Soennecken 10

[Soot]

INTRODUCTION:

 

The Soennecken 10 is a well-made pen that is not often found in the wild or anywhere, so I took first grab when I saw this pen was offered for sale from a fellow member.

 

 

Appearance & Design

 

The Soenncken 10 was a pen that was designed on the slim side, catering to those that favors the slimmer barrel. Soennecken 10 came in a few patterns; one of which is the green lizard that appears on the 222 series. Besides the lizzard pattern, it also came in stripe design that appears on the 333. I am not sure which series came first, but seemingly they share the same celluloid designs used on different models; similar patterns were also seen on the smaller siblings of the 10, the Pony.

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6850975422_f48af8ff0b_z.jpg

 

 

Construction & Quality

 

The construction of the 10 is typical like other Soenneckens of this era, very well made. It does not feel flimsy or fragile in any way, and will sustain another few decades if well cared for. The pen is a piston filler, but I don't have an idea whether it has the same operating mechanism [brass piston rod/sleeve] like that of other models. The seal however, uses poly seals like that of Pelikans, and not cork-- which could be a problem if you need a replacement.

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7107/6997095823_406ac9a26c_z.jpg

 

 

Weight & Dimensions

 

Please see pictures. As for the weight-- I didn't take any measurements, it's similar to the Pelikan 400 which for me is "just right."

 

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/6997081129_088f842fc9_z.jpg

 

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6216/6850958828_5c92e121f9_z.jpg

 

 

Nib & Performance

 

This nib on this pen was probably bent by the previous owner, and was shaped back in place somewhere down the road. However, that did not affect how it wrote--- actually, maybe just a little, but I was not bothered by it. One thing about this nib intrigued me: the venting hole. Before seeing this pen, I didn't know Soennecken made heart-shaped venting hole nibs, and I wasn't able to find any documentation stating they did [not]. I am still looking for the answer. The line on this nib is about F/M and flexes to a B, however, it's not recommended.

 

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6232/6997109543_cd5ed74811_z.jpg

 

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6231/6997098269_37ff878504_z.jpg

 

 

Filling System & Maintenance

 

Piston-filler; dissembly not recommended. The nib is not easily removable, has to be knocked out from the inside.

 

 

Conclusion

 

This is a great pen to have and to use if you're a user of slimmer pens.

 

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6032/6851005802_365d9d68e8_z.jpg

 

I personally do not favor slim pens because they don't feel comfortable when I write, it makes me feel like I am writing with a BIC though the writing experience is far from it. The material on this pen has to be held and seen to appreciate its unique design; see it up close and you will say: "Wow, fascinating design! How come they don't make designs like this anymore?!"

 

 

 

--- Bob

[penspouse]

Not crazy bout slimmer pens, but love the lizard pattern. Nice review.

[Uncle Red]

Great review of an uncommon pen, thanks

[watch_art]

Wow that's awesome! Love that lizard pattern. I wish somebody would make something like that today. Very cool.

[georges zaslavsky]

great and rare pen thanks for the review

[Soot]

Wow that's awesome! Love that lizard pattern. I wish somebody would make something like that today. Very cool.

same here!

I wish someone would make materials similar to this(if not the same) also! Unfortunately, up to now, no one is up to the task.

 

any idea as to where to get one? the price?

Try here and here.

Edited May 2, 2012 by Soot

[watch_art]

$100 is more like it. Maybe more for extra rare or extra nice examples.

Edited May 4, 2012 by watch_art

[Inkwisitor]

You have excellent taste!