1920s J. Harris University Fountain Pen - SUPERFLEX

Vintage: 1920s

Make: J. Harris (New York, NY)

Model: University

Color: black chased

Materials: Hard rubber, gols-plated trim

Filling System: Lever filler

Length: This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. 

Nib: Super-Flexible 14k Warranted #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under light pressure.

Condition: Hard rubber retains its factory black color with no discernible fading. Chasing is factory deep and sharp. HR surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Gold plated trim is clean with no notable flaws aside from a small spot of brassing inside to the H on the lever spade, a spot on the top edge of the clip, the typical spot on the clip ball, and some scratches on the helmet situated above the cap imprint (see photo). Manufacturer imprint on cap is factory deep and fully legible. 

Details: Founded in the 1910s by Jacob and Emanuel Harris, the J. Harris & Co. was pen maker located in New York City. Pens like this one were on a par with contemporaneous lever fillers from Waterman and Sheaffer. It’s made of black hard rubber chased in a vertical line pattern with gold-plated trim including a helmeted cap with ring top, an unusual combination with the clip that makes this pen a very versatile EDC. The typeface used for the cap imprint is particularly eye-catching, hearkening back to high Victorian style.