Justrite Flat-top Fp

[br549]

I recently picked up a Justrite branded FP on Ebay and I wanted to give a small review since it looks like I'm the first for this paticular brand.

 

On first impression, I would have to give it a 8/10. I admit I may be a bit biased, since this is my first flat-top. The body of the pen has a nice striped green celluloid pattern and all the metal fixtures are shiny and free of corrosion. The clip is a bit crooked, but still firmly attached and there are traces of what may have been a cap band, but it is no longer present. It's to be expected on a pen of this make and vintage.

Sorry if the picture is blurry, it was the best I could do with the camera I have.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e330/br553/009.jpg

 

On size and general construction, I give a 9/10 out of personal preferences. Like many vintage flat-tops, it seems quite large. It is 5.25 in length when capped, 6.75 inches in length when posted. The barrel is .5 inches in diameter, the cap is about 11/16 of an inch wide. The only negative mark I give is for a loose fit between the barrel and section, but this may be due to age. The pic below is this pen next to what I think is an early Sheaffer Sentinel, for size comparison.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e330/br553/022.jpg

 

For nib and writing characteristics, I can't really give it a fair score since until recently, nearly all of my FP's have been 3rd tier. The nib is marked 14k GOLD PLATE. It is a "spoon" nib where, instead of an iridium or built up tip, the metal at the tip is curved downward then up much like a spoon as the name implies. As a result, it is rather scratchy, and if not held at the right angle, it can catch on the paper. It does seem to have some flex, but I cant see much variation in my random writing sample below. The ink used is Private Reserve Tropical Blue.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e330/br553/018.jpg

 

Over all, I would say it is a typical example of many 3rd tier pens that are available, but for a total cost of $17.00 for a nearly fully refurbished flat top pen, the low cost makes up for any shortcomings in the design

Edited December 9, 2010 by br549

[lovemy51]

it looks like a really nice specimen of a 3rd tier pen. i'm a cheap vintage pen buff.

 

thx for the review!

[br549]

You're welcome. It is one of the better 3rd tier examples I have, whoever refurbished it did a decent job, IMO.

Edited December 9, 2010 by br549

[freewheelingvagabond]

These vintage flat-top pens (Sheaffer's in particular) are the inspiration behind the Sheaffer No-nonsense.

Thanks for the review. Always nice to read about such uncommon pens.

 

Regards,

Anindya.

[br549]

One last bit of info I wanted to add is I di d finally discover some more details about this manufacturer. Apparently "justrite" is just one of several sub brands ofthe Eclipse Pen Co. I recently purchased a Parkston FP and in the process of finding more info on Parkston, I stumbled across an EBay ad for another Parkston pen that was virtually identical to the Justrite. The only difference was the name on the clip.