This little (11.7cm capped) pen arrived as part of a lot some time ago. At first glance the pattern suggested that it was probably an old Platignum but closer examination showed no indication of who had made it. I laid it aside to be worked on if I ever got the time. I suspected that it might be one of those foreign pens that resist every effort to repair them.

I found the time at the weekend. The section was ridged where it fits into the barrel like a late forties Waterman. This gave it a mighty grip as some mystery glue had been used. Heat and patience did the job, as ever. It had a j-bar which was in good order and it took a No 20 sac. The clip was missing but I found one to fit. The nib had once been plated but that was long gone. I examined it minutely in the hope that there would be some clue to the manufacture of the pen but there was nothing there. The nib was worn out. I could have fitted a gold nib as a replacement but it would have been like fitting a Rolls Royce hood ornament on a Ford Prefect. I bought some excellent Krupp nibs a few years ago and I still had one or two left, so that’s what went in the pen. Makes a great writer with even a touch of flex.

Who made it? I literally don’t have a clue. The general shape and especially the ridged clip screw are an echo in miniature of the Duofold so it’s probably a thirties pen. It’s definitely not a Platignum as they weren’t shy about putting their name on their products. There’s nothing at all on the barrel or cap. It hasn’t been worn or polished out; there was never any imprint there to begin with. The striking ivory and black pattern has been used by many manufacturers so that doesn’t help. I still lean towards the idea that the pen is foreign, mainly because it bears no resemblance to the output of any of the British manufacturers. That’s purely speculative so it remains a mystery, but a most attractive one.