1940s-50s Stylomine 303 Fountain Pen - Accordion/Twist Filler

Vintage: 1940s-1950s

Make: Stylomine

Model: 303

Color: Grey shell

Materials: Celluloid, nickel-plated trim in a deluxe configuration with unusual spring-loaded clip

Filling System: Accordion-filler converted to a twist-filler. In 1940 the company patented this filling system comprised of a rubber sac shaped into a bellows and attached to a glass ink cartridge at the end of the barrel. Referred to as an accordion filler today, the pen was designed to be filled by unscrewing the blind cap, submersing the nib, and depressing the glass ink cartridge several times. Thanks to the accordion sac, the cartridge pops back up while it can be seen filling with ink. The original accordion sac in this pen was shot and my source for these is unfortunately no longer in business. So I used a traditional latex sac to turn this pen into a twist filler like those made by Mabie Todd and AA Waterman. To fill you unscrew the blind cap, extend the cartridge out and submerse the nib, twist the cartridge about 1 1/2 turns then let it spin back to its original position. Before screwing the blind cap down, it’s important to depress the cartridge halfway into the pen to avoid it being spun by the blindcap. Once filled, this pen holds about as much ink as other twist fillers of the same size – not as much as when it was an accordion filler but enough to make the pen serviceable carry. If you ever find a source for accordion sacs (I’ve heard rumors of rubber bicycle brake guards being used), one can easily be swapped for the sac that’s in there to restore its original functionality.

Length: This full-sized model has a thick girth and measures 5” capped. 

Nib: 18k Stylomine 3D nib has tipping finished to write at all angles (I believe ‘3D’ was designated a Ball nib). It lays down a buttery smooth and consistent F line.

Condition: Near mint. This pen is in collector-grade condition with no flaws to speak of. Nickel-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other noteworthy blemishes. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is deep and fully legible. 

Details: Stylomine was a Parisian pen company founded shortly after World War I.