Carter's Pens Photo Thread

[PenHero]

Hi Folks!

This is a shot of five pens photographed for Ross McKinney's “Carter’s Fountain Pens: The Pearltex Era” article in the Spring 2020 Pennant and Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant. Left to right, a Carter's model 5233 Coralite Blue celluloid ringtop, a Carter's model 5125 Coralite Blue with one wide cap band, an unnumbered but probably 5223 Carter’s Coralite Blue fountain pen c. 1929, a Carter's model 5125 Coralite Blue with two cap bands and a Carter's model 5125 Coralite Blue celluloid fountain pen c. 1927-1928. Each pen barrel is stamped -CARTER's- over PATENTED over THE CARTER'S INK CO. over BOSTON - NEW YORK - CHICAGO. These pens were all between 4 1/2 and 5 1/16 inches long.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/Carter_2048_Group4.jpg

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi Folks!

 

This is a Carter's model 5125 Coralite Blue celluloid fountain pen c. 1927-1928. It's a bit discolored. According to Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant, in 1928 Carter’s had five Coralite celluloid colors: Coralite Blue, Coralite Green, Red-black Mottled, Turquoise Blue, and Squirrel Gray. This 5 1/32 inch pen features gold filled trim, including two cap bands, patented spring-loaded clip and 90-degree limited excursion lever. The model number has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 5= Coralite Blue, the barrel diameter 1=large, the length 2=medium, and the nib 5=nib size. The barrel is stamped -CARTER's- over PATENTED over THE CARTER'S INK CO. over BOSTON - NEW YORK - CHICAGO. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over INX over PEN.

 

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterCoraliteBlue5125_2048_01.jpg

 

Thanks!

[gweimer1]

I knew I was forgetting something....I have a couple of desk pens. The photos could be a little better, so I may try to reshoot them.

 

[PenHero]

Hi Folks!

 

This is a Carter's model 9223 Coralite Green fountain pen c. 1927-1928. According to Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant, the model number is stamped on the base of the barrel and has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 9=Coralite Green, the barrel diameter 2=medium, the length 2=medium, and the nib 3=nib size. This 5 inch pen features gold filled trim, including two cap bands, the patented clip and the patented 90-degree limited excursion lever. The barrel is stamped -CARTER's- over PATENTED over THE CARTER'S INK CO. over BOSTON - NEW YORK - CHICAGO. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over INX over PEN.

 

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterCoraliteGreen9223_2048_01.jpg

 

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi Folks!

This is a Carter's model 5125 Coralite Blue celluloid fountain pen c. 1927-1928. According to Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant, in 1928 Carter’s had five Coralite celluloid colors: Coralite Blue, Coralite Green, Red-black Mottled, Turquoise Blue, and Squirrel Gray. This 5 1/32 inch pen features gold filled trim, including one cap band, patented spring-loaded clip and 90-degree limited excursion lever. The model number has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 5= Coralite Blue, the barrel diameter 1=large, the length 2=medium, and the nib 5=nib size. The barrel is stamped -CARTER's- over PATENTED over THE CARTER'S INK CO. over BOSTON - NEW YORK - CHICAGO. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over INX over PEN.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterCoraliteBlue5125_2048_02.jpg

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi, Folks!

 

This is a Carter's model 12233 Pearltex Rose Petal ringtop fountain pen and pencil set c. 1929-1930. It’s featured on the cover of the Spring 2020 Pennant. The set with the pencil is 122334C, with the 4C indicating it’s a traveling case set. According to Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant, the model number is stamped on the base of the barrel and has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 12=Rose Petal, the barrel diameter 2=medium, the length 3=short, and the nib 3=nib size. This 4 3/8 inch pen and 4 3/16 inch pencil feature gold filled trim, including one wide cap band, the ringtop, the pen's patented 90-degree limited excursion lever and the pencil's cone tip. The pen barrel is stamped -CARTER's- over PATENTED over THE CARTER'S INK CO. over BOSTON - NEW YORK - CHICAGO. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over INX over PEN.

 

http://penhero.com/Temp/CarterPearltexRosePetal12233_2048_01.jpg

 

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi, Folks!

 

This is a Carter's model 4125 red-black mottled hard rubber fountain pen c. 1928. According to Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant, the model number is stamped on the base of the barrel and has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 4=red-black mottled hard rubber, the barrel diameter 1=large, the length 2=medium, and the nib 5=nib size. This 5 1/4 inch pen features gold filled trim, including a single cap band, cap top trim bands with black inset, patented spring-loaded clip and patented 90-degree limited excursion lever. The barrel is stamped -CARTER's- over PATENTED over THE CARTER'S INK CO. over BOSTON - NEW YORK - CHICAGO. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over SUPERWEAR over PEN, with Superlife over 5. At the time this pen was made, Superlife nibs were rigid, while the Inx nibs were flexible. Eventually Carter’s changed almost everything to Inx, but the catalog at this point made the rigid / flexible distinction. (Thanks to Ross McKinney).

 

http://penhero.com/Temp/CarterRedMottledRubberLarge_2048_01.jpg

 

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi Folks!

This is a shot of twenty-nine Carter pens and pencils photographed for Ross McKinney's “Carter’s Fountain Pens: The Black Derbies” article in the upcoming Summer 2020 Pennant. This is the third part of a four part series on Carter pens. The earliest illustration the author could find of a Carter’s pen with a black derby was in the Saturday Evening Post on May 24, 1930. There is much more about these pens in the article. Our plan is to show these gorgeous pens full size. The Summer 2020 Pennant is expected to mail out by the end of July.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterDerbys_2048_01.jpg

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi, Folks!

This pen is featured in the 2020 Summer Pennant article “Carter’s Fountain Pens: The Black Derbies” by Ross McKinney Jr.

This is a Carter's model 15117 Black Pearltex celluloid fountain pen c. 1931-1935. According to Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant, the model number has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 15=Black, the barrel diameter 1=large, the length 1=long, and the nib 7=nib size. This 5 3/8 inch pen features gold filled trim, including two cap bands, cap top and barrel end trim bands, unmarked clip and lever. It has rounded black “derby” cap top and barrel end caps. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over INX over PEN over 14K. The pen sold for $7.50 in 1931 and the matching pencil was $2.50.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterPearltexBlack_2048_01.jpg

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi, Folks!

 

This pen is featured in the 2020 Summer Pennant article “Carter’s Fountain Pens: The Black Derbies” by Ross McKinney Jr.

 

This is a Carter's model 2125 Black celluloid fountain pen c. 1931-1935. According to Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant, the model number has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 5=Black, the barrel diameter 1=large, the length 2=medium, and the nib 5=nib size. This 5 1/8 inch long pen features gold filled trim, including two cap bands, cap top and barrel end trim bands, CARTER’S stamped clip, and lever. It has rounded black “derby” cap top and barrel end caps. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over INX over PEN over 14K. The barrel is stamped -CARTER's- over PATENTED over THE CARTER'S INK CO. over BOSTON - NEW YORK - CHICAGO. The pen sold for $5.00 in 1931 and the matching pencil was $1.50.

 

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterDerbyBlack_2048_01.jpg

 

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi folks!

 

This pen is featured in the 2020 Summer Pennant article “Carter’s Fountain Pens: The Black Derbies” by Ross McKinney Jr.

 

This is a Carter's model 13125 Cerulean Blue Pearltex celluloid fountain pen c. 1930. According to Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant, the model number has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 13=Cerulean Blue, the barrel diameter 1=large, the length 2=medium, and the nib 5=nib size. This 5 1/4 inch pen features gold filled trim, including two cap bands, cap top and barrel end trim bands, CARTER stamped patented clip, and patented lever. It has rounded black “derby” cap top and barrel end caps. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over INX over PEN over 14K. The pen sold for $8.00 in 1930 and the matching pencil was $4.50.

 

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterDerbyCeruleanBlue_2048_01.jpg

 

Thanks!

[Paul-in-SF]

I have a 5135 model (thanks for telling me where to look for the model information), which has been in my For Sale pile for a while, but thanks to these posts I went in and took another look at it. Before these articles I had no understanding of the place of Carter's in the history of fountain pens. Now that I know more, it might be worth hanging on to, but the ringtop is missing, and about 95% of the gold has worn off of the cap band. It does write nicely, although without noticeable flex.

 

Any clues on sourcing a replacement ringtop?

 

Oh, yes, another question, this one about the nib. It's not hallmarked as 14K or anything, but it sure looks like gold rather than gold plated. The engraving on the nib says "Carter Pen" with "INX" in an oval.

Edited July 15, 2020 by Paul-in-SF

[PenHero]

I have a 5135 model (thanks for telling me where to look for the model information), which has been in my For Sale pile for a while, but thanks to these posts I went in and took another look at it. Before these articles I had no understanding of the place of Carter's in the history of fountain pens. Now that I know more, it might be worth hanging on to, but the ringtop is missing, and about 95% of the gold has worn off of the cap band. It does write nicely, although without noticeable flex.

 

Any clues on sourcing a replacement ringtop?

 

Oh, yes, another question, this one about the nib. It's not hallmarked as 14K or anything, but it sure looks like gold rather than gold plated. The engraving on the nib says "Carter Pen" with "INX" in an oval.

Hi Paul,

 

All the INX nibs are gold, not plated. Not sure where to source the replacement ring.

[PenHero]

Hi Folks!

 

This is a Carter's model 11237 Pearltex Pearl (white) Ladies’ derby type fountain pen with a short clip, c. 1931. According to Ross McKinney's article "Carter’s Fountain Pens: The Pearltex Era" in the Spring 2020 Pennant, the model number has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 11= Pearltex “Pearl” (white), the barrel diameter 2=medium, the length 3=short, and the nib 7=nib size (in this case a number 3 nib and a clip instead of a ring). This 4 5/16 inch pen features gold filled trim, including two narrow cap bands, a short clip and patented 90-degree limited excursion lever. The cap top and barrel end have rounded black end plates. The barrel has no imprint. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over INX over PEN over 14K. The pen sold for $4.00 and the matching pencil sold for $2.00.

 

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterDerbyPearltexPearl11233_2048_01.jpg

 

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi Folks!

 

This pen set is featured in the 2020 Summer Pennant article “Carter’s Fountain Pens: The Black Derbies” by Ross McKinney Jr.

This is a Carter's model 13233 Cerulean Blue Pearltex celluloid ringtop fountain pen and model 1358 matching pencil traveling set c. 1931-1935. According to Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant, the pen’s model number has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 13=Cerulean Blue, the barrel diameter 2=medium, the length 3=short, and the nib 3=nib size. This 4 1/4 inch long pen features gold filled trim, including two cap bands, cap top and barrel end trim bands, and patented lever. It has rounded black “derby” cap top and barrel end caps. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over INX over PEN. The pen sold for $4.00 in 1931 and the matching pencil was $2.00. Together with the matching celluloid traveling case the set was model 132338 and sold for $6.00.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterDerbyCeruleanBlueRingtopSet_2048_01.jpg

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi folks!

 

This pen is featured in the 2020 Summer Pennant article “Carter’s Fountain Pens: The Black Derbies” by Ross McKinney Jr.

 

This is a Carter's model 5223 Coralite Blue celluloid fountain pen c. 1930. According to Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant, the model number has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 5=Coralite Blue, the barrel diameter 2=medium, the length 2=medium, and the nib 3=nib size. This 5 1/4 inch pen features gold filled trim, including one wide cap band, cap top and barrel end trim bands, CARTER stamped patented clip, and patented lever. It has rounded black “derby” cap top and barrel end caps. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over INX over PEN. The barrel is stamped -CARTER's- over PATENTED over THE CARTER'S INK CO. over BOSTON - NEW YORK - CHICAGO. The pen sold for $3.50 in 1930 and the matching pencil was $1.50. Note the original paper price band around the cap under the clip.

 

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterDerbyCoraliteBlueSlender_2048_01.jpg

 

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi folks!

This pen is featured in the 2020 Summer Pennant article “Carter’s Fountain Pens: The Black Derbies” by Ross McKinney Jr.

This is a Carter's model 5117 Coralite Blue celluloid fountain pen c. 1930. According to Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant, the model number has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 5=Coralite Blue, the barrel diameter 1=large, the length 1=long, and the nib 7=nib size. This 5 1/2 inch long pen features gold filled trim, including two cap bands, cap top and barrel end trim bands, CARTER stamped patented clip, and patented lever. It has rounded black “derby” cap top and barrel end caps. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over SUPERITE over PEN. The barrel is stamped -CARTER's- over PATENTED over THE CARTER'S INK CO. over BOSTON - NEW YORK - CHICAGO. The pen probably sold for $10.00 in 1930 and the matching pencil was probably $4.50.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterDerbyCoraliteBlueLarge_2048_01.jpg

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi Folks!

This pen set is featured in the 2020 Summer Pennant article “Carter’s Fountain Pens: The Black Derbies” by Ross McKinney Jr.

This is a Carter's model 14233 Pearltex Wave Green celluloid ringtop fountain pen and model 1458 matching pencil traveling set c. 1931-1935. According to Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant, the pen’s model number has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 14=Wave Green, the barrel diameter 2=medium, the length 3=short, and the nib 3=nib size. This 4 3/8 inch long pen features gold filled trim, including two cap bands, cap top and barrel end trim bands, and patented lever. It has rounded black “derby” cap top and barrel end caps. The gold nib is probably a replacement and is stamped FRAWLEY over PEN over 2. The pen sold for $4.00 in 1931 and the matching pencil was $2.00. Together with the matching celluloid traveling case the set was model 142338 and sold for $6.00.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterDerbyWaveGreenRingtopSet_2048_01.jpg

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi Folks!

This pen is featured in the 2020 Summer Pennant article “Carter’s Fountain Pens: The Black Derbies” by Ross McKinney Jr. This shot is not in the article.

This is a Carter's model 13237 Cerulean Blue Pearltex celluloid fountain pen c. 1930. According to Ross McKinney's article "CARTER’S Fountain Pens: THE EARLY DAYS" in the Fall 2019 Pennant, the model number has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 13=Cerulean Blue, the barrel diameter 2=medium, the length 3=short, and the nib 7=nib size. This 4 1/8 inch long pen features gold filled trim, including two cap bands, cap top and barrel end trim bands, CARTER stamped patented clip, and patented lever. It has rounded black “derby” cap top and barrel end caps. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over INX over PEN.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterDerbyCeruleanBlueShort_2048_01.jpg

Thanks!

[PenHero]

Hi Folks!

This pen is featured in the 2020 Summer Pennant article “Carter’s Fountain Pens: The Black Derbies” by Ross McKinney Jr.

This is a Carter's model 11117 Pearltex Pearl (white) Men's’ derby type fountain pen c. 1931. According to Ross McKinney's article "Carter’s Fountain Pens: The Pearltex Era" in the Spring 2020 Pennant, the model number has four "columns" that, on this pen, describe the color 11= Pearltex “Pearl” (white), the barrel diameter 1=large, the length 1=long, and the nib 7=nib size. This 5 3/8 inch pen features gold filled trim, including two narrow cap bands, CARTER'S stamped clip and patented lever. The cap top and barrel end have rounded black end pieces. The barrel has no imprint. The gold nib is stamped CARTER over INX over PEN over 14K over S. The pen sold for $7.50 and the matching pencil sold for $2.50. This example shows typical discoloration of this celluloid.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/CarterDerbyPearltexPearl11117_2048_01.jpg

Thanks!