Eversharp introduced the Skyline in 1941 and discontinued it in 1948. During those years, it was the best-selling fountain pen in the USA. Skylines were made in a myriad of versions, ranging from all plastic without even a cap band, all the way up to solid 14K gold cap and barrel. Regardless of the exterior, they all featured the great-writing Eversharp 14K nibs, which also were made in a wide variety of types, from fine to broad, and with varying degrees of flex.
Eversharp turned to Henry Dreyfuss, a well-known industrial designer – the streamlined locomotive of the Twentieth Century Limited train on the New York Central Railroad was one of his designs – to design this pen, and the result is a classic of the era.
This set is a near top-of-the line pair, being marked “1/10 14K Gold Filled” and the pen being fitted with a 14K Medium “banner” nib. The nib is in the third style of “banner” nibs, which would place it toward the later years of production. The set includes an original Eversharp case. The pen measures 5 1/4 inches long when capped. The pencil is the same length.
The condition of the set is as follows:
- Both pen and pencil are engraved “Paul E Metz” around the cap lip/center band
- The pen barrel has two opposing dents (see photos) that look as if it may have been caught in closing a drawer. To my knowledge it is very difficult to remove such dents from the Skyline pens, but I will say that it is not overly obvious or distracting from the overall good appearance.
- When I purchased the set, the gripping section of the pen was broken in half. The section of the all-metal Skylines, such as this one, is different than that of the ones with plastic barrels, because this one includes the cap threads, whereas on the plastic barrel the threads are part of the barrel itself. With the help of a machinist friend with a good lathe, I was able to adapt a standard section to the threaded part of the original. We achieved a very good fit and there is little evidence of the repair (see photos).
- There is no brassing on pen or pencil.
- The nib is a 14K Medium, third generation “banner” nib. Very smooth writing.
- The pencil embodies the excellent Eversharp propel/repel mechanism and works very well. The original eraser is concealed under the pushbutton.
- I have fitted the pen with a new breather tube and ink sac, so it is ready for regular use.
I am asking $150 plus actual mailing cost for the set. If you are interested, please email me at BamaPen@jehubbard.com and be sure to include your location or ZIP Code so that I can calculate mailing cost.
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Cigar Box Pen Storage 