Diploma? or only half?

[North Yorkie]

I have just taken delivery of, what was listed as, a Mentmore Diploma. The cap certainly is a Mentmore from the logo on the clip. However the barrel does not show any markings as to its parentage. Admittedly they could have been worn away over the years, but, more curiously, the lever seems to be steel whereas the fittings on the cap are gold-plated. Some photos are attached. (I should add that the nib is marked "WARRANRED" over "M" over "1st QUALITY" over "NONCORROSIVE").

 

I doubt whether the barrel is from a Mentmore Diploma, but I have no others to which I can compare it. Any thoughts as to what it might be?

[northlodge]

My first guess is that the pen is a Platignum, with a Mentmore clip as a replacement. 

[Paul-in-SF]

I have a few Mentmores, including three Diplomas. Among my Mentmore pen caps, the one that looks similar to the one in the photo is the Autoflow -- same shaped clip on one of my two Autoflows, same sort of blocky shape of the cap, same flat top, and same single narrow cap band. Autoflow clips are threaded. 

 

The three Diplomas that I have are all slip caps, with a more streamlined shape, a metal finial on the caps, clips that are shaped like Greek columns, and semi-hooded nibs. So no part of your pen looks like a Diploma to me (of the ones I have seen). 

 

As for the barrel, it is shorter and has a different lever than my two Autoflows, and it doesn't look similar to any of the other Mentmore pen barrels I have. As suggested above, it might be a Platignum barrel, and if it has threads that fit the Mentmore cap, that increases the chances that it was made by the same company, as Platignum was if I recall correctly. Platignums were a lower-tier pen, and so might have had steel nibs and furniture. 

[Beechwood]

I would agree with Northlodge on the Platignum pen, especially with that nib. 

 

It all depends on what you want to do with the pen, no real issue, apart from one, on leaving it just as it is and making use of it. The one issue is that steel nib which I would remove as a very early job and replace it with almost anything. They were a shocker when they were new and the years have not improved anything.

[North Yorkie]

Thanks for confirming my suspicions and pointing me in the right direction, Paul, Format and North Lodge.

 

I have a Mentmore Autoflow and the cap seems to be identical to the so-called 'Diploma' in both dimensions and design. However the screw top on the Autoflow, being, presumably, black hard rubber has discoloured to brown (but still attractive) whereas the top on the 'Diploma' is still black suggesting it is plastic/celluloid and therefore a different era.

 

The barrel, I agree, is probably an unmarked Platignum. I have seen a listing on EBay this morning for a Platignum which has a metal lever looking exactly like mine.. I agree that the steel nib is not good; its a bit 'scratchy'.

 

I try and use all my pens on a regular basis, operating a 'Pen of The Day' regime so if this 'Diploma' had an anywhere decent nib I would include it in that regime. As it is my thinking is to offer the cap on EBay on the off-chance that there is someone out there who has a real black Autoflow barrel which needs a mate.

 

Once again many thanks for all your contributions.

[Beechwood]

1 hour ago, North Yorkie said:

 

 

As it is my thinking is to offer the cap on EBay on the off-chance that there is someone out there who has a real black Autoflow barrel which needs a mate.

 

Once again many thanks for all your contributions.

 

That is an excellent idea,  this benevolent approach is often forgotten.