Eclipse - Late Edition

September 24, 2015

I found this interesting yet odd Eclipse at a market. Looks to me like very much a late production in response to the Parker 51 and is some kind of a button filler. Well maybe a button filler although the button is not like a Duofold button that comes out of the barrel. From the way it feels when pushed it feels more like an accordian filler somewhat like a French Soma. I have been unable to get the hood off so that is an ongoing slow process.

Philip

DSCN0852_result by Seville36, on Flickr

DSCN0855_result by Seville36, on Flickr

DSCN0856_result by Seville36, on Flickr

DSCN0857_result by Seville36, on Flickr

DSCN0858_result by Seville36, on Flickr

DSCN0860_result by Seville36, on Flickr

September 24, 2015

It is a traditional button fill, with the usual pressure bar protruding into the button.

Late model output —late ’40’s. early ‘50s — and rather flimsy material. Care/patience

when opening; barrel is easily cracked, and too concentrated heat can warp the

barrel/ distort the threads.

Another Eclipse hooded model from the same period but in better/heavier material

is the Hooded Knight. It sports a cap clip that resembles a Skyline — kinda.

Found the nibs to be a little scratchy, but nothing that a couple of figure eights on

a brown paper bag couldn’t fix.

September 25, 2015

Thanks Dan,

Both for the information and the caution. I am more than tempted to just not tamper with it much more as it showed all the signs of poor materials. i am especially hesitant since it looks like some non shellac adhesive was used in the past.

Philip

October 9, 2015

It is a traditional button fill, with the usual pressure bar protruding into the button.
Late model output —late ’40’s. early ‘50s — and rather flimsy material. Care/patience
when opening; barrel is easily cracked, and too concentrated heat can warp the
barrel/ distort the threads.

Another Eclipse hooded model from the same period but in better/heavier material
is the Hooded Knight. It sports a cap clip that resembles a Skyline — kinda.

Found the nibs to be a little scratchy, but nothing that a couple of figure eights on
a brown paper bag couldn’t fix.

Funnily enough just 6 days ago I found the Hooded Knight Model at an antique show. So from learning about to to actually getting one was just 10 days. If this is the kind of luck you can bring me may I ask you to tell me about the Aztec? Smiling.

Philip

October 10, 2015

Congrats on the Hooded Knight. Post a pic when you can. Would like to see the color.

Can't help with the Aztec, but if you're chasing Eclipse you might look for something like this...

or this...

(They came in four colors, IIRC, so it may take a little longer than finding the Knight)

October 10, 2015

Here are the pictures. Not the most prepossessing of pens. It is rather a dull grey that on purchase looked to be quite pitted. That turned out to be old wax that had discoloured with grime. I removed it with the ever popular thumbnail repair tool and gave it a light hand polishing. The plastic is not the best and I am reluctant to try and get it apart as I suspect that it will just lead to heartache.

I don't really chase Eclipses. I have purchased a couple that had great looking plastic but it isn't a large area of focus for me. I do, however, have a customer who is in to all pens made in Canada and specifically in Toronto which is why i have been acquiring these pens recently.

In any event....on with the pictures.....

DSCN0875_result by Seville36, on Flickr

DSCN0876_result by Seville36, on Flickr

DSCN0877_result by Seville36, on Flickr

Philip