Airmail 71Jb

[manojd]

I had gone to the local pen store yesterday to look for some nibs and found this Airmail pen sitting on the shelf. This is the last and the only one they had.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8460872350_67f0f30842.jpg

 

Decently packaged in a simple cardboard box, unlike many other Airmail pens which do not come with a box, neither a plastic sleeve. While packaging the box, the store owner also put in an Eyedropper with AIRMAIL stamped on it. I am not sure if the pen comes with the eyedropper or he gave it as courtesy, since I am a regular visitor to his store.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8376/8460873468_98a1b2d369.jpg

 

16 cms in length, the cap is 16 mm in diameter. Body of the pen 12.5 mm in diameter. When the cap is posted, the pen comes to about 18 cms in length. This is a big pen, but it is much lighter in weight because of the material used.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8459773877_af67819fdf.jpg

 

Airmail nibs are not the greatest in the world. They are generally a bit scratchy and need some getting used before they start writing well.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8518/8460874722_02a999e6fd.jpg

 

For a pen this size, the nib had to be bigger. And a steel coloured nib was a better fit to match the rest of the pen, instead of the gold nib that the pen comes with. I did not have a big size steel nib, but had a two tone nib which was much smoother than the original. A bit of machining and the section took the new nib along with the original feed. Tested the flow with water and it seems perfect.

 

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8373/8459775191_7605d11b68.jpg

 

I have not inked this pen and may never do, but I may offer this for sale to interested buyers.

[hari317]

hey nice! I bought these in their plain 10 pack packing two weeks back from the Mumbai dealer.

[manojd]

hey nice! I bought these in their plain 10 pack packing two weeks back from the Mumbai dealer.

 

I was surprised to see the packaging.

[Silent Speaker]

These are the largest Airmails, aren't they?

 

I wonder, would you say that they are closer in size say to a MB146 or a 149?

 

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OP, you mention finding this languishing solo on a shelf. Is the pen store going to restock? Or are the pens just not so popular anymore to bother?

 

That would be a pity, as it does look a nice pen.

Edited February 10, 2013 by Silent Speaker

[de_pen_dent]

I have one of these, and I find the nib to be absolutely superb - just the right amount of ink flow and a hint of paper feedback: a pen I can simply write and write and write with. This is my favorite Airmail and this thread reminds me that I need to pick up a couple more, actually.

[springrainbow]

Hi Hari

 

Is the 10 pack pricing per piece the same as the black box pricing?

 

I think the black box costs Rs. 200 or Rs. 250.

 

Kapil