Four generations of Pilot Capless pens

[Immoteus]

Those are some nice collections that I see, I would post my capless collection but I only have 2 decimos...

[Nikolaos]

Nice assortment there Siv!

[finansista]

What's your favorite Capless?

The CN-400BS [second from left]. Sleek, sexy and the best looker of the bunch.

 

Agreed, this one is by far the prettiest of the fout blacks pictured. I really like this kind of finish.

 

I'm not familiar with Pilots, so maybe someone can tell me what approach should I take to find one of these for myself? Look for "Namiki 400"? Or maybe search by production date? Is this 1973-1980s or just 1973? Also, anyone has an idea what price should I expect? I mean a price that you would actually pay? Anyone?

[MYU]

What's your favorite Capless?

The CN-400BS [second from left]. Sleek, sexy and the best looker of the bunch.

 

Agreed, this one is by far the prettiest of the fout blacks pictured. I really like this kind of finish.

 

I'm not familiar with Pilots, so maybe someone can tell me what approach should I take to find one of these for myself? Look for "Namiki 400"? Or maybe search by production date? Is this 1973-1980s or just 1973? Also, anyone has an idea what price should I expect? I mean a price that you would actually pay? Anyone?

Model numbers are rarely mentioned for vintage Capless pens. So, when searching use the keywords "Capless", "Vanishing Point", "VP", along with the usual age qualifiers like "Vintage" "old" and "rare". I also would specify both Pilot and Namiki in the keywords, as pens can be listed with either brand name.

[Brian]

Haywoody,

 

This is good stuff and tells a story about the evolution of design making for a better pen. I like that all these examples come in basic black. How can you go wrong?

[thibaulthalpern]

Wow! I have to say that I really don't like the styling of the current VP. I think the best looking of the bunch is:

 

1. Capless '73

2. Naimiki - retired / Capless '97 (they look pretty much the same)

3. Decimo

 

The regular VP really looks like a cigar..Yuck!

[namikifan4]

Nikolaos,

The 3rd one from the right, is that pen comparable to this pen? Are they really worth that? :hmm1:

[Immoteus]

Nikolaos,

The 3rd one from the right, is that pen comparable to this pen? Are they really worth that? :hmm1:

It's the same model pen.

[haywoody]

Are they really worth that? :hmm1:

 

That depends... are you desperate for one? I think the price is too high but I have seen them go for more on eBay in the past. They pop up on the FS forum now and then and usually go for under $200.

 

/Woody

[Nikolaos]

Nikolaos,

The 3rd one from the right, is that pen comparable to this pen? Are they really worth that? :hmm1:

 

 

I think $380 is way out of line for this pen. Like Woody said they tend to go for a bit over $200.

[namikifan4]

That depends... are you desperate for one? I think the price is too high but I have seen them go for more on eBay in the past. They pop up on the FS forum now and then and usually go for under $200.

 

/Woody

 

 

Well, I don't know about desperate. Mine cracked recently & then I misplaced it when we moved 3 weeks ago by putting it some place safe So, I would love to get one from someone here.Although, I'm thinking that I might get a decimo to replace it. I like the way you all have been describing it as thinner than the modern model. I have a mandarin yellow which I don't use b/c it is too wide for me but I might have to get it out if I can't replace my cracked/lost one soon.

 

I'm using a cross right now & I really do not like having to take the lid on/off. I know, I know, I'm lazy.

 

 

[Siv]

I have a mandarin yellow which I don't use b/c it is too wide for me but I might have to get it out if I can't replace my cracked/lost one soon.

 

I'll swap you a Decimo for your Mandarin. In fact, I'll swap you two (brand new)!!!

[namikifan4]

I have a mandarin yellow which I don't use b/c it is too wide for me but I might have to get it out if I can't replace my cracked/lost one soon.

 

I'll swap you a Decimo for your Mandarin. In fact, I'll swap you two (brand new)!!!

 

 

Very interesting. We just got back from a trip to the Oregon coast so let me think about it while I clean up sand LOL!

Edited September 2, 2008 by namikifan4

[lowks]

Damn the stealth one looks damn cool!!!

[MYU]

Damn the stealth one looks damn cool!!!

You better believe it.

 

Just got to make sure you don't stick it in a pocket with loose change, though... the coating on the section/clip will scrape off if you're not careful.