Cross Pen Reference Sources

[MLKirk]

As a newbie to Cross history, but a longtime owner and user of Cross ballpoints (back to the 70's), I have not seen much in terms of model history in the Cross line. At this time, I'm particularly interested in more info on the ballpoints. Last week, I found a gold Century BP (at least that's what I think it is) with traits of which I'm unfamiliar.

 

1. The pen is marked "1/20th 14K Gold Filled". Not so unusual.

2. The "Cross" name is written in script on the clip. Not in caps and printed like I usually see.

3. The black top is not as long as the ones I've had for years.

4. The gold dot on the top of the black top is smaller than I've seen before.

 

Having no reference to consult, anyone have ideas on the time frame of this pen?

 

I do not know the difference between a Century I and a Century II.

I can use some educating.

 

Nice looking gold, BTW. It's a bit lighter yellow than I'm used to seeing.

TIA.

[MLKirk]

Here's another angle shot.

[MLKirk]

Here's a comparison between my 90's Chrome BP.

[MLKirk]

And here's the comparison of the end dots with the same pens.

[jjb_13]

While it may not help with this specific identification, there is an excellent Cross product history in chronological order up to 1999 at the following site:

 

 

Cross Product History

[Otherjohn]

Did you ever identify the pen? I have a fountain pen with the exact same markings. Even the grooves on the barrel are the same. The nib is marked 14k 585. I have no idea where or when I acquired this pen. I want to say I've had it from the mid to late 80's.

 

Any help identifying this model and getting it back into writing condition would be appreciated.

 

John

[cuza]

The black plastic tops on the caps, in the photos you provided, are common among the metal Classics. The one on the chrome pen is "full sized" and the one on the gold pen is smaller, indicating that the pen is a 14K gold pen. If the gold pen had a black plastic top the size of the chrome pen, it would be the 10K version of the Classic gold pen. The 18K gold pen has yet another cap top design as did the coloured Classics. Suggest you visit the following link for current information regarding Cross Classic Century cap designs:

 

See link.

 

 

-- cuza

Edited March 1, 2010 by cuza