Who Invented The Long/short Format Of Japanese Pocket Pens?

[4lex]

I have several times heard the assumption that Pilot Started with Japanese long/short pocket pens. I heard this couple of times and it is also a claim made by Pelahale on his YouTube channel.

On Pilot corporate page is says that Pilot released their Elite model in 1968. I have Platinum pocket pen who has the old Platinum company logo, which means it was made before 1968.

 

Unfortunately I cant identify the model, it is similar to Platinum 200, and has wondered fine and very soft 14k nib. It has some scratches and signs of use but for $10 it was a great buy.

 

I also read on Platinum website that they launched their pocke pen series in 1964 with models PK-1000, PKB-2000, PK-1500.

Did the Platinum start the trend of long/short format that was hugely popular in 1960s and 1970s ?

[ehemem]

Actually, the long/short pen was an European invention in the 1930s, IIRC...

 

I don't know the first Japanese manufacturer was...

Edited December 23, 2018 by ehemem

[4lex]

Thanks I know. I am referring to a specific and recognisable design of the Japanese long/short fountain pens popular in 60s Japan of which Pilot Elite is best known.

[stan]

There were a few similar concepts in Japan in the 1950s. They appear clones of American 'lipstick' pens. The name Remington comes to mind. Recall seeing advertisement for them.

 

As to history, there were a number of European and American models in the 1920s. I've seen a few European eyedroppers.

 

The Japanese models appear to be released simultaneously by Pilot, Platinum, Sailor, and a few smaller firms. If I were to guess which came first based on the designs, Sailor would be first choice.

[PithyProlix]

The first modern Japanese pocket pen is the Sailor Mini, first released in 1963. See https://estilofilos.blogspot.com/2020/08/sailor-mini.html and http://www.richardspens.com/ref/profiles/pocket_pens.htm