Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler 1898 Fountain Pen Limited Edition Superblack Gunmetal
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Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler 1898 Fountain Pen Limited Edition Superblack Gunmetal - Extra Fine is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Limited edition - only 1898 being made!
The original Conklin Crescent Filler was the pen that made the brand famous. Thanks to the ingenious design of Roy Conklin, the Crescent Filler was one of the first pens to have a fully self-contained filling mechanism.
The mechanism is simple: the barrel contains a rubber ink sac and a cutaway in the barrel allows you to push the crescent through the side of the pen. The crescent is attached to a metal bar that presses against the side of the ink sac, squashing any air or ink out of it; once you release, the sac returns to its original shape, drawing ink into the pen. After a few presses the pen will be completely full.
The filling mechanism certainly had its fans, as Mark Twain put it: "I prefer it to ten other fountain pens, because it carries its filler in its own stomach, and I cannot mislay even by art or intention. Also, I prefer it because it is a profanity saver; it cannot roll off the desk."
An additional improvement made to his design in 1903 was a slight change to the safety ring that prevents accidental pressing of the crescent and the undesirable expulsion of ink that would accompany it. Whereas the original ring was free to rotate, the improved ring is shaped such that it comes to a stop after about a quarter turn, and friction holds it in place sufficiently until you want to fill the pen again.
The body is made from solid brass and is Matte Black in colour, with gunmetal trimmings. Due to the special properties of the superblack coating, this pen absorbs over 99% of visible light. The coating is the darkest substance known to date. The band is engraved with Mark Twain's signature and each pen has a limited edition number engraved to the bottom of the cap.
Black stainless steel JoWo nib available in a range of sizes.
Measures:141mm closed, 129mm open, 165mm long posted, barrel diameter: 13mm. Weighs 28g. The widest part of the pen, where the crescent protrudes is 20mm. Be aware that whilst this doesn't get in the way when writing with, or holding the pen, it will pose a problem if you intend to store this pen in a case: only the widest cases will accommodate it.
Supplied in a luxury Conklin gift box. All Conklin writing instruments are guaranteed for life against mechanical failure due to faulty workmanship or materials.
Orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday will normally be sent out the same day.
UK Orders
FREE Royal Mail Standard delivery for orders over £100, and just £3.95 for smaller orders. Royal Mail Priority is available as an option, for £4.95 on orders over £100, £5.95 on smaller orders. Express available for £9.95, or FREE with any order over £400. No delivery surcharges for Northern Ireland, Highlands & Islands or anywhere else!
International
International deliveries vary in cost, so you'll need to add the items you want to your basket, and enter the checkout to see the options for delivery. Prices and payment methods will reflect your country, and many countries have all taxes and duties included to make things easier and more predictable.
Orders over 2kg
For all orders outside the UK, heavy orders may cost more to send, but the shipping cost will be displayed in the checkout before you commit.
More Information
For more, see our Delivery Information page.
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Limited edition - only 1898 being made!
The original Conklin Crescent Filler was the pen that made the brand famous. Thanks to the ingenious design of Roy Conklin, the Crescent Filler was one of the first pens to have a fully self-contained filling mechanism.
The mechanism is simple: the barrel contains a rubber ink sac and a cutaway in the barrel allows you to push the crescent through the side of the pen. The crescent is attached to a metal bar that presses against the side of the ink sac, squashing any air or ink out of it; once you release, the sac returns to its original shape, drawing ink into the pen. After a few presses the pen will be completely full.
The filling mechanism certainly had its fans, as Mark Twain put it: "I prefer it to ten other fountain pens, because it carries its filler in its own stomach, and I cannot mislay even by art or intention. Also, I prefer it because it is a profanity saver; it cannot roll off the desk."
An additional improvement made to his design in 1903 was a slight change to the safety ring that prevents accidental pressing of the crescent and the undesirable expulsion of ink that would accompany it. Whereas the original ring was free to rotate, the improved ring is shaped such that it comes to a stop after about a quarter turn, and friction holds it in place sufficiently until you want to fill the pen again.
The body is made from solid brass and is Matte Black in colour, with gunmetal trimmings. Due to the special properties of the superblack coating, this pen absorbs over 99% of visible light. The coating is the darkest substance known to date. The band is engraved with Mark Twain's signature and each pen has a limited edition number engraved to the bottom of the cap.
Black stainless steel JoWo nib available in a range of sizes.
Measures:141mm closed, 129mm open, 165mm long posted, barrel diameter: 13mm. Weighs 28g. The widest part of the pen, where the crescent protrudes is 20mm. Be aware that whilst this doesn't get in the way when writing with, or holding the pen, it will pose a problem if you intend to store this pen in a case: only the widest cases will accommodate it.
Supplied in a luxury Conklin gift box. All Conklin writing instruments are guaranteed for life against mechanical failure due to faulty workmanship or materials.
Orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday will normally be sent out the same day.
UK Orders
FREE Royal Mail Standard delivery for orders over £100, and just £3.95 for smaller orders. Royal Mail Priority is available as an option, for £4.95 on orders over £100, £5.95 on smaller orders. Express available for £9.95, or FREE with any order over £400. No delivery surcharges for Northern Ireland, Highlands & Islands or anywhere else!
International
International deliveries vary in cost, so you'll need to add the items you want to your basket, and enter the checkout to see the options for delivery. Prices and payment methods will reflect your country, and many countries have all taxes and duties included to make things easier and more predictable.
Orders over 2kg
For all orders outside the UK, heavy orders may cost more to send, but the shipping cost will be displayed in the checkout before you commit.
More Information
For more, see our Delivery Information page.