This Conklin Endura Junior Lapis Lazuli was made in the mid-twenties, I believe. It’s in marvellous condition, the only real flaw being some wear on the plating of the clip. I understand that these pens are prone to colour change; this one is as perfect in colour as it was originally. Also, I am told that there are often barrel cracks where the pin for the lever comes through, and there are often major problems with the clip. None of those apply here. It’s just a totally gorgeous little pen.

The interpretation of Lapis Lazuli that Conklin uses is very similar to a Parker one. It’s made up of lighter blue areas on a darker matrix with some small areas that are so dark blue as to be almost black. It needs good light to appreciate its beauty in full. The plastic of these Enduras is quite thick, making for a sturdy pen.

Strangely enough, Conklin, at this time, did not put a 14K stamp on their nibs. It just says, “Conklin Endura USA”. The nib is a little beauty. It’s not really flexible but it has some spring, making it very pleasurable to write with. The crescent-shaped breather hole is like an upside-down grin.

This is a small pen. It’s about 10.8 cm capped. I compared it for size with a Kaweco Sport and it’s a little longer both capped and posted. I would think it would be quite adequate for most people.

Much as I enjoy modern pens, a pen like this is why my heart always remains with vintage. It’s a sad thing, but modern pen-makers can’t replicate this. I know there’s a new Conklin company and their pens are quite well regarded but their nibs bear no comparison to the originals. Thank goodness there are still a few of the old ones around and, luckily for us, their prices have not quite gone into the stratosphere yet.