Collecting Japanese Pens
Our focus is currently devoted to certain models of the Pilot Pen Co. (Namiki), what we call 'decorated' pens, and assorted vintage models that capture our attention.
Japanese pens come in an incredible variety of sizes, models, marques, and designs and are generally reasonably priced. If difficulty exists in finding them, it is knowing where to look. We have been fortunate to develop relationships with sellers in Japan that have led to nice additions. Not all have this benefit so we welcome you to investigate the auctions at Yahoo Japan, where many can be found. You cannot bid directly. At least, not yet. A proxy service, such as ShoppingMallJapan.com, must be used for a small fee. We leave this to your further investigation.
Do not forget about eBay. Many choice pens have been found there at low prices. Look past the usual hype. Unless you are expert, always ask questions of the seller and others who collect Japanese pens. Fountain Pen Network is a good source for information. If you cannot bid intelligently, don't bid.
It is amazing what can be discovered at pen shows. This is where many of the Japanese pens sold on eBay and elsewhere are recycled. One collector friend makes the rounds at Chicago, Los Angeles, and elsewhere each year to discover at least 10 very collectible or very usable Japanese pens, usually after I go through the show! Best buys have been a rare color early Capless, a Vanishing Point LE for less than a song, and some serious vintage models with super flexi nibs.
The basic premise of this site is education and we present a number of pens from our collection and elsewhere to illustrate the variety of great Japanese pens one can discover. They are grouped by type and linked to your left. Although we are expanding content to include pens by all makers, our collecting efforts remain focused on the following:
- Yotubisi - 1950s maker of decorated pens
- Carved Pens - Kamakura bori and others
- Miscellaneous Decorated Pens - Makie and urushi applications
- Silver Pens of any maker
- Pilot
- Custom - 1970s and 1980s Flagship Model
- Delux - 1970s and 1980s Model
- Super - 1950s Model
Some time ago we wrote an article on Japanese pens for the Winter 2007 issue of The PENnant magazine. Here is a link to a copy
Below are suggestions for your consideration; things to look for when buying, trends, repairs, rants, etc.
■ If purchasing a vintage eyedropper always expect to spend $35-$50 to have the seals repaired. Sellers should make buyers aware of whether the pens have been tested and leak or not. Not only do they leak at the blind cap but, can leak where the section threads to the barrel. Ask before you are disappointed. Over time the threads do wear. This may be easily rectified with an application of silicone grease on the threads. Do not get any in the barrel!
■ We often see pens for sale on eBay where claims are made regarding rarity and quality, especially that of lower tier pens. Sure. Almost every maker produced good, bad, and ugly models. It's often hard to tell how much the seller is exaggerating and where he is being deceptive. Ask many questions of the seller. If they are knowledgeable they will provide satisfying and substantive answers. Some sellers provide writing samples. In a seller-controlled environment any nib can be made to look to write exceptionally well with fantastic line variation. Have you asked if the nib is scratchy? Please fell free to contact us for a free honest appraisal of any pen, ours included, in which you are interested.
■ Currently, the greatest challenge in purchasing pens direct from Japan is the Dollar-Yen exchange rate as prices have effectively increased 10% during the past year. If bidding through a proxy this means an additional cost of 20% or more on top of your winning bid. At this time we suggest visiting eBay first, as you will be paying in dollars and sellers in Japan will absorb all transaction costs. Please do not forget about Yahoo Japan as you may find the pen you may never ever see again.
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The auction for the following pens
closed at the equivalent of $450. The haul: Ten 1950s Sailor pens
with steel nibs. All should be cartridge/converter types. FWIW, they
are new and almost all have Y300 stickers and they are old. Buyer was a
newbie with 25 transactions who seems to specialize in miniature
cameras. Second place runner-up has only 15. Both placed high bids in the hope of guaranteeing a win and one got burned.
Maybe he or she will now put them up on the 'Bay where we've seen similar pens erroneously advertised as having togi nibs with
references to Mr. Nagahara in order to generate interest and $$$. If
they do show, unless you've got to have one, you might pass. Togi nibs were designed in the 1990s!
RYOJUSEN
霊鷲山