VINTAGE JAPANESE PENS

PILOT

FLYING CRANES

Pilot Deluxe type pen 1970's

This is a rare piece by the great Master Maki-e-Shi SEI Katsuda.

Done in the Togedashi-Maki-e technique, you can recognize the masterful detail in the crane's faces and wings. Even the beady little eyes have a feeling of expression.

Pen is absolutely MINT. New old stock

Nib is 14k Fine

$5500.00

PILOT

SEREI (DRAGONFLY WINGS)

This Serei is a 1970's Deluxe. Serei came in black and red. The technique for representing Dragonfly wings is called SEREI NURI. It is truly a beautiful pen.

This is new -old stock. Absolutely MINT.

Nib is 14K F

$1650.00

1977 LONG MUREX

MR 500SS

The first Murex appeared in 1971, and was called the "MYU 701" in Japanese and identified by the Greek letter for "m" in Pilot's advertisements. Its model number is M-350SS. This pen is displayed in the Pilot Pen Museum (now called "Pen Station") in Tokyo.

In 1977 the integral nib steel pen was radically redesigned to be a full sized pen with textured section, flat nib and black stripe in a spring type clip that adjusted to any thickness of pocket fabric. This model was the first "Murex" pen. Perhaps this new name was meant to designate this bigger, improved MYU as the king (Rex) of the MYUs. It could also be a reference to the sea shell of the same name. Its model number is MR-500SS, and it is also displayed in the Pilot Pen Museum (Pen Station) in Tokyo since it represents a new line. On the cap the black letters "MR" (for "MYU-REX") plus the Pilot name are engraved. It retailed for 5,000 yen, much more than the price of the original MYU 701, and its design was technically superior to the original MYU, although not as radical in its looks. This model was designed for comfort and effortless writing.

( thanks to Russ Stutler for this information)

Pen is Mint M nib

SOLD

LONG MUREX RED TRIM

In 1978 Pilot came out with a slim, slightly shorter version of the long type Murex, this time with a red stripe and logo. It retailed for 5,000 yen. This versionwas more expensive and rarer than the regular black trim version.

$450.00

VOLEX

Pilot also produced during the same period, pens which were nearly identical to the MYU 701, but with the nib separate from the barrel. One line was marketed as the plastic MYU, and had a matte black cap and barrel. Other colors were also available. A steel version of this was called the Volex, the "Brother of MYU." There were also some steel and plastic fountain pens which resembled the long Murex except for a brightly colored plastic grip separating the steel nib from the barrel. These variations are appealing to those who are drawn to the asthetics of the MYU/Murex design.

$350.00

PLATINUM

Polished striped cap and barrel

18k Fine firm nib

cartridge/converter filling (no converter)

MINT

SOLD

PLATINUM

'60s stainless steel pocket pen.

Attractive Tulip pattern

18k F nib

Aerometric cartrige converter

SOLD

PLATINUM GINKO BAND

In 1970, Platinum released this original version of the Higo-zo-gan fountain pen with 24k gold inlay. It represents the colored autumn leaves of the Ginko Tree.

 The inlay is done by using an iron ring that is carved out to provide the pattern, and then is hand filled with18k gold. This technique originated in the Edo period of Japan, and is still carried out today.

18k Fine nib

cartridge converter, pen is MINT

$350.00

PLATINUM

'70s Metal pocket pen with four leaf clover.

Fine metal nib; aerometric converter

MINT

$50.00

PLATINUM 22

Early '70s.Nice pen Mint with sticker. 22K F nib.

Rare

$150.00

SAILOR

Stainless Steel striped cap and barrel18k white gold Fine nib-firm5 1/2" (13 1/2 cm) 6" (15 cm) posted

Long Pen

MINT

$250.00