M. Myers & Son were best known for their dip pen nibs which they produced for over a century. They continued to produce stationery products until 1985 when they were taken over by the U.S. firm, Avery. A huge variety of Myers nibs are still in demand by calligraphers.

According to Grace’s Guide it was in 1929 that they began producing a fountain pen. They made a wide range of metal products so it was natural that their fountain pen should be made almost entirely of metal – the exception being the section. Though clearly not expensive the Myers pen is well made. Ninety years later the only deterioration is in the black enamel coating which is chipped in places. The original nib has a highly unusual cross-shaped breather hole. Unlike many steel nibs of the period it remains in very good condition. It’s a fine firm and writes very well.

The clip and lever are of chromium plated steel and both have survived well. The barrel is a simple straight-sided tube with a slight hollow pressed in where the lever sits. The domed cap is pierced by the clip which is held by an inner cap. The slip cap remains firmly in place.

These pens are not collectors’ items but they do hold an interesting place in pen history. They were among the first all-metal pens, a trend that includes early Wahl Eversharps, the Sheaffer Targa and many others. Possibly because it was low priced, the Myers pen proved popular and it remains not uncommon today.

It’s a perfectly practical pen. It may be too slender for some hands but that’s also true of many much more expensive 1970s and 80s pens. The vintage Pilot I’m writing this with is just a little thicker. For most people today the Myers pen will just be a curiosity.