Can anyone tell me about Tropen?

[vermiculus]

One of my favourite pens is a Tropen Scholar. It's is a black pen with gold trim, it's a piston filler, and has an ink-view window in dark green. It's a really, really good writer with a flexible nib.

 

The thing that really draws me to it is the classic utillity of its design features: the clip is just right for slipping into the pocket; the blind cap has very fine knurling; the piston has a huge capacity; the ink window is only visible when almost empty, so it doesn't detract at all from the looks.

 

I haven't found much on the site and I've been looking out for a wihle. Does anyone have any facts to hand about this company?

[Oxonian]

Hi Vermiculus,

 

Tropen was founded by Gustav Schroeder, started making fountain pen in 1925 and made pens until the start of WW2 during which the firm made plastic and small metal parts for the wart economy. The manufacture of pens started again in 1945 as there was a definite shortage of writing instruments for use by the occupying forces as well as the population at large.

 

The Scholar was made in with slight modifications and changes in shape to reflect the then current trends and fashions from 1945 to the mid 50s.

 

Further information can be found in A Lambrous' Fountain Pens : Vintage and Modern.

 

cheers, John

[kaushla]

One of my favourite pens is a Tropen Scholar. It's is a black pen with gold trim, it's a piston filler, and has an ink-view window in dark green. It's a really, really good writer with a flexible nib.

 

The thing that really draws me to it is the classic utillity of its design features: the clip is just right for slipping into the pocket; the blind cap has very fine knurling; the piston has a huge capacity; the ink window is only visible when almost empty, so it doesn't detract at all from the looks.

I

I think I have the same pen with the knurled blind cap, green ink window and the generous ink reservoir, but the trim is chrome. I have seen the chrome trim just once before. The feed has an unusual serrated design which seems to function very well, the nib is an Eversharp Skyline and the missing clip and cap top have been replaced with functional substitutes. Overall, an exceptional student's pen, much sturdier than the Mont Blanc Monte Rosa. Getting a parts Tropen Scholar pen with the gold-plated steel nib and the tall cap top might prove very difficult nowadays. There was also the removable screw-mounted taper which gave the writer additional balance, especially for one with long fingers.

 

 

[Ondina]

Does anyone know how to remove the nib? I'm trying to clean one right now, the piston is stuck and the nib/serrated feed is not giving in......They are pressure fitted, and not screw-in, right? Is quite a sturdy, big black pen. The big flexy nib goes from XF to BB or BBB, very promising. That is, if it can be cleaned and fixed.

[GHigley]

The nib units screw out exactly like those on a Pelikan. I've not tried to remove nib and feed from a Tropen unit yet, but I read that a knock-out block may be required in some cases.