Skyline Nib Size Redux

May 23, 2013

I'm fast becoming a Skyline fan. Among the pens I've accumulated is a very nice Exec without a nib. Since markings are virtually nonexistent, CAN Exec nibs be distinguished when not installed in a pen; or even IF they're installed? There's gotta be a way, even by micrometer. I've read most of the posts at FPN and at the sites that are referenced but can find nothing detailed.

Maybe somebody here has one rattling around in the bottom of a junk box that they want to dump for cheap; a little ugly, maybe, or a bit misshapen? (Hey, it can't hurt to ask.)

I'm patient. I look at everything with "Skyline" in the title/desc on the 'Bay and otherwise beat the bushes. I've been in hopes of finding a ratty "for parts only" Exec, but they're rare. But I do want to make sure I know when to pull the trigger.

Regards,

Herb III

May 24, 2013

The Executive Skyline nib is definitely larger, but I have no way to measure mine. In fact, IIRC, there are 3 distinct sizes of Skyline nibs - demi, standard and executive. Maybe Syd can hop in here and clarify. He probably has the complete info.

The executive-sized Skyline pens are impressive. I have only one, but it is one of my favorite pens. In a modern office, they still draw admiring stares.

Now if I could find a shiny black one. . .

May 26, 2013

I don'tknow if this will answer all the questions but its a start:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/wahlnut/photo-5_zps04ca317e.jpg

"Demi" Shank Shoulder Length

.198" .247" .975"

Standard Shank Shoulder Length

.219" .275" 1.06"

Executive Shank Shoulder Length

.221 .299" 1.20"

May 27, 2013

Perfect, Syd, just perfect! Thanks so much.

Herb

May 28, 2013

You;re welcome. People talk about nibs but seldom talk about mating the nib to the feed. The feeds on skyline pens range from .200 to .219 in diameter matching up with the nib shanks detailed above. I have had to mic the feeds and place then into little plastic boxes marked .200, .215-6 and .218-9, to keep them straight. Its not too difficult to figure out on the fly on the Demi pens because the larger feeds simply don't fit, but on the Standard and Oversized the smaller feeds fit into the section but not snug enough. Some restorers have resorted to wrapping the nib and feed with tape or paper to make them snug, but that's a make-shift, shade tree way to go (he says arrogantly).

Syd