c.1918-20 Conklin Crescent-Filler 40 Fountain Pen - SEMIFLEX

Vintage: c.1918-20

Make: Conklin

Model: Crescent-Filler 40

Color: Black chased

Materials: Hard rubber, gold-plated trim

Filling System: Crescent-filler (resacced and guaranteed to fill and write as designed). To fill simply rotate the lock ring on the barrel to the open position, submerse the nib, and depress the metal crescent once.

Length: This oversized model has a thick girth and measures 5 3/8” capped. 

Nib: Commensurably large Semi-Flexible Conklin Toledo #4 nib lays down a smooth and consistent F line with a stubby character under normal pressure – not a full-fledged stub, the downstrokes being only slightly wider than its cross-strokes. And the line widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.7mm) under moderate pressure.

Condition: This pen resembles a relic recovered from a time capsule. Hard rubber is factory black with no discernible fading. Chasing is factory deep and sharp with no discernible wear. Gold-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other notable flaws apart from one tiny spot at the top of the clip. Clip looks like it might have a slight tilt 1-2mm to the right at the bottom (possibly from installation) and I don’t want to risk breakage of the stem underneath by trying to correct it.  HR surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes. Manufacturer imprints on the barrel are factory deep and fully legible.

Details: . Something about the 100+ y/o obsolescent design of Conklin’s Crescent-Filler appeals to me. It’s the pen once touted in adverts by none other than Mark Twain. "I prefer it to ten other fountain pens,” writes Twain, “because it carries its filler in its own stomach, and I can not mislay even by art or intention. Also, I prefer it because it is a profanity saver; it cannot roll off the desk."