Superite from DeWitt & LaFrance, Cambridge MA

[antoniosz]

I was extremely lucky to get this pen recently. First I got the body/cap/section but sans nib and then abfter posting on PT I located the nib (thank you Syd). Today I put everything together and I got this.

 

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b325/azavalia/s1.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b325/azavalia/s2.jpg

In the picture above you will see the "true vintage" flex, i.e., a flex that keeps the detail even when the size of letters is small. Many vintage flex nibs and most modern "flex" fail this acid test...

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b325/azavalia/s3.jpg

 

Very curious in this pen is the lever. I hope to take some pictures soon and include them here.

 

I am not sure if the clip is original and if the nib is of the right size.

 

I found relatively little info on Superites.

They were located in Cambridge and related to Carters and Chilton pens.

For example LaFrance patents include 1,528,379 which is a patent on the pneumatic filler apparently used for the Chilton pens later on.

See for example this Carters pen http://www.jimgaston.com/jg327.gif which Jim Gaston claims that shows the connection between Carters and Superite.

Also look at this auction formore pictures

 

Stan of PT who described for me what to look for in a superite nib said in another website that these were pens produced by DeWitt and LaFrance

 

1/20 Gold-Filled pens, with Warranted nibs.

1/20 Gold-Filled pens, with Superite nibs.

Pens made for Rexall.

1/9 Gold-filled pens, with Superite nibs.

(Any 1/9 GF pens with Warranted nibs might be replacements.)

Pens made for department and jewelry stores, etc.

Sterling Silver pens

Gold pens.

 

Any more info is more than welcome.

Edited March 21, 2007 by antoniosz

[Roger]

Wow is the only word to describe that work. Perfect example of a great pen and nib in the hands of a skilled artist.

[Maja]

Great job, Antonios. I feel like I am truly looking at an old document when I see your handwriting; I am in awe of your skill!

[stan]

This continues a rather elderly post - 2005!

 

Has anyone ever seen a silver or solid gold Superite pen. I have two STERLING models and have never seen another. I also have on 14K gold pencil. Again, not ever seen another.

 

I know they are rare but, how rare can they be.

[GlenV]

Mine are gold filled, or rolled gold not sure of the thickness, but I have a friend that has a Sterling set of Superites with clip rather than the ringtops,  with the S nib on the pen. They are pretty pens. I have a Delaco set with clips ( precursor to Carter’s clip) but the nib is a warranted. Not sure how common the silver version is. The history is much better known that in 2005…