Marukin Company?

[Ambien]

Anyone have any info about their pens? Yes, I checked Google. Recently looking at a leverfiller FP marked Economy and M.O. & Company on barrel with a Marukin nib. Thanks.

[stan]

Marukin was a maker of high-end fountain pens in the 1930s.

I have/had several. Pictures are from my files.

 

 

[Ambien]

Thanks for the detailed photos & info. The nib does look rather small compared to the rest of the pen. I guess it's a franken pen.

Edited June 19, 2014 by Csrae

[stan]

Both nibs are marked MARUKIN. Since both were custom models, it must be assumed the nibs came with the pen.

One of the nibs is quite substantial. One often sees seemingly smallish nibs on large pens and, any relationship between size or pen and nib, is only your assumption.

 

The term 'Frankenpen' is usually reserved for pens cobbled together from parts of two or more makers.

Not when a nib from another maker is used on a pen.

 

Many Japanese pens from smaller makers have nibs from Pilot, for example, or other companies.

it was not uncommon for makers to buy nibs from different nibmakers and use them for their products, or use whatever nibs they had available.

[Ambien]

Both nibs are marked MARUKIN. Since both were custom models, it must be assumed the nibs came with the pen.

One of the nibs is quite substantial. One often sees seemingly smallish nibs on large pens and, any relationship between size or pen and nib, is only your assumption.

 

The term 'Frankenpen' is usually reserved for pens cobbled together from parts of two or more makers.

Not when a nib from another maker is used on a pen.

 

Many Japanese pens from smaller makers have nibs from Pilot, for example, or other companies.

it was not uncommon for makers to buy nibs from different nibmakers and use them for their products, or use whatever nibs they had available.

 

I see, I apologize for misusing the term "frankenpen" to refer to the the pen I listed in OP. I guess I'll keep looking around then. Thanks for the explanation about different Japanese nibmakers.

[stan]

Here's another Marukin from my collection. I may have a few more. Need to check.

 

http://ryojusen-pens.com/resources/Marukin+Six-Sided+1.JPGhttp://ryojusen-pens.com/resources/Marukin+Six-Sided+2.JPG

[Ambien]

OT:I wonder how do you check for nib sizes on vintage Japanese pens? Is it marked somewhere on the pen? Are modern nib sizes accurate for vintage nibs? Does superflex exist or only soft nibs?

 

Hmm, is there a catalog of all the different models created by MARUKIN? Perhaps, some kind of advert... Not that I could read Japanese if I found it. Thanks for the additional photos. I'm familiar with the big 3 but smaller companies are always interesting too.

Edited June 20, 2014 by Csrae

[stan]

OT:I wonder how do you check for nib sizes on vintage Japanese pens? Is it marked somewhere on the pen? Are modern nib sizes accurate for vintage nibs? Does superflex exist or only soft nibs?

 

Hmm, is there a catalog of all the different models created by MARUKIN? Perhaps, some kind of advert... Not that I could read Japanese if I found it. Thanks for the additional photos. I'm familiar with the big 3 but smaller companies are always interesting too.

 

I collect vintage Japanese pens with a focus on 1930s and certain 1950s and 1970s model.

Over the past 15 years i have acquired/bought/sold/etc. more older Japanese pens than anyone in America. And, that's a fact.

 

Am i an expert. I don't think so as whenever I have the slightest thought i've seen it all something new comes to my attention.

I have books too and communicate with a number of collectors in Japan.

 

Nib sizes vary by maker. One companies <6> or <8> is different from another.

Modern sizes mean nothing compared to vintage pens.

 

Most vintage nibs are the equivalent of modern FINE. Pilot had the greatest variety of nibs but, the majority of older pens still out there are not by Pilot. they are from the hundreds of small makers. jobbers, and mom & pop shops that serviced the stationary industry.

 

I have done extensive searches for MARUKIN in both English and Japanese. Nothing has been found. The info might be out there but, I have yet to find it. Occasionally, one finds older pen catalogues on Yahoo Japan. But, that would be a waste of time and effort for minimal return. AllI know comes from communication with friends in Japan. One might think that Lambrou/Sunami in their FPOJ might mention Marukin or Northstar (another premium maker) but, they do not. They have their agenda and custom pens from the 1930s are not there.

 

This is my edited comment. There are a good number of premium makers from the 1920s, 1930s, and 1950s that are never referenced in publications or are otherwise unknown. I could make a list but, collect them and do not need competition. Sorry. i'm selfish. The two mentioned Marukin and Northstar are found more often than others. Many older pens were lost over time due to war, misuse, and time. Today, it is rare for older pens to come up for sale regardless of quality, maker, or type. After seeing many many pens it becomes easy to discern quality. I regularly see foreign buyers on Yahoo Japan who are totally clueless. I wish i could provide guidance but, none is available. just go for what pleases you and meets your collecting or using preferences.

[Ambien]

I'm curious about the idea of custom pens. Did "premiere makers" craft commissioned FPs or did they sell a limited amount of rare FPs to the public? The only thing I can think of when I read "custom" pens are Nakayas who accept both regular and bespoke orders.

 

It's a shame that there aren't records about MARUKIN or other small companies around. I looked up FPOJ but Amazon seems to be only offering used copies. Overall, I find FPN to be the best source of info for all global FP companies. Is there a Japanese equivalent of FPN? I know there are other language specific forums for FPs online.

 

I'd like to be able to browse Yahoo Japan but my limited Japanese knowledge and funds probably will not allow much interest. I have seen some no-name eyedroppers listed on eBay from Japanese sellers. Are these NOS? Google search didn't bring up anything useful.

 

Nevertheless, thanks for the advice about researching vintage Japanese FPs. There's not that much discussion surrounded vintage Japanese FPs apart from the modern companies.

[stan]

I'm curious about the idea of custom pens. Did "premiere makers" craft commissioned FPs or did they sell a limited amount of rare FPs to the public? The only thing I can think of when I read "custom" pens are Nakayas who accept both regular and bespoke orders.

 

It's a shame that there aren't records about MARUKIN or other small companies around. I looked up FPOJ but Amazon seems to be only offering used copies. Overall, I find FPN to be the best source of info for all global FP companies. Is there a Japanese equivalent of FPN? I know there are other language specific forums for FPs online.

 

I'd like to be able to browse Yahoo Japan but my limited Japanese knowledge and funds probably will not allow much interest. I have seen some no-name eyedroppers listed on eBay from Japanese sellers. Are these NOS? Google search didn't bring up anything useful.

 

Nevertheless, thanks for the advice about researching vintage Japanese FPs. There's not that much discussion surrounded vintage Japanese FPs apart from the modern companies.

 

1. I have not seen any pens truly custom made for clients although I am confident such did occur. It makes sense. A better way to think of it is as Limited Editions. Makers would craft a pen for someone based on a sample or model. they would provide the proper feed and nib as desired by the client. Quality materials were used in each step of production.

 

2. There was no reason to keep records. Besides many records were lost in WWII. Sailor, for example, lost their entire records of pen production when their factory was bombed. What we find are scant bits and pieces and memories from the past. There is no Japanese equivalent of FPN, per se. There are several blogs. Very rarely is there discussion of older pens.

 

3. Access Yahoo Japan through shoppingmalljapan.com or use Google Translate. shoppingmalljapan translates automatically. Neither is perfect and you will be okay for about 80% of your needs. There are other better translation software online but, you will need to copy and paste.

 

Most older japanese pens have names inscribed on the barrels or have some identifier. Very few are truly no name pens. Nibs are not a good identifier. Many 1950s pens have nibs marked STEADY. This is not a manufacturer, only a nibmaker from who the manufacturer bought the nib. You will also need the four digit number beneath STEADY to properly identify the nibmaker.

 

4. There is not much discussion because more modern pens are nicer eye candy, there is a lack of awareness and knowledge of older pens, and there is comfort in buying/using pens that are new and if flawed one can go back to the manufacturer.

 

I collect older pens due to their rarity, unique character, and outstanding nibs. It is also more challenging to build a collection that comprises pens I cannot find on a shelf or dozens in a show.

[Ambien]

1. Interesting, I'm impressed at the level of customization available for vintage Japanese FPs. I know businesses could commission pen companies to create a company brand for local sales in the past but I didn't consider individuals who would order specific models adjusted for their preferences. Yes, custom FPs companies still exist in modern times but it sounds like it was more common in Japan than in the West. I'd love to order a custom Sheaffer Lifetime flat top in a different material or nib.

 

2. I did find a few Japanese pen blogs when I was looking around for info. I even "read" reviews translated by Chrome about Waterman's 52. From your exp, is vintage FP collecting a niche hobby? In a way I like to think that reading or keeping records about past pen productions connects people to the present day companies. For example, how each company developed and tested individual methods for the future even though they might not see it in their life time. I guess I could call it a "legacy"?

 

3. Thanks, I did try C&P names but I more or less gave up after I kept getting no results. Did nib makers just specialize in nibs or did they branch out? I did read about how "jobbers" assembled pens for local stores and they all must had some shared source of materials.

 

4. I'm surprised that there's not that much interest because many of the unique nibs are linked to the past vintage nibs like the PO nib by Pilot. If it weren't for certain requirements, I don't think there would be that much of a wide variety of nib styles available now. Also, I know flex is very popular in the West but are soft nibs preferred over hard nibs?

 

Thanks again, for sharing your knowledge and collection of MARUKIN FPs. I'm a novice around FPs and I always like learning new facts about unique collections.

Edited June 21, 2014 by Csrae

[stan]

1. Interesting, I'm impressed at the level of customization available for vintage Japanese FPs. I know businesses could commission pen companies to create a company brand for local sales in the past but I didn't consider individuals who would order specific models adjusted for their preferences. Yes, custom FPs companies still exist in modern times but it sounds like it was more common in Japan than in the West. I'd love to order a custom Sheaffer Lifetime flat top in a different material or nib.

 

Think in terms of Nakaya.

 

2. I did find a few Japanese pen blogs when I was looking around for info. I even "read" reviews translated by Chrome about Waterman's 52. From your exp, is vintage FP collecting a niche hobby? In a way I like to think that reading or keeping records about past pen productions connects people to the present day companies. For example, how each company developed and tested individual methods for the future even though they might see it in their life time. I guess I could call it a "legacy"?

 

Pen collecting in general is a niche hobby.

3. Thanks, I did try C&P names but I more or less gave up after I kept getting no results. Did nib makers just specialize in nibs or did they branch out? I did read about how "jobbers" assembled pens for local stores and they all must had some shared source of materials.

 

There were a good number of companies that only made nibs. Not sure of shared source of materials. Pen blanks tend to be uniquely. I have had very minor success using one makers cap on anothers barrel or one makers sectio on another pen.

4. I'm surprised that there's not that much interest because many of the unique nibs are linked to the past vintage nibs like the PO nib by Pilot. If it weren't for certain requirements, I don't think there would be that much of a wide variety of nib styles available now. Also, I know flex is very popular in the West but are soft nibs preferred over hard nibs?

 

Owing to the complexity of Japanese characters, stiffer fine nibs are preferred. I believe the larger softer nibs are designed to mimic a traditional calligraphy brush. This is only my guess.

Thanks again, for sharing your knowledge and collection of MARUKIN FPs. I'm a novice around FPs and I always like learning new facts about unique collections.