Pilot Custom - 1971 to 1983


Earliest known models have nibs dated from late 1971. Would appreciate readers telling us their earliest date for each model. Known dates are indicated in table below. This will assist in better defining years of production. This will not be an accurate survey as Pilot informs us, nibs were used as they were available. Nibs from earlier production runs could be used as well as assembled  sections. They used what was on hand. 

An array of some of the Custom models available.The Custom was also used as a platform for traditional makie. Those models are not shown.


From left to right:

  • Crosshatch & Diagonal - Photoengraved - Stainless Steel. Clear lacquer over. 1175
  • Fabric - Photoengraved - Stainless Steel. 1274, 1175,
  • Fabric (Kimono) - Photoengraved - Brushed Stainless Steel. 575, 377,
The above three pens are considered prototypes by some. Pilot confirmed they are not and are regular issue. The three feature gold trim and gold 14K nibs.
  • Crosshatch - Sterling Silver - 18K White Gold nib.
  • Pine Tree - Polished steel. Engraved design with black lacquer fill. Clear lacquer over all. 18K W.G. nib.
  • Black Stripe - Stainless Steel. Engraved stripes. Black lacquer fill. 14K White Gold nib. ¥6,000.
  • White Stripe - Stainless Steel. Engraved Stripes. No fill. 18K W.G. nib. Thought by some to be prototype. All known are used.
  • Bible Quotation - Sterling Silver, Polished. Engraved quotation from John 3:16. 14K White Gold nib.
  • Hannya (Heart) Sutra - Sterling Silver, Polished. Engraved Characters. 18K W.G. Gold nib.
  • Hannya Sutra - Sterling Silver, Raised Characters. 18K White Gold nib. ¥17,000
  • Hannya Sutra - Black Hiramakie with Gold Characters. 18K Gold nib.
  • Hannya Sutra - Red Hiramakie with Gold Characters.
  • Limited Edition - Red Hiramakie with Gold Characters. Made for Sokagakkai, a Buddhist organization.
  • Limited Edition - Sterling Silver, Raised Characters. 18K W.G. nib. Made for unknown medical organization.
  • Maple - 18K Gold nib. ¥7,000.
  • Black - Plastic cap and barrel. 18K Gold nib. ¥5,000.
  • Black - Plastic cap and barrel. 14K Gold fingernail type nib. ¥5,000. Seen in Signature, Falcon, and Music types. Found on some earlier models.


  
       Falcon                                                                                                Music

Key Details:

Large thumbnail nib. Sizes include EF, FINE, MEDIUM, and BROAD. I also recall an OB(oblique). Note ring and plastic band at end of section. Clip is made of soft metal and is often found slightly dinged at sides of plastic insert, even on new pens. P logo in top jewel. Corporate logos are to be found. All models read PILOT CUSTOM on the cap band. Most come with matching ballpoint pens and mechanical pencils that can be rarer and harder to find than the pens.

        


  

We've seen a number of nibs like the above with a hooked tip on Pilot Custom and some Platinum pens from the 1970s. They have all worked fine and seem not to be damaged. We suppose they were bent to accommodate writing style. Pilot currently makes a POSTING  (PO) nib that is similar. The pen attached to the above nib is used by stan and is a very smooth BROAD.

___________________________________________________________________________________ Close-up of Buddhist Hannya Sutra and other special pens.

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Pilot Custom Christian Bible Quotation. They have become increasingly popular and should soon approach the Buddhist Sutra pens in value. They should as they are rarer and, in some quarters, more desirable.

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From Korea is this model presented to dignitaries and for meritorious service to Korea. The band is marked 14K.




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Ever hear of Mito Komon? We believe this Limited Edition Pilot Custom celebrates the release of the movie in 1979. It is silver plate. We saw this on Yahoo Japan and was sorely tempted. It sold for $100+ despite several noticeable dings.






RYOJUSEN

 

霊鷲山