoothness. It is designed like a Kaweco, in that it is too short to use without the cap posted on the barrel.

    I know nothing about pens made in the Orient.
    • What model is it?
    • Which cartridges fit (i.e., must they be tapered)?
    • Is there a converter that fits?

    TIA

    IMG_3756.jpegIMG_3757.jpeg
    Last edited by FredRydr; April 4th, 2021 at 11:22 AM.

  2. #2
    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Dallas, as in the 80's TV Series
    Posts
    3,662
    Thanks
    3,364
    Thanked 6,703 Times in 1,972 Posts
    Rep Power
    14

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    Fred, these "pocket pen" was very popular in Japan in the 1970s and they were designed to be used with the long cap posted securely at the end of the short body.

    When used that way, it's quite comfortable and nicely balanced.

    The nib, of course are gold and made just as well as their larger siblings. Some has gold content up to 23K (because there's this fascination with high gold content back then over there), writing experience-wise, no difference compared to 14K gold nibs.

    You can find this same designs in many different variations of models coming out of Platinum, Sailor, and Pilot, and some other smaller manufacturers.

    And because of that, the cartridges are proprietary to the brand, meaning that cartridge on your Platinum won't fit on the similar pocket pen from Sailor or Pilot.
    And I have never seen one that can accommodate a converter. This doesn't mean they don't exist.

    Here are a few that I had before:



    A few of these have become very popular nowadays, with cult-like following. Just look up Pilot Myu.
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

  3. The Following 5 Users Say Thank You to penwash For This Useful Post:

    FredRydr (April 4th, 2021), Jon Szanto (April 4th, 2021), Sailor Kenshin (April 5th, 2021), Scrawler (April 24th, 2021), wingwiper (April 9th, 2021)

  4. #3
    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Posts
    6,617
    Thanks
    7,796
    Thanked 11,042 Times in 4,011 Posts
    Rep Power
    22

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    Fred, I can't model ID it for certain. What I can say is that both Pilot and Platinum had very long-running lines of pens that are often referred to as "long/short" pens for the clever way that posting turns them from pocket pen to full-size writer. I have two pens virtually identical to this, save for slight cosmetic changes such as clip design. There really were many of these pens manufactured. A couple of my friends in the SF Posse know a fair bit about them, and if you would like I can have them look at this thread.

    ETA: Will must have been writing at the same time as me! As an addendum re: converters, this is true due to the short nature of the barrel. I have a Platinum pen that was owned by Susan Wirth, which came from the Partker factory collection of pens they would purchase to study new trends. There was a converter in the pen, but the only way it works is that the piston knob had been cut off shorter (probably Susan). Stock would not fit.
    Last edited by Jon Szanto; April 4th, 2021 at 11:40 AM.
    "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

  5. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Jon Szanto For This Useful Post:

    FredRydr (April 4th, 2021), penwash (April 4th, 2021)

  6. #4
    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Posts
    6,617
    Thanks
    7,796
    Thanked 11,042 Times in 4,011 Posts
    Rep Power
    22

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    A couple more to look at. Susan's pen in middle, nibs from l-r are 18k, 14k, and 22k:

    "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

  7. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Jon Szanto For This Useful Post:

    FredRydr (April 4th, 2021), penwash (April 4th, 2021)

  8. #5
    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Dallas, as in the 80's TV Series
    Posts
    3,662
    Thanks
    3,364
    Thanked 6,703 Times in 1,972 Posts
    Rep Power
    14

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    And this is one of the unique ones that I have come across:

    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

  9. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to penwash For This Useful Post:

    FredRydr (April 4th, 2021), Jon Szanto (April 4th, 2021), Sailor Kenshin (April 4th, 2021), Wile E Coyote (April 4th, 2021)

  10. #6
    Senior Member jar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Deep South Texas
    Posts
    4,045
    Thanks
    479
    Thanked 3,712 Times in 1,610 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    Often Platinum simply named the pens from the price point.

  11. The Following User Says Thank You to jar For This Useful Post:

    FredRydr (April 4th, 2021)

  12. #7
    Senior Member christof's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Confoederatio Helvetica
    Posts
    1,875
    Thanks
    1,893
    Thanked 7,814 Times in 1,426 Posts
    Rep Power
    17

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    Hi Fred

    Nice pen. Congrats! All I can say from personal experience is the following:

    - Sailor probably released the first Pocket Pen
    - Pilot offered the most beautiful Pocket Pens (Myu)
    - but Platiunum Pocket pens are among those that write the best.

    Converters certainly existed, but I don't know if they are still available. But standard Platinum cartridges fit.

    Richard Binder has written a meticulous article about this type of fountain pen. Maybe it will help you to date your example:

    http://www.richardspens.com/ref/prof...ocket_pens.htm

    PS: the special thing about my favourite Platinum is, that the nib is grinded to write on both sides: XF and XXF

    Graphosoma Italicum - Platinum Pocket Pen by C.M.Z, auf Flickr

    PPS: your pen was at the same price as a Pilot MYU, so not a cheap pen!

    Pilot MYU-701 by C.M.Z, auf Flickr
    Last edited by christof; April 4th, 2021 at 12:50 PM.

  13. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to christof For This Useful Post:

    catbert (April 4th, 2021), FredRydr (April 4th, 2021), penwash (April 4th, 2021), Sailor Kenshin (April 5th, 2021)

  14. #8
    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Posts
    11,406
    Thanks
    6,879
    Thanked 10,367 Times in 3,978 Posts
    Rep Power
    24

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    I agree it's a Pocket Pen. I have often looked at examples on ebay but they always seem to have EF or F nibs
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

  15. The Following User Says Thank You to Chrissy For This Useful Post:

    FredRydr (April 4th, 2021)

  16. #9
    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Posts
    6,617
    Thanks
    7,796
    Thanked 11,042 Times in 4,011 Posts
    Rep Power
    22

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    Quote Originally Posted by christof View Post


    PPS: your pen was at the same price as a Pilot MYU, so not a cheap pen!
    There it is. This pen has always reminded me of the Concorde SST. I've considered chasing after a good example but haven't so far.
    Last edited by Jon Szanto; April 4th, 2021 at 01:25 PM.
    "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

  17. The Following User Says Thank You to Jon Szanto For This Useful Post:

    FredRydr (April 4th, 2021)

  18. #10
    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Dallas, as in the 80's TV Series
    Posts
    3,662
    Thanks
    3,364
    Thanked 6,703 Times in 1,972 Posts
    Rep Power
    14

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    Now that the Myu has made an appearance



    Here is a photo of one, along with a rival that may not be as sleek, but just as handsome, I think.

    I have had a few Myu from Japan, and almost always, it's spoken for before I had a chance to even admire it much.
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

  19. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to penwash For This Useful Post:

    catbert (April 4th, 2021), FredRydr (April 4th, 2021), Jon Szanto (April 4th, 2021), Sailor Kenshin (April 5th, 2021)

  20. #11
    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Carlisle, Pennsylvania USA
    Posts
    4,909
    Thanks
    1,396
    Thanked 6,390 Times in 2,505 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    Thanks, all. So it's a real, genuine vintage <gag!*> fountain pen, whatever its name is!

    I sold all of my cartridge pens some time ago, as well as all the cartridges. I guess I'm back in the market, because I like this little pen. Though I have been refilling the cartridge with my syringe and Waterman blue-black ink.

    *Make that collectable. My brain rejects vintage.
    Last edited by FredRydr; April 4th, 2021 at 05:37 PM.

  21. #12
    Senior Member jar's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Deep South Texas
    Posts
    4,045
    Thanks
    479
    Thanked 3,712 Times in 1,610 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    Thanks, all. So it's a real, genuine vintage <gag!*> fountain pen, whatever its name is!

    I sold all of my cartridge pens some time ago, as well as all the cartridges. I guess I'm back in the market, because I like this little pen. Though I have been refilling the cartridge with my syringe and Waterman blue-black ink.

    *Make that collectable. My brain rejects vintage.
    BUT Wait...there's more!

    Platinum cartridges also fit in the fantastic old Aurora DuoCart fountain pens. Perhaps my favorite fountain pen is an old Aurora 888P DuoCart pen but those cartridges have been gone for a half century or more. But using the Platinum cartridges I can continue to enjoy the sucker.

    So get out there and seek out an old Aurora fountain pen designed for the DuoCart. They are generally cheap since no cartridges are available and even the new Aurora DuoCart fountain pen was designed for the international standard cartridge.

  22. The Following User Says Thank You to jar For This Useful Post:

    penwash (April 5th, 2021)

  23. #13
    Senior Member eachan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2020
    Location
    Highlands of Scotland
    Posts
    507
    Thanks
    1,442
    Thanked 868 Times in 341 Posts
    Rep Power
    4

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    Thanks, all. So it's a real, genuine vintage <gag!*> fountain pen, whatever its name is!

    *Make that collectable. My brain rejects vintage.
    Fred, I agree with you about the word "vintage". After all, it's a word with no meaning, so far as fountain pens are concerned. It has never been defined and it means whatever the writer chooses. But it's a hopeless battle. Nobody wants to hear about old pens, though that's what they are. Do a search on "old pens" and it won't be very helpful. Substitute "vintage" and the search engine will take you where you want to be. So vintage it is, like it or not. I don't but I have to use it.

  24. The Following User Says Thank You to eachan For This Useful Post:

    FredRydr (April 5th, 2021)

  25. #14
    Senior Member Sailor Kenshin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Where pigs run free!
    Posts
    4,003
    Thanks
    6,231
    Thanked 3,427 Times in 1,716 Posts
    Rep Power
    17

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    Fred, that is a nice gift!

    I have a couple of those Platinum pocket pens...cute, and great writers. One is coral, works fine, but the second in black is odd. It cannot take even a Platinum cart (the body is too short), and the connector was damaged during an attempt to restore it. 😢

    Not a clue how to fix the situation. I suppose it could still be dipped.
    My other pen is a Montblanc.

    And my other blog is a tumblr!


    And my latest ebook, for spooky wintery reading:

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CM2NGSSD

  26. #15
    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Carlisle, Pennsylvania USA
    Posts
    4,909
    Thanks
    1,396
    Thanked 6,390 Times in 2,505 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    I looked up cartridges on Bertrams Inkwell's website, and there are only three for Platinum: black, blue-black and blue. What caught my attention is Platinum blue is described as a pigment ink with the advantages and disadvantages that go along with it. No mention of pigment (or dye, for that matter) is made for the black and blue-black.

  27. #16
    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Carlisle, Pennsylvania USA
    Posts
    4,909
    Thanks
    1,396
    Thanked 6,390 Times in 2,505 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    Quote Originally Posted by Sailor Kenshin View Post
    I have a couple of those Platinum pocket pens...cute, and great writers. One is coral, works fine, but the second in black is odd. It cannot take even a Platinum cart (the body is too short), and the connector was damaged during an attempt to restore it. 😢 Not a clue how to fix the situation. I suppose it could still be dipped.
    Uh oh. I wonder if there are new-style and old-style cartridges that I need to be aware of. Bert Oser knows his refills quite well, so I better phone first before ordering.

  28. #17
    Senior Member grainweevil's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Cornwall, UK
    Posts
    1,572
    Thanks
    269
    Thanked 885 Times in 461 Posts
    Rep Power
    12

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    There are also Red, Carbon Black, and other colours available in rather pricey pairs - Cult Pens selection here in Blighty. Their blue-back is an IG and unusually blue for such an animal. I like it, but some people have been disappointed.
    In the words of Paul Simon, you can call me Al.

  29. #18
    Senior Member penwash's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Dallas, as in the 80's TV Series
    Posts
    3,662
    Thanks
    3,364
    Thanked 6,703 Times in 1,972 Posts
    Rep Power
    14

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    Quote Originally Posted by FredRydr View Post
    Thanks, all. So it's a real, genuine vintage <gag!*> fountain pen, whatever its name is!

    I sold all of my cartridge pens some time ago, as well as all the cartridges. I guess I'm back in the market, because I like this little pen. Though I have been refilling the cartridge with my syringe and Waterman blue-black ink.

    *Make that collectable. My brain rejects vintage.
    Just a curious question, are you objecting the usage of the term "vintage" when applied to fountain pens in general?

    Or, are you objecting to the use of "vintage" when applied to *this* particular pen because it's not old enough?
    - Will
    Unique and restored vintage pens: Redeem Pens

  30. #19
    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Carlisle, Pennsylvania USA
    Posts
    4,909
    Thanks
    1,396
    Thanked 6,390 Times in 2,505 Posts
    Rep Power
    18

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    The latter.

  31. #20
    Senior Member Jon Szanto's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Posts
    6,617
    Thanks
    7,796
    Thanked 11,042 Times in 4,011 Posts
    Rep Power
    22

    Default Re: Platinum ID please

    I don't know about "old style" carts, but I can tell you for certain that current, new Plat carts fit these pens perfectly. I also used to keep one of these regularly inked with Sailor Kiwa-guro ink, which is a dark black, pigmented ink, and it was a perfectly good match for this pen. I used it in an index card file I have on all my pens. Thin, dark lines. Of course, I refilled carts with a syringe.
    "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

  32. The Following User Says Thank You to Jon Szanto For This Useful Post:

    FredRydr (April 5th, 2021)

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •