Platinum Pens - Some Thoughts

[stan]

 

This is about some of the Platinum pens in my collection. Photograph was to display a variety of models in the marketplace. Some rare. Reviewing what comes to market for some time and compared to the overall variety of models produced as shown in Platinum literature and books, there are a good number of models that are rare, have been collected, and not seeing light of day. Even many of the basic models are not to be found. If seen at auction, bidding is always spirited. Pilot and Sailor maintain great collector interest. It may be Platinum is finally gaining some traction.

 

Superficially, models appear the same as they did in 1979. Maybe so but, some changes have been made. Celluloid mix was changed. I'm convinced the older mix produced deeper more vibrant colors. Feeds changed from ebonite to plastic. IMHO, the ebonite feeds are better. Nib designs have changed too. More recent models have heart shaped vent holes - older models have round. Platinum is also working with makie artists to affordable pens for department stores. They made a series of pens for Takashimaya some time ago.

 

There is a lot here. See FPOJ for an idea of range of designs and quality. Remember FPOJ is only the tip of the iceberg.

 

From left to right:

 

1. This is the original 3776 with curved nib and ebonite feed. 1979. Note the nine ribs after the ring.

2. Original 3776, 1980?.

3. Makie. Hand done. Beautiful. Signed. Comes in several minor variations. 1982.

 

The original 3776 flat top pens are a different experience from the balance types. They feel thicker and more substantial.

 

4. Hiramakie. Several screens. Signed. Seen in early 1980s Platinum catalogue.

5. Hiramakie. Very tactile screening. Signed. In early 1980s catalogue.

6. Hiramakie. Screened. Kaga makie. Limited Edition.

7. Makie. Hand painted. Kaga makie. Very Limited Edition. Several variations exist.

8. 3776 ReCelluloid.

9. 3776 ReCelluloid

10. 3776 ReCelluloid

 

The 3776 celluloid series imposes some interesting collecting challenges. Not counting current selection, some wonderful and beautiful rarities exist. All of the pine needle varieties are incredible pens - there may be three colors that once existed. None now. When Platinum changed the composition of their celluloid about 2000, the designs were no longer available. There is also a birds egg blue 3776 made exclusively for the American market in about 2002 in very limited quantity. Very hard to find. Platinum may have made a small number of other Limited Editions of the celluloid series for other markets. Platinum also makes Special Editions for Japanese pen clubs, Kingdom Note, and businesses for gifts. Keep an eye out for them.

 

11. Mitsukoshi LE 2018. Supposedly 300 exist.

12. Isetan (maybe Mitsukoshi too) LE 2016. Again, maybe 300.

13. Mitsukoshi LE 2017. 300.

14. Black Diamond. Current production.

15. President . Current production.

[Arielle Finberg]

Your pens are soooo beautiful. I got my first gold nib Platinum last week and love it so much. It is a joy to write with.

[Lloyd]

Lovely collection. Any thoughts on the Izumo?

[sugna]

As always, thank you for sharing. I particularly like the 古代鳥, one of my favorites.

 

Any thoughts on the original 3776 shape ebonite model c. 1985 (PTB-20000E #61)? I recently found one, the ebonite stock is quite pretty and seems to be a different hue than the one used for the Jupiter model.

[ethernautrix]

What a gorgeous collection!

[stan]

Any thoughts on the original 3776 shape ebonite model c. 1985 (PTB-20000E #61)? I recently found one, the ebonite stock is quite pretty and seems to be a different hue than the one used for the Jupiter model.

The original 3776 (my number one) was first sold in 1978 (according to Platinum's website). My error indicating it to be 1979. FPOJ notes it as 1979 but, it is riddled with minor errors. What is a PTB-20000E #61. Number sounds familiar but, cannot place it. To my hand the flat top models feel better. The curved nib on the original 3776 seems to have more flex than flat nib models. Just my opinion. Original shape 3776 models are readily found. Platinum has resurrected the model several times with the flat nib.

 

Lovely collection. Any thoughts on the Izumo?

 

Have two Izumo. There was not enough room on my tray to get them in the photograph without distortion. One lacquered ironwood that is collecting dust in it's box. The other a LE from Kingdom Note. It is used daily and it a great writing pen. At first it did not seem like it was going to become a user. Not sure - maybe shape, nib, feedback, how it accommodates my writing style, and a host of subjective factors. After about two weeks (maybe this is needed to break in the pen and break me in to the pen), it became a favorite. Felt much much smoother. Better, more natural feeling in my hand. My only peeve is they should use the Izumo nib on all of the Izumo models. Size and shape, it is the same nib as the President. Maybe writes differently. Haven't gotten there yet so, don't know.

[stan]

Platinum flat nibs have undergone very minor design changes since introduced in 1979. Hoping to post some photos this week. The two big changes are feed diameter from 16mm to 16.5mm and vent hole shape from round to heart-shaped. Have no experience whether nibs are interchangeable between feed sizes. .5mm seems very minor. Engraving on nibs has also changed three times. Wish I had older catalogues to date the changes.

 

Have catalogue form mid-1980s. Shows a number of 3776 makie models that one never sees for resale. Where did they all go?

[zchen]

I would love to get my hands on the discontinued 3776 with stacked celluloid (either #22 or #23 in their catalog I think. similar material to Parker Vacumatics and Visconti Wall Streets), but only ever seen one pop up on the secondary market.

 

I've been on a kick of getting 3776 wood models recently, so far I have a dark briar 3776 (from before the change to century style nib and feed), a current model Yakusugi, a sandblasted briar shell, and a Light briar with lacquer coating standard flat top model that has the ebonite feed. I also find the tipping of the older 3776 to be slightly smaller in the older nibs, at least in the M, B, and BB nibs.

 

also we had some previous discussion regarding the 3776's nib and feed evolution in this thread

Edited August 20, 2018 by zchen

[MYU]

Gorgeous collection, Stan. I'm not very familiar with Platinum's older 3776 fountain pens and didn't know there were so many variants.

 

Are there fairly easy ways to visually know if a feed is ebonite or plastic? Perhaps some design differences like fin spacing or thickness?

Edited August 20, 2018 by MYU

[ehemem]

I would love to get my hands on the discontinued 3776 with stacked celluloid (either #22 or #23 in their catalog I think. similar material to Parker Vacumatics and Visconti Wall Streets), but only ever seen one pop up on the secondary market.

 

 

 

 

I managed to acquire a pen and pencil in gray stacked celluloid a few years back. you are right, they rarely come up, and I have seen the pen alone listed for over $500 a few years ago. I have had my eyes out for one in blue...

[stan]

Gorgeous collection, Stan. I'm not very familiar with Platinum's older 3776 fountain pens and didn't know there were so many variants.

 

Are there fairly easy ways to visually know if a feed is ebonite or plastic? Perhaps some design differences like fin spacing or thickness?

 

Probably the easiest is to look for the round recess in the feed. If it has it, it is plastic. Ebonite feeds have nice square lateral cuts in them.

[zchen]

 

Are there fairly easy ways to visually know if a feed is ebonite or plastic? Perhaps some design differences like fin spacing or thickness?

 

SNAK's pictures in this thread covers all known 3776 variants.

[stan]

There are also differences in the nib inscription that have occurred over the years. Have not been able to date the changes. My feeling is when Platinum changed the feed and nib, perhaps at the same time, there were subtle difference sin performance.

 

My first Platinum pens were purchased from Platinum in 2000 when Dick Egolf ran the operation. As I recall, all were MEDIUM and maybe one FINE as an experiment. I also purchased a number of Sailor Magellan at the time. Both the Plats and Sailor were celluloid. The 3776 wrote smoother than the Magellan and was slightly longer. The Sailor had a slightly different, uncomfortable feeling in my hand. All of the Plats wrote great. Am attempting to put that collection together again. Challenging!

[stan]

Counted the number of 3776 models in my early-mid 1980s Platinum catalogue and there are 42 different pens under the 3776 banner. Some are flat top, some balance-shaped. Includes the ReCelluloid as well as plain models. A good number are different types, or apparent quality levels, of makie.

 

Collecting the older decorated pens is daunting. They don't come up for sale often and are often in less than stellar condition. Most have FINE nibs too. Throw in seeking ebonite feeds and older nib designs, it may take some time to assemble a decent representative collection.

[RandiSue]

Very nice pens! I have inherited a collection of Platinum pens & I am having a difficult time identifying the pens and nib sizes. I don't know what the emblems on the nibs mean. Any advice?

[stan]

Very nice pens! I have inherited a collection of Platinum pens & I am having a difficult time identifying the pens and nib sizes. I don't know what the emblems on the nibs mean. Any advice?

Try posting photos of the pens. There are many here who can assist in identification.

[jar]

Very nice pens! I have inherited a collection of Platinum pens & I am having a difficult time identifying the pens and nib sizes. I don't know what the emblems on the nibs mean. Any advice?

This may help:

 

http://www.fototime.com/B1554F4AB47A012/standard.jpg

[alc3261]

Try posting photos of the pens. There are many here who can assist in identification.

To find out how to post images consult "Manuals" (top line) and "Upload:Image hosting tab"

[RandiSue]

Part of my Platinum pen Collection. It's so nice to know more about the nib sizes and pens. Thanks

 

[adatse]

wow, such impressive collections! thanks for sharing!