Inoxcrom Caravel 1920

October 14, 2020

After owning different models of Inoxcrom, I have managed to score a first generation with 3 ring of a Caravel 1920. Pen was listed never used on Ebay, but I have found some deep scratches on cap’s lip, also dried ink in the feed/nib assembly. Also the box is wear and scuffed on the outside, but still has the leaflet. The nib was a bit dry and was writing with a fine line, I had to reset and give a proper clean, and now it writes with medium/fine line, quite wet.

1. Appearance/Design 10

Obviously this pen looks like a Montblanc Meisterstück Classique, but I don’t have a MB to compare their sizes. Also it looks like a Sailor 1911 Large, but is half cm longer. From across a meeting table has a MB classic look, or like a cigar shape black with gold trims. On the cap’s middle ring is marked INOXCROM - SPAIN - INOXCROM - 1920.

Online there are some stories that MB forced Inoxcrom to stop the Caravel production due to close look. I cannot find anywhere if this story is true or not. The first generation of Caravel has 3 rings on the cap; these ones are quite rare and more sought after, also there are ones with only 2 rings on the cap but their prices can go half as the 3 rings one. There is a second generation of Caravel, but that one is slimmer, has a slip cap, and smaller nib too.

2. Construction/Quality 9

Nice thick resin with electroplated golden trim. All the threads are very well made, decent gold plated trim, and the section has a long metal thread that secures the converter and the body. I like the long and strong clip attached on the cap, make the pen feels secure in the shirt’s pocket.

3. Weight/Dimensions 10

I do like big and heavy pens; I mostly use them for short period to write quick notices. Very well balanced, can be used posted, but it has a long body and is feels better un-posted. This one is not too heavy, and is pretty big:

Capped 14.8 cm / 23.5 g

Uncapped 13.5 cm / 13.5 g

Cap 6.9 cm / 10 g

Posted 16.7 cm /23.5 g

Add another 3 grams for full ink converter.

4. Nib/Performance 9

It has original Caravel two tone medium nibs, the one with a ship designed on, a beautiful design. I had to reset the nib and feed assembly, and now it is writing with fine medium line. It looks like a #6 nib, so it can be changed if needed. As far as I know Inoxcrom was producing their own nibs in-house, and from personal experience their nibs are running half size finer than European nibs.

5. Filling system/Maintenance 9

This is a standard C/C pen, easy to take out the nib and feed, easy to maintain. My pen comes with the original green convertor, but I have swapped with a Beaufort Ink convertor. Personally I prefer C/C to other filling systems.

6. Cost/Value 10

I have purchased from Ebay for £60, not bad if consider these are usually going for double or more that price; but this is the pleasure of waiting and hunting pens off Ebay. After seeing and using the pen I think is worth more, especially this was produced only for short period in the early 90’s, I believe was made only in 1992.

7. Conclusion 9.5

If you are a user or a collector, get one if you have the chance. Is well worth the money, has very good quality resin, has a classic cigar shape, golden trims, large pen, and great nib.

Comparative picture:

Lami Safari
Sailor 1911 Large
Inoxcrom Caravel 1920
Inoxcrom Sirocco Negra
Inoxcrom Sirocco Plata
Inoxcrom Corinthian Azul

Edited October 14, 2020 by usk15

October 15, 2020

Thanks for the review. Any chance of seeing a writing sample?

October 15, 2020

Writing sample:

October 16, 2020

That's a great review.

I'm lucky enough to have the first generation Caravel with matching ballpoint.

It's a lovely pen to write with.

Al

October 16, 2020

That's a great review.
I'm lucky enough to have the first generation Caravel with matching ballpoint.
It's a lovely pen to write with.

Al

Thank you Al!

Can you please post a photo with your set? I'm curious about the ballpoint pen, how big/small it is comparing with the fountain pen. I might get one...