Crescent



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His Nibs email MARK TWAIN CRESCENT FILLER COLLECTION

The Conklin Pen Co. introduces the Mark Twain Crescent Collection, an exact replica of the original Conklin crescent filler used and promoted by Mark Twain (read more here). In 1903, MARK TWAIN, the legendary American author, began his relationship with The Conklin Pen Co, the great American pen manufacturer. As a spokesman for Conklin, Twain advertised and promoted the famous Conklin Crescent Filler. Mark Twain expressed the virtues of this unique self-filling fountain pen in a series of advertisements in which he stated "I prefer it to ten other fountain pens, because it carries its filler in its own stomach, and I can not mislay even by art or intention. Also, I prefer it because it is a profanity saver; it cannot roll off the desk." Some other vintage Conklin ads can be seen here. The Conklin Pen Manufacturing Co. was one of the real fountain pen innovators at the turn of the 20th century. The Conklin Crescent is also considered the first successful, mass-produced self-filling fountain pen, and was the first to make use of a flexible rubber ink sac as a reservoir. "Hello, Norm. Today received your note with the "Mark Twain" Black chased pen, and it is awonderful writer. The pen is really a lot more than I expected. It is just the right size in hand, and the Fine nib is so smooth that absolutely no pressure is needed when writing, just guide the pen. Have found that a Fine is more comfortable for me, as sometimes the ink from even a medium is too much on the paper, and would not even have a broad. And an Extra Fine is better on a Pelikan pen. Maybe this one will get me to using fountain pens, rather than my daily carry Parker Jotter ballpoint. Thank you for the very prompt service. p.s. will do some writing this afternoon with the pen. It's wonderful."

W. R., Williamsburg, VA "This new Conklin Halloween pen is now my favorite pen. The black stub nib looks great. I am extremely happy."

B. F., Little Rock, AR "Dear Norman, I love the red-chased Conklin Crescent filler. I have been using it for a few days now and love the weight of it and the stub nib. It writes like a dream, but feels like an old pen (Vacumatics are my collecting passion). Thanks again and I am happy to own the pen. Appreciatively," K. F., Elizabethtown, KY "Hi Norman, the pen has arrived safely and I am very pleased with it, a very stylish item. Your extra touches with the letter and seal are very much appreciated and contribute towards making a purchase from yourself an enjoyable experience... Your quality of service is to be truly commended ."

N. H., United Kingdom "Hi Norman, Received the black chase pen about a month ago and it is a beauty! You did a great job with the nib and it is now my favorite daily writer. Thanks again! Happy to help promote a great 'must have' pen and your outstanding service!"

J. L., Oviedo, FL "Hi Norman, received my Conklin Spearmint Crescent! Love its appearance. I cleaned it and filled it with Sheaffer Turquoise. It writes beautifully. Thanks for filling my order so promptly. A pleasure doing business with you."

S. T., Langhorne, PA "Norman, just received the Conklin Mark Twain fountain pen in the mail. Like you said, "a beautiful pen."

Same color and pattern like the Conklins of the 1930's and 40's. Fine nib is really a fine and writes very smoothly without being wet. The pen is also very balanced in your hand. I will enjoy this pen. Thank you Norman. Thank you,"

K. K., Gardena, CA "Norman, just wanted to give you a quick update on my progress and thoughts on the stub nib...the new "stub" nib slid easily into place and I immediately refilled with ink and began to write. I feel like a kid in a candy store :-). Bottom line is that I LOVE this nib...Anyway, I'll be in touch, and I appreciate your work in getting them to produce such a wonderful nib, and I think Conklin pens are very underrated and not given the attention they deserve, in my humble opinion. This is now my favorite writer among the pens that I own."

M. R., Carencro, LA "I received the pen this Friday. Thank you very much and this pen is perfect. I have been using it to write for the whole day and I just cant let go of it. I love it, thanks very much."

L. C., Australia "Dear Norm: Thanks for the shipment! My Conklin Crescent arrived on Monday evening and I am very happy with it! It is a really lovely pen in person, and it writes superbly. I love the way it works; Mr. Twain was right, too, it won't roll off my drafting desk."

W. T., Iowa City, IA "Hello Norman, Back again ! I am greatly impressed with the Conklin line. They perform as well if not better than the other “ ink shooters “ in my daily use arsenal. Gotta have the Stylograph to complete the set. The mocha crescent filler is an outstanding worker and the mocha finish has a definite retro look that I love ! Being old ain’t bad if you got good memories ! All these Conklin “squid squeezers“ that I have purchased from you function flawlessly and have been cranking out business and personal correspondence since their acquisition."

F. Y., Norman, OK "Norman, I just wanted to thank you for my Conklin Crescent Filler (Halloween), which arrived safely and far more quickly than I expected. It writes superbly, and the medium nib writes just about exactly as I would expect from a Western Fine – exactly as you described it. I prefer to buy from you and await a delivery from the USA, because I know that I will receive excellent, fast, personalised service, and a pen that has been checked and adjusted, and is useable immediately. Thank you very much again, not only for this transaction, but for all the orders that you have completed for me in the past."

M. F., United Kingdom "Mailed you a written note today. The pen is great -- the more I write with it the better I like it. I thought it would be too big for me -- but couldn't resist the crescent filler, chasing, rose gold, etc. so bought it anyway. But it is very comfortable and lightweight...and seems to have a bit of flex to it."

H. S., Swarthmore, PA "Hi Norman. Just wanted to let you know that the new Conklin Crescent arrived safely. And the stub nib is great - the variation in line width looks really attractive, and it is no problem to use."

C. R., Auckland, New Zealand "Hi Norman, Just a quick note to let you know that my order has arrived already! I fell in love with the Conklin when I saw the picture, but it is even more beautiful "in real life". I've inked it up with Noodler's Ottoman Rose and it is writing beautifully. It might take me a little time to get used to the feel of the Crescent "bump" but it is so lovely to have on my desk that I am sure it will soon be a regular. The Crocodile Crystal Leather is also lovely. It's got a surprising weight to it for such a small pen, which I really like (kind of like shopping for papayas - they always recommend fruit that is "heavy for its size"!) and I love the feel of the textured grip in my hand. The screw-on barrel for posting the cap is great, as it feels very secure, although I do prefer it unposted at this early stage. Another great-value, great-looking everyday pen. Thanks once again for the fabulous service and the lovely merchandise!"

N. R., Australia "I just received my pen. I see why it is such a popular pen! Thanks."

V. T., Aurora, Canada "Hi Norman. Thanks for another fine pen. The Conklin Crescent "Halloween" fountain pen arrived today and its a real jewel with its engraved crescent filler, Mark Twain's signature on the cap band and the half moon breather hole on the nib. Its a smooth writer even on rough inexpensive note paper. I'm sure its going to be one of my favorite every day pens. Also, thanks for the personal note."

KFG Columbus, OH

"Got the Conklin Black Chased! Wow! What a beautiful look it has for a black pen! Even better than the old as far as I'm concerned. And, thanks so much for recommending the medium nib which writes like a fine. It is a perfect fine nib for me. And I'm sure you must have "tweaked" it for it writes a nice, smooth, wet line. Filled it with Noodler's Bulletproof Black.....fantastic! I can see why this one is so popular. Pictures don't really show the depth of the chasing: like encased in acrylic! I appreciate your personal service and communication! I'm really enjoying the pen!"

M. B., Springfield, LA "Norman, pen came. Pen seen. Pen conquered [the ink to paper test]. You're right, the Conklin is nice. I love the chasing. It reminds me of a eye dropper pen I have. The Conklin has a serious advantage, though. While you can put ink in both pens, the ink comes out of the Conklin in a controlled manner instead of holding on to it like a tight fisted miser. (No disrespect to non-tight fisted misers intended.) Keep up the good work."

K. S., Asheville, NC "Hi, Norman (your Inky Lordship) - I was just reading the most recent HisNibs.com update and wanted to send you a quick email to say thank you for then pens I've purchase from you over the years. I've got something like 10, of various makes and prices. The shining star is, of course, my Conklin Crescent! Still, I have an abiding fondness for the Pilot 78Gs, the Duke Blue Spyder, the Heroes (329s and Victorian) - I could go on, but you get the picture. In other words, all of them. They have given (and continue to give) me hours of writing pleasure. I'm not in the market for anything new at the moment, but rest assured I will return to make purchases as budget permits. Thank you for making such a unique assortment available. I will always be a devoted fan! Your faithful customer (and vassal)."

L. K., Chicago, IL Conklin limited edition Gold Demonstrator fountain pen $250.00 $199.00 Sold out (can be special ordered)

click here to see more photos and a video of the Demonstrator version!

Conklin Crescent Black Chased w/rose gold trim fountain pen $195.00 $156.00 Sold out but can be special ordered



New! Conklin Crescent Vintage Green w/gold trim fountain pen $175.00 $140.00 Sold out but can be special ordered



New! Conklin Crescent Peanut Butter w/chrome trim fountain pen $175.00 $140.00 Sold out but can be special ordered



New! Conklin Crescent Ivory w/rose gold trim fountain pen $175.00 $140.00 Sold out but can be special ordered



Conklin Crescent Coral Chased fountain pen $195.00 $156.00 Permanently sold out



Conklin Crescent Red Chased fountain pen $195.00 $156.00 Permanently sold out



Conklin Crescent Spearmint fountain pen $180.00 $144.00 Permanently sold out

Conklin Crescent Halloween fountain pen $180.00 $144.00 Permanently sold out



Conklin Crescent Zebra fountain pen $180.00 $144.00 Permanently sold out

The newest versions of the Conklin Crescent-filler is the chased in Red or Orange. These join the Black Chased, which has always been the most popular iteration of the pen. The difference between the two new colors -- other than the colors! -- is that the red has gold 'furniture' (rocker clip, cap band and crescent), while the orange has chrome trim. Like all the others, Mark Twain's signature adorns the back of the cap band. The fountain pen that America's most famous writer personally endorsed makes its return again -- and this time in four new finishes (to see the discontinued ones -- and a video about filling the Crescent, click here)! Measuring a substantial 5-1/2" capped, 6-3/4" posted and 5" with cap held aside, it's size makes for stress-free writing, as it's made from a special cellulose acetate, and so is light in the hand. You'll notice a price differential between the Black chased version and the other four (click here to read Conklin's description of their chased models). In addition to the chasing of the black model -- the yellow gold-plating of the clip, capband and crescent have been replaced with a rose gold-plating -- providing for an even more distinctive pen. The subtle difference can be seen here, with the Black chased version side-by-side with the Mocha. Notice also the Conklin rocker clip, which is certainly one of the most recognizable and copied in fountain pen history (the engraving leaves little doubt as to the manufacturer). The newest addition, the Zebra (I've never seen a Zebra without stripes, but I didn't name it ), brings a black nib, clip, cap band and crescent to the line. The cap band and crescent bar are adorned with 'Conklin'. While the reverse of the crescent bar says 'Crescent-Filler Trademark'. The crescent filler itself is very easy to use, but takes longer to describe than fill! Unscrewing the cap reveals the two-toned steel nib, with it's distinctive crescent-shaped breather-hole. 'Conklin' is engraved in a gold oval, and the nib also says 'Toledo' and 'USA'. Finally, on the side of the nib is marked the size. The nibs are available in M, F or the new stub sizes (the stub nib is monotone). I've found that the Conklin nibs run about a size smaller than typical western nibs. Hence, I'd classify the M as a fine and the F as an x-fine. The stub is a 1.1 mm medium. Please specify the nib size you'd like, by letter or 'stub' only , to avoid confusion when ordering.

Filing the Crescent filler fountain pen 1. Turn the C-shaped locking ring so that the opening is under the metal crescent on the barrel.

2. Press the crescent and hold. This engages the attached pressure bar to deflate the internal ink sac.

3.While keeping the crescent depressed, insert the nib into an ink bottle.

4. Release the crescent, wait a few seconds, the depress again. While keeping the nib submerged, repeat the process 3 to 5 times to fill completely.

5. After filling, remove the nib from the ink bottle and wipe any excess ink with a soft cloth or tissue.

6. Return the locking ring to closed position by turning 180 degrees so that the locking ring opening is on the opposite side of the crescent. Keep in locked position to avoid accidental depression of the crescent. The same process can be used with tepid water for cleaning, especially when changing ink colors, or...as with all new pens, I recommend to run a dilute solution of dishwashing soap (two or three drops to a small bowl of water) through a new pen a few times, followed by water only. Step one is effective at removing manufacturing oils that can tend to make the ink less than enthusiastic in heading from the converter/filler to the nib, and step two removes the traces of the detergent you've used...which tends to have the opposite, diuretic effect. The large blue Conklin gift box and warranty card and filling instructions are included. Chasing "The process of Chasing is used to create a beautiful and fascinating decorative design and texture that is embedded into the surface of the pen's material. In the 1900s, most pens were made of hard black rubber. Chasing became a popular process to add creative and intricate design to the otherwise common look of a simple black pen. The complicated and delicate hand engraving or chasing afforded talented artists the opportunity to show and display their unique abilities. Since the Chasing process required excellent skills and was very time consuming, it added great value to the pen. The Chasing process is also known as Guilloché from the French word for the tool which was used to cut the engraved grooves into the material to create the hand-made design. Today, pens are made from resins instead of hard rubber. However, Conklin® is proud to offer a vintage Chase Design on black resin that is worthy of the legendary Conklin® pen. The classic pattern selected is called Rick-Rack Chase Design, and was chosen because the wavy design is reminiscent of the famous “C” of the Conklin® name and logo. The Conklin® pen company is hard at work to re-create its original designs and offer modern pens with classic vintage flair." IMPORTANT SERVICE NOTE : Every nib that ships from His Nibs is closely examined under high magnification and tuned or adjusted if needed. About 85% of modern nibs need some adjustment out-of-the-box from the manufacturer for an optimal writing experience. Most commonly, the tines of the nib are misaligned -- which would cause scratchiness at the minimum; the slit between the tines is partially or fully closed -- which would starve the nib of ink and at best cause skipping; or the slit between the tines is too wide -- which will either again cause skipping, or conversely, flooding. There are other factors -- such as separation of the nib from the feed -- that are inspected and repaired before any pen leaves the Palace. The only 100% guarantee of course comes when the pen is actually filled with ink and written with for the first time, but our pre-shipping inspections and tunings have eliminated 99.99999 (my finger is getting tired) of the frustrations that a customer experiences when first using a new fountain pen. Although this can be time-consuming on occasion, it affords our customers a much more pleasant experience when receiving a fountain pen from His Nibs -- and saves us the frustration of dealing with returns!