Help Needed In Identifying Eclipse Ring Top Pen

[brandonsandy]

I recently visited an antique shop in California and found this ladies pen for $15. I'm almost certain that it's an eclipse based on the wreath on the lever, but beyond that I know almost nothing about this pen. The sac was totally destroyed so it definitely needs some repairs, but it shouldn't be too bad. The nib seems to simply be folded at the tip and is gold plated steel (however, when the nib is all the way in the section, the word "PLATE" is hidden; sneaky move by Eclipse!) I was just wondering if anybody knew anything else about this pen? Thank you for your help!

 

Edited July 8, 2017 by brandonsandy

[sidthecat]

That's a wonderfully burly feller there. I don't think Eclipse made their own nibs - I have a nice one with a Warranted nib, so if you have a good nib without a pen, I'd drop it in there.

[DanDeM]

The pen was made in the late 20’s/early 30’s using rolled flat stock, a technique patented by Marx Finstone, the founder of Eclipse. Prior to that celluloid rods were bored for use as the barrel and cap. The black end caps were glued into place.

The nib is not folded, it is bent. As in, misshapen; probably dropped. Not likely to be original to the pen, which were commonly fitted with Warranted 14k nibs.

Here is the same green striated material in a full size pen with a filigree overlay.

 

Edited July 8, 2017 by DanDeM

[brandonsandy]

@DanDeM Wow that pen with the gold overlay is stunning! My nib might not be original, but I do think it's a proper folded nib (albeit a rather cheap one). It writes surprisingly smooth when dipped and no tipping material is present. I found an article on Eclipse pens at http://oldfountainpensjustforfun.blogspot.com/2011/06/eclipse-pens-beginning-long-post-please.html?m=1 if others want to read up on them. It seems that Eclipse did use gold plated nibs for some time, intentionally hiding the "plated" word under the section.

[DanDeM]

LOL

Luiz and I have been outbidding each other for Eclipse pens for a number of years. The only other serious Eclipse hunter I know.

If you scroll down your Google search to the third or fourth entry, you’ll find an article I wrote that picks up where the Pen World article left off.

Here’s one from the early 20’s I finished restoring just two days ago.

 

 

...and for the helluvit, here's your pen in a full size 5.3 inch FT, with a Warranted 14k nib.

 

 

and again, as a crowned RT.

 

 

Edited July 8, 2017 by DanDeM

[DanDeM]

...My nib might not be original, but I do think it's a proper folded nib (albeit a rather cheap one). It writes surprisingly smooth when dipped and no tipping material is present.

 

Oh well. Can’t leave this as it is and let others be mis-directed. Let’s try to put it to rest.

 

Your nib is folded.

 

The wrong way.

 

Look at your pics,

 

When held normally, and if there tines are aligned, it will yield a full broad line. When turned 180º, it will produce a medium to fine line. What the Japanese call a Fude nib; very helpful feature when writing Asian characters. If the pen had no tipping it would snag the paper, or, if your touch were light enough and the paper good enough, the stub would produce a line called Italic.

 

The reason why it feels smooth, is because it is tipped.

 

To understand the appearance of a folded nib, suggest you look at samples of the 1XXX series nibs used in early Esterbrooks.

 

Welcome to fountain pens.

Edited July 9, 2017 by DanDeM