u/KingsCountyWriter

Verification

The Pilot Lady was released alongside the Elite as a stylish, sometimes fun option to the sometimes staid Elite line. As with all pocket pens, when closed the pen is small enough to fit comfortably into a pocket or purse. When posted, it becomes a full size pen, ready for a range of writing and drawing experiences. These two Ladys feature matching metal caps and white sections that show pop-inspired graphics. The Pilot Elite is the crosshatched main cap and black back cap and provides a lowkey counterpoint to the energy of the Ladys. All of the pens take modern Pilot cartridges or the Con-40 converters. Prices are inclusive of USPS shipping in the USA; foreign orders please inquire for additional costs. All sub rules apply; please respond publicly before DMing. 

The first Lady has matching metal caps that are a lightly tinted blue silver tone. There is a fleur-de-lys graphic at the openings, separated by a knurled locking ring. The body of the pen is white and has very light stain marks close to the nib. The silver toned fingernail nib is 14k <F> and writes a very smooth wet line. The pen is in excellent shape and outside of the faint staining near the nib, shows very few signs of use. The sloping clip is silver toned, matching the locking ring and the nib. B+ condition, $90 USPS insured and shipped. 

* * * S O L D * * * The second Lady has matching gold toned metal caps that are decorated with hearts from the openings. The locking ring is faceted and gold toned, matching the sloping clip and gold nib. The 18k <F> nib writes a smooth line, but isn’t as wet as the other Lady. There are some use marks on the cap, but no dings or gouges. The white section is lightly stained near the nib. 
B condition, $90 USPS insured and shipped.

The PIlot Elite has a 14k <F> nib, H1180, that writes smoothly and slightly wet. The nib is in good condition but shows some use. The section and back cap show wear, but no gouges or etched lines. The metal crosshatched cap has black etched lines that have done a great job of protecting this pen over its 40 year life span. B- condition, $125 USPS insured and shipped.

Also available:

White Pilot Elite <M> 18k

Black Pilot Elite <F> 18k

Verification

For sale today are three Pilots from the early to mid-1970s. Thls line of pocket pens is called the Lady, and sold alongside of their Elite line. As with other pocket pens, these pens were small enough to fit into a purse or pocket to travel with. Once posted, they became larger, full sized pens, capable everyday writing tasks. The Lady line enjoyed a number of different body designs, but for the most part, centered around a yellow-toned 14k or 18k <F> nib, which is what is offered here. The pens all take modern Pilot cartridges, one of which will be included with each pen. The Con-20 and Con-40 converters also fit and are not included. The Lady design featured a stylish sloping clip design, which Pilot stopped once the line was discontinued. These pens all feature a different floral motif either on both metal caps or just the main cap, if the back cap isn't metal. 

* * * S O L D * * * The first Lady, a 14k <F> nib, has the smoothest and wettest writing nib of the lot. Both caps feature the printed red floral motif, and there are use marks throughout the pen, but no gouges or deep scratches. The white section close to the nib shows staining. The pen seals well and the clip is functional. C+ condition, $85 USPS insured and shipped. 

* * * S O L D * * * The next Lady has a white section with 2 metal caps with a printed gold motif. The 14k <F> nib writes a fine line with a slight amount of feedback, the most of the three Ladys here. The line is slightly narrower too. The section is lightly stained and the locking ring is knurled.  C condition, $85 USPS insured and shipped.

* * * S O L D * * * The last Lady has a red section and matching back cap. The metal cap has a gold printed, fleur-de-lys inspired motif. There are use marks throughout the body, but no gouges or chips. The 18k  nib writes a wet line smoothly, without feedback. The locking ring is faceted and matches the gold sloping clip. C- condition, $85 USPS insured and shipped.

• Also available:
• Pilot Elite 18k Soft & Pilot Elite 18k <M> inlaid
• I don’t know why people are sleeping on this white Pilot Elite 18k <M>
• Pilot Elite 18k <F> inlaid
• Pilot Elite 18k <F> dart nib, H173

Verification

I am sharing four pocket pens by Pilot today. They show the wide range of nib types and body materials that Pilot was innovating during the late 1960s - 1970s in fierce and creative competition with other pen manufacturers. All of the pens are great writers and they all take contemporary Pilot cartridges. A new cartridge will be included with each pen. They also take the Con-20 and Con-40 converters, which are not included. As with all pocket pens, when closed they fit nicely into a pocket or purse, and when posted, they emerge as full-sized pens. All sub rules apply; please publicly respond before DMing. Prices are inclusive of USPS shipping throughout the USA; foreign shipping after a conversation about additional fees. Thanks for looking!

**pending** First up is a Pilot Myu-25 with a <F> nib. The nib is dated H175 and the back cap is dated PB15 (January 1975 & February 15, 1975). The body is covered in a black matte that shows few use marks. The nib is very clean and shows no corrosion on the collar. The pen writes a slightly dry line with a bit of feedback. The pen is in very good B+ condition; $90 USPS insured and shipped. If someone is interested, please still DM as this pen's availability is contingent on an earlier expressed interest.

This Pilot Elite has an 18k Soft nib. The date on the back cap reads JB15 (February 15, 1969). The 18k insignia on the back cap is worn but legible. The fingernail-style, yellow toned nib writes a line that is decidedly soft and it produces a wet line that is closer to an <FM> width. It’s a very wet writer. . The body has use marks, but nothing egregious. The pen seals well and the clip works as designed. B condition; $90 USPS insured and shipped. 

This classic Pilot Elite is the direct predecessor to the current E95s in terms of nib shape and body size. This Elite has an 18k inlaid <M> nib that writes slightly wet and with some  bounce. The nib is dated H377 and the back cap is dated RD10 (March 1977 & April 10, 1977). The section has the name WAKABARI engraved on it. There are use marks on the pen as Wakabari-san has made use of and enjoyed their time with it! C+ condition; $90 USPS insured and shipped. 

The last Pilot Elite is one of their flagship models in the Elite line. The 18k <F> dart-styled nib is dated H676 and it smoothly writes a precise, slightly wet line with a bit of bounce. The full crosshatch across the body has done an excellent job of protecting the pen, as it shows few signs of use. The pen seals well and the clip works as designed. B+ condition; $170 USPS insured and shipped. 

Also available:

• White 18k <M> Pilot Elite in case!
• Pilot Elite 18k <F> with dart-styled nib
• Pilot Elite 18k <F> with dart-styled nib

Verification

The Pilot Elite is a pocket pen that has been in production since the late 1960s. Pilot has released a number of different versions of the pen with a variety of body styles, materials and nib sizes. As with all pocket pens, when closed, the pen fits into a small pocket or purse. When posted, it extends into a full sized writing tool, capable or use for taking short notes or longer writing sessions. These three Elites are the classic black with gold nibs and accents. I’m sharing three different nib widths, which were standard offerings in the 1970s, when these pens were released. They’re all precursors of the current E95s, but difference with all three set it apart from their modern descendant. A new Pilot cartridge will be included with each pen. The Con-20 and Con-40 converters will also fit, as should clone Pilot cartridges. All sub rules apply; please respond publicly before DMing. All prices are for USPS shipping throughout the United States; foreign shipping please inquire privately.

The first Elite has an 18k inlaid <F> nib dated H977, or September 1977. The back cap is dated RK13 or November 13, 1977. The yellow gold nib  smoothly writes a precise line. There are light use marks on the body. This is the same shaped nib as the E95s, but 18k as opposed to the E95s at 14k. The clip has some lateral movement, as it moves slightly from side to side. It lifts and clips as it should, but has extra movement. C grade for the clip movement. $80 USPS insured and shipped. 

The next Elite has a dart-styled 14k <M> nib that is dated H1175. The back cap is dated QA11. The pen writes a very smooth line and the yellow gold nib is gleaming and has few signs of use. There are very light scratches on the back cap and section. I would rate this pen a B as it’s in very good condition. $85 USPS insured and shipped.

* * * S O L D * * * The last Pilot Elite has a 14k <B> nib that writes a wet line very smoothly. On the ancient composition book that I used for the writing sample, the paper caused the ink to feather massively, but it’s not because of the pen’s design. The nib is dated H478 and the back cap reads SE114. There are very light use marks throughout, and the pen is in very good condition, with a gleaming yellow nib. B condition, $85 USPS insured and shipped. 

Also available:

• A Pilot Elite with an 18k <F> dart nib

* * * S O L D * * *

Verification

This is for a previously offered Amber Pilot Custom 823 with an <M> nib. A couple of folks have DM'ed about it and now it's available again. The pen is flawless and writes beautifully. I filled the tank and used it once. Also included is a 30ml bottle of Birmingham Pen's Coking Coal.

The writing sample in the verification is NOT from the Custom 823 being offered, but a different one with an <M> nib. The writing sample from the previous post is with the pen that is being offered.

A2 condition; $300 USPS insured and shipped.

All sub rules apply. Please respond publicly before DMing. Thanks for looking.

Two Pilot Elites with full crosshatch patterns, on the main and back cap. Although both nibs are 18k, my favorite is the inlaid, which is <F> nib on this pen. The dart styled <M> writes a nice line too, but I like the larger inlaid version on this pen which makes a nice visual statement. Both are slightly soft when writing and are a nice alternative to the stainless steel Custom Black Stripe (K-500SS) or the Custom Sterling Silver (K-1000SS), which both also feature an 18k inlaid nib.

Few countries do stationery like Japan. No crowds, unless it's a special release of some sort, and even for those, people queue up respectfully. Multiple venues and outlets support the hobby, although it's difficult to categorize it as such. People write by hand and still innovate. Continually. I was only there for 3 weeks and had to cut my visit short, but these are some of the things I brought back. My family is still there and have other things in their bags, but this is what I brought back to entertain me for the remainder of the summer.

1. The Kobe 89 ink had been on my list. It's a lovely grey that's got a strong brownish green foundation. It went on sale when we were there and it was nice to acquire a bottle along with JR Sepia Purple and the Shinkaichi Gold 22. The 89 immediately went into a newly acquired Myu.
2. Found a mustard-yellow Pilot Capless that had no nib unit, but I put in a <B> to solve that. The Custom is a 823 with a <M> nib, NOS and the Elite has an 18k <F> nib that went into service immediately, no cleaning necessary.
3. Some of the vintage fountain pens I found. Most of them need to be cleaned, there's a Pilot 70 that is brand new, a Sailor pocket pen that came at it's 1970's price of ¥3000 and a couple of stainless steel Volexes that are NOS.

I made a quick stop into a Bookoff in Sendai and what did I find? A Pilot Volex with an <M> nib! I flushed it for a couple of days, but I still don't think it's fully clean. There was a cartridge inserted, and the nib is slightly rougher than I'm used to <M> steel Pilot nibs, but it's a nice acquisition nonetheless. I'm going to have to pace myself while I'm in Japan as I have some visits scheduled to a couple of older shops that have been around since the early 1900s.

In any case, I'll be more frugal when visiting Bookoff and their many spinoffs. It's going to be a long summer.

Verification

For sale today are vintage 4 pocket pens from Pilot. When closed, all of the pens are small fit into a purse or pocket. When posted, they become full sized writing tools for quick notes or longer writing experiences. The pens span the 1970s decade and offer a range of gold content, nib types and finishes. The pens take a modern Pilot cartridge, one of which will be included with each pen. They also take the Con-40 and Con-20 converters, which are not included. All sub rules apply; please comment publicly before DMing. 

* * * S O L D * * * The classic black and gold Pilot Elite has a 14k <M> nib dated H476. The back cap reads QH08 or August 8, 1976. The pen is in very good condition with a gleaming dart-styled nib. It’s a smooth <M> width nib, that’s not too inky or dry on the page. B+ condition, $90 USPS insured and shipped. 

* * * S O L D * * * Pilot Elite 18k Script nib. Coral section and back cap dated  KA04 (January 4, 1970). A very smooth writer with a significantly harder 18k nib. Metal gold-toned cap shows light wear. The 18k logo on the back cap is missing its color. B- condition, $85 USPS insured and shipped.

Pilot Volex <F> H579. Stainless steel body and nib. Very smooth writing nib. Pristine body and nib in excellent condition. The pen seals nicely. B+ condition; $90 USPS insured and shipped. 

* * * S O L D * * * Pilot Elite 18k <F>. No date code present. Gold-toned metal caps with light design at openings. White section. Smooth writing, slightly stiff nib. Faceted locking ring and sloping clip. B condition, $90 USPS insured and shipped.

Also available:

• NOS Pilot Elite <B> 14k
• Pilot Custom 823 14k <M> Amber
• Pilot Elite Full Crosshatch, 18k <F>
• Pilot Elite 18k <F> & Pilot Short 14k
• Pilot Lady 14k <F> & MP Set
• Pilot Custom Grandee 14k <F>
• Pilot Elite 14k Crosshatch <F>

Verification

For sale today are three classic Pilot Elites. With nibs and a colorway from the 1970s, which was the beginning of Pilot’s pocket pen innovations that competed for the Japanese Yen. As with all pocket pens, when closed, these pens are small enough to fit into a pocket or purse and can be carried daily. When posted, they become full-sized writing tools, comfortable for a variety of hand sizes and writing needs. Each pen comes with a new Pilot cartridge and they all take a Con-40 or Con-20 converter. All sub rules apply; please comment publicly before DMing. 

* * * * S O L D * * * The first Elite has an 14k <M> nib that puts down a very well smooth line. The dart nib is dated H776 and the back cap reads OH08, or August 8, 1974. The sticker is intact and the pen is in excellent B+ condition with few signs of use. $90 USPS insured and shipped. 

* * * * S O L D * * * The next Elite has a 18k <F> nib and puts down a smooth, but drier line than the above Elite. It’s a very clean pen that features a white section and a gold-toned metal cap. The back cap reads OB17 or February 17, 1974. The cap has a sloping design that Pilot abandoned, but its very effective and stylish. The sticker is worn but legible. There is a light scroll design along the bottom of the cap. B condition, $90 USPS insured and shipped. EDIT: Yes! This Elite comes with the pictured case from around the same era.

* * * * S O L D * * * The last Elite also sports the classic black and gold design as the first pen, but it features an 18k Manifold nib. The back cap date is KX19 or December 19, 1970. This pen is in excellent condition with few signs of use. It’s a smooth writer, and the fingernail style nib gleams and writes a lovely line, comparable to an <FM> or <M>. The section is slightly girthier than the other Elites. B+ condition, $90 USPS insured and shipped.

Also available:

• Pilot Custom Amber 14k <M>
• Pilot Elite Crosshatch <F> 14k
• NOS Pilot Elite <B> 14k
• Pilot Custom Grandee 14k <EF>
• Pilot Lady Set: 14k <F> fountain pen & MP
• Pilot Elite 18k <F> & Pilot Short 14k

David Zwirner Books in Chelsea is having their Archive sale. Lot's of titles are available, including this classic by Roy DeCarava and Langston Hughes. Zwirner is presenting "The Sound I Saw" by Decarava in September at their Los Angeles space, showing over 200 photographs.

Also available is Diane Arbus Documents and plenty of non-photography art books.

Verification

For sale today are a variety of vintage pocket pens from Pilot, ranging in age from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s. All the pens write a smooth <F> line and exhibit a range of design choices that have lead to the contemporary E95S (Elite) which is currently being sold as Pilot’s only pocket fountain pen.  These pens all take modern Pilot cartridges, one of which is included with each pen. The Con-20 and Con-40 converters also work. All sub rules apply; please respond publicly before DMing. 

First up is a black bodied, Pilot Myu-25 with an  <F> nib dated H275. The back cap has a matching date of PC17 (March 17, 1975). The stainless steel nib writes a smooth, slightly drier line than any of the following pens. The body is in very good condition with no fading. There are light use marks along the cap and body. The snappy clip is functional and the pen seals and posts well. B rating; $115 USPS insured and shipped.  

**Next is a Pilot pocket pen with a 14k <F> nib and silver metal caps that sport a floral motif. The section is coral toned, and there are light use marks throughout the silver toned body, but nothing outstanding. The 14k <F> nib smoothly writes a nice line. The gold toned clip is a sloping design that Pilot abandoned in the 1970s and is very stylish. B rating; $90 USPS insured and shipped. 

The black & gold Pilot Elite has an 18k <F> dart-styled nib that writes a smooth, wet fine line. The gleaming gold nib has a slightly worn, but legible code of H173 (January 1973). The body is in good condition with very light wear. The back cap is dated NA29 (January 29, 1973). The pen seals nicely and is an excellent writer. B- rating, $85 USPS insured and shipped. 

The next two pens are the Pilot Shorts, a pen that has a telescopic section that turns it into a full size writer from its small pocket pen dimensions. They both have a ciselle-patterned body, one in a gold R14k metal-clad body and cap and the other in stainless steel. The bodies are in very good condition and the silver body has a small ding. Both nibs are 14k and write an <F> width line, and are not visibly marked. The gold pen is a wetter writer and they both have a soft bounce when writing. The telescoping section extends the pen from 11.5cm closed to 14.3cm posted.

• Gold 14k Pilot Short, HX18 (December 18, 1967): C+ rating, $115, USPS insured and shipped. 
• Silver 14k Pilot Short,  IN02 or February 2, 1968); C rating.  $100, USPS insured and shipped.

Also available:

• Pilot Fancy Lady 14k <F> Pocket Pen & Mechanical Pencil Set
• Pilot Custom Grandee 14k <F>
• NOS Pilot Elite 14k <B>
• Pilot Elite 18k Crosshatch

Verification

For sale today are two Pilot Elites, one a classic black & gold and the other with a crosshatch stainless cap. The Pilot Elite pocket pen has been available in many iterations over its almost 60 year history. The basic premise is that when its closed, it fits into a pocket or purse and when the cap is posted, it turns into a full sized writer. Both pens have 14k <F>, dart-styled nibs that write a smooth, fine line. The black & gold Elite has a gold toned 14k nib dated H177 (January 1977) and the crosshatched Elite has a rhodium-tipped 14k <F> nib dated H779 (July 1979). Both write very similar lines. Both pens take contemporary Pilot cartridges, one of which is included with each. They also take the Con-20 or Con-40 converter, which not included. Both pens are rated vintage B condition as they are in very good shape with very light signs of use. 

• * * * S O L D * * * Pilot Elite black/gold: $85 USPS insured and shipped. 
• Pilot Elite Crosshatched: $125 USPS insured and shipped.

 

All sub rules apply. Please respond publicly before DMing.

Other available pens: 

• Pilot Lady Set, 14k <F> & MP
• Pilot Elite & Short Telescopics, 14k <F>
• Pilot Custom Grandee 14k <F>
• NOS Pilot Elite 14k <B>

How does one fill the lead? And change the eraser? I'm a noob and know nothing about MPs and this came with a fountain pen. I see the eraser, which is shot and I'd like to refill it with lead. I think there might be leads in there, but I don't see how to remove it as the eraser doesn't move. This is from the mid-1970s. TIA!

Verification

For sale today is a very nice set consisting of a Pilot 14k<F> fountain pen and a Pilot 0.5 mechanical pencil. Both tools show light use marks. The FP shows light marks on the cap and the nose, close to the nib shows light staining from a dark ink. The MP has light marks on the body and the eraser is worn out. The FP writes a smooth line with its shiny, white nib. The pen takes standard Pilot cartridges (one included) or the Con-20 or Con-40 converter. The box is not original, but it’s included. B- rating; $120 USPS insured and shipped. All sub rules apply; please respond publicly before DMing. Thanks for looking!

Also available:

• Pilot Custom Grandee 14k <EF>
• Pilot Elite & Shorts <F> 14k & 18k
• NOS Pilot Elite <B> 14k