Centenary Silver or Simpole

[tcheuchter]

After giving my better half an Omas Arco Milord as a Christmas pressie, she has given the green light to buy my first Conway Stewart. Been lusting after the Centenary Silver Overlay but saw the Simpole in a post here. Anyone have both and can compare or offer advice?

[Mary Burke]

Hi,

 

I can help by posting images so you can compare the overlay designs. The Centenary Overlay is a sold out edition however, there maybe collectors reading this message who can guide you to retailers who may have one in stock. I was speaking with Henry Simpole recently and he explained that it took him a couple of days to create both overlays and that it was very challenging to incorporate the letters, 'C S' into the designs. With the Centenary Overlay, the numbers, '1905' are also featured within the overlay design to celebrate the year Conway Stewart was formed.

Simpole Limited Edition

 

http://www.mvburke.com/images/limitededitions/simpole1.jpg

Centenary Overlay Limited Edition

 

http://www.mvburke.com/imagebank/le/centolay7large.jpg

 

I hope the above helps.

 

With kind regards,

 

Mary Burke

[tcheuchter]

Ta muchly Mary. What are the measurements for each pen?

Edited January 7, 2008 by tcheuchter

[Mary Burke]

Hi,

 

I don't have any of the pens here in my office right now, however I am under the impression that both pens are based on the same resin model. I will check with the UK for dimensions and advise shortly.

 

With kind regards,

 

Mary Burke

 

[girlieg33k]

I have the CS Centenary Silver Overlay and I'm awaiting delivery of the CS Simpole. I'll let you know once I've had a chance to write with both. Approximate dimensions for the CS Centenary Overlay:

-- Capped: 5.875"

-- Uncapped: 5.375"

-- Posted: 7.625"

It's on the heavy-side, but not so heavy that it's unusable.

 

I haven't written with the CS Centenary Overlay yet because I'm waiting for a response from Mary regarding a nib exchange. Mine arrived with an M nib and I was hoping to exchange it with an Italic Fine. I find that with the bigger, heavier CS pens (like the Wellington, for instance) I prefer Italic Fine nibs. If CS cannot do the nib exchange, then it'll be sent to Richard Binder for regrinding. For now, it sits brand new in its box.

 

Although the edition is sold out, I understand that Joon Pens and WorldLux may still have some in stock. Last I checked though, WorldLux only had it left in vermeil -- the silver is sold out, but call to find it. Here are my attempts at some photos:

http://girlieg33k.googlepages.com/CS-Centenary-Overlay_1524.jpg

 

http://girlieg33k.googlepages.com/CS-Centenary-Overlay_1525.jpg

 

http://girlieg33k.googlepages.com/CS-Centenary-Overlay_1527.jpg

 

QM2 posted a review of her CS Centenary Overlay here:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=48455

 

Richard Binder posted dimensions for the CS Simpole here:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...st&p=455574

 

Hope that helps.

 

Kate

[Mescof1]

I haven't written with the CS Centenary Overlay yet because I'm waiting for a response from Mary regarding a nib exchange. Mine arrived with an M nib and I was hoping to exchange it with an Italic Fine. I find that with the bigger, heavier CS pens (like the Wellington, for instance) I prefer Italic Fine nibs. If CS cannot do the nib exchange, then it'll be sent to Richard Binder for regrinding. For now, it sits brand new in its box.

 

Girlieg33k:

 

How do you like the Wellington? I ordered one from Binder 10 days ago and had him set it for a 7 on ink flow. I got the Classic Brown with a fine nib. How long did it take for yours to arrive after the order? I can't wait to get my hands on the thing as by the weight specs it seems to be perfect for me. I have medium hands with long fingers and a heavier pen fits the bill.

 

Does it balance well, and do you prefer it posted or unposted?

 

Thanks,

 

John

Edited January 9, 2008 by Mescof1

[girlieg33k]

John,

 

Since this thread is about two other CS pens, I'll respond by redirecting you to this thread here:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=49024

 

I posted some info on the Wellington there and also updated it with photos. Hope that helps.

 

Best,

Kate

 

[Mescof1]

John,

 

Since this thread is about two other CS pens, I'll respond by redirecting you to this thread here:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=49024

 

I posted some info on the Wellington there and also updated it with photos. Hope that helps.

 

Best,

Kate

 

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[tcheuchter]

Kate, TA for loads of info!!

I await reading more on your impressions of the Centenary and Simpole.

Had not even considered the Wellington but now it is also contender for a first buy.

Edited January 9, 2008 by tcheuchter

[girlieg33k]

I am bumping this thread on the advice of whether to get a Centenary Silver Overlay LE or the Simpole LE. I have received an email from Kevin Cheng (winedoc) that the Simpole LE is on its way and will update the thread yet again when I do finally receive it.

 

Regarding the Centenary Silver Overlay LE, however -- to say that I am disappointed would be an understatement. I sent the pen off for a nib exchange. Happy, happy, joy, joy. Right... Well, it arrived back today -- dropped on my doorstep by the kind UPS man -- with no signature required. If I did not chance upon it before I'm to leave yet again out of town, it would have sat there in subfreezing temperatures for 3-days. This is one instance where I think a "signature required" delivery would have been prudent on Conway Stewart's part -- particularly since it was requested that I send it in that manner when I dispatched it to them. It also would have been nice to get it in the same box/packaging that I sent it in, but Conway Stewart felt the return-shipment did not warrant even a layer of bubble wrap.

 

Now, I have just inspected the returned Centenary Silver Overlay LE, and it appears that between its dispatch for the nib exchange and its return, it has developed a chip/crack on the cap lip. Interesting... Vexing, even... The pen has never even been used, not even dipped. I took it out to inspect it when I took delivery of it from WorldLux, then again to take photographs shown in this thread, and it was obviously handled when CS did the nib exchange.

 

I now own a $1200 pen that I cannot use until CS gets it right. Methinks this is a good argument to go back to just collecting vintage Conway Stewarts. (And no offense meant, but I'm sure Dr. Donahaye is smiling somewhere because that was just the kind of advice he offered to me over and over again in our email exchanges.)

 

I have already emailed Conway Stewart on this issue. But since FPN members have PM'd me on more info on this thread, they obviously are eager to learn about Conway Stewart's products beyond photographs. So I am offering up my personal experience in this instance. The purchase of a $95 Lamy 2000 was more pleasant than the $1200 CS Centenary Overlay LE. All pens, and all brands have their share of QC-issues. I realize this, but lesson learned that I am not to expect more from a $1200 purchase than from a $95 one.

 

My posts here on FPN stand on its merits. I do not bash products on a whim, nor unfairly criticize good-faith efforts by vendors to make things right after-sale. In fact, I will be the first to offer a more measured, reasonable approach to remedying a problem before going on a tirade or attack.

 

But as I said to Mary Burke in my last email, I will not pull punches with her or here because Conway Stewart sells luxury goods to a market that buys its products purely on discretion. We are a fickle, high-maintenance lot -- and if Conway Stewart wishes to maintain any credibility with the kind of customer it seeks to attract, this is NOT how its products and its after-sale service ought to be presented.

 

And with that, I am off to NYC to earn yet more money allowing me to indulge in these kinds of pen purchases. May the trip prove to be grueling so that I more carefully consider where I next spend the extra dosh.

Edited January 29, 2008 by girlieg33k

[Ghost Plane]

Condolences on the crack, sweetie. How frustrating to spend all that and go through all that only to achieve a defect.

 

I believe Scott Lee at PrahaBLEU, an eBay seller, still has one for sale last time I looked if anyone's still looking after all this.

[tcheuchter]

Sorry to hear this. It was you who recommended a Conway Stewart to me. Was looking for my first one at the Philadelphia Show.

Ta much to Ghost Plane for the lead. Will look on ebay but going to hold off on buying my first for now then.

Let's know about the Simpole when you get it.

Ian

Edited January 30, 2008 by tcheuchter

[girlieg33k]

Sorry to hear this. It was you who recommended a Conway Stewart to me.

. . .

Will look on ebay but going to hold off on buying my first for now then.

Ian

Ian,

My post was not intended to deter you from buying Conway Stewart pens all together. As I've noted in other threads slagging CS on the whole, my "disappointment-rate" with CS is no more than the other higher-end brands.

 

To clarify, the issue here is not with the CS Centenary Silver Overlay as a writing instrument because I have not even had a chance to write with it. I cannot attest to anything related to its real purpose as a pen. My disappointment here is how the nib exchange was handled.

 

While I doff my cap to CS for following through on the nib exchange, they lost the plot when they failed to exercise reasonable due care on the return-shipment. They failed to: (1) send the pen back in the original packaging, (2) request a signature for a high value shipment, and mostly importantly (3) ensure that the pen would not be damaged in transit.

 

Mary has already committed to sorting this out, and I thank her for it wholeheartedly. I feel horrible that she has to deal with nonsense that she personally had no part in. She has requested that I arrange to send the pen out yet again. This time it will be be at CS's cost, and not mine. (Small consolation, but I'll take it where I can get it.) The pen will be dispatched back to the UK for repair. They need to remove the overlay and replace it on a brand new cap. The pen and I are now angling for frequent flyer mileage.

 

I was not, nor am I, advocating that you or anyone else hold off buying Conway Stewart pens. My post was directed at Conway Stewart to say that if they are going to court customers willing to pay those kinds of prices, they best realize that market segment will demand what it pays for, full stop -- including an after-sale customer service that does justice to their brand. Mistakes happen, QC-issues come up, but the company needs to be more vigilant in maintaining confidence in their brand.

 

I do have one parting thought, and I offer it hoping to redeem my reaction in the matter. As I traveled last night, still fuming over what happened, I realized just how silly it all was... The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They make the best of everything that they have. And with that, upon arriving in my hotel room, I whipped out the trusty Lamy 2000, wrote some lyrics, called some friends to let them know I arrived safe, and did a happy dance...

 

[winedoc]

Oh No. You are traveling?? Anyone home to sign for the package? #77 is on the way as I type. Should be quite safe as someone would need to sign for the package.

 

Mary has been great to deal with, so I am sure she will sort this all out for you. This is why it's important for a retailer such as myself to learn how to change these nibs. I usually request to have nibs sent to me, I then change the nibs before sending back to customer. Anyway, I am sure everything will work out at the end for you. I agree with the signature confirmation thing. I use sig confirmation with any pens remotley close to USD100.

 

safe travel.

 

Best,

 

Kevin

[Mary Burke]

Hi,

 

I am glad you felt comfortable to bring this situation for all to read and more importantly that you mentioned that I will personally make sure that your pen cap is replaced. Again, please let me know when you are back from your travels so I can arrange for UPS to collect your pen.

 

I hope you take the time to update this board with your experience once your receive your pen back from the UK.

 

With kind regards,

 

Mary Burke

[girlieg33k]

Oh No. You are traveling?? Anyone home to sign for the package? #77 is on the way as I type. Should be quite safe as someone would need to sign for the package.

The CS Simpole arrived safe and sound. The handyman happened to be at my home, and signed for it. It was waiting for me on the kitchen counter when I arrived back from my travels. I wanted to let everyone know the CS Simpole LE that I received from Kevin is perfect. I flushed it overnight, and it is loaded with Montegrappa Blue as I type this... I used it to journal this morning and it signed several documents throughout the day. It's lovely, and thank you to Kevin for making sure it arrived safe and in working order.

 

As far as the CS Centenary Silver Overlay, as I noted previously, Mary Burke and I are sorting out its return to the UK for the cap repair. Dick Egolf at LuxBrands has sent an apology and has also notified me that they will be returning the original packaging (hopefully with all the paperwork) that I sent to LuxBrands when I sent the pen in for a nib exchange.

 

Lastly, I'm not sure if LuxBrands (where it was sent for the nib exchange) did a nib swap or a section swap. I noticed that the feed is different than on my current production Conway Stewart pens, and the section (where one inserts the converter) is not threaded like on the Duros, Duro Heritage, Wellington, and of course, the Simpole. I'm not sure if this is how the Centenary Silver Overlay was produced, but we'll sort it out. I just wanted to update the thread and to publicly thank Mary Burke for all her help.

Edited February 4, 2008 by girlieg33k

[winedoc]

Glad you like the pen and that it arrived safely. Enjoy it in good health.

 

The feed and section on Centenary is different than the current production Simpole. The feed is different and the converter is pushed in not screwed in.

 

Best,

 

kevin