In my desparation to experience a Duro nib, I bought a blue marble CS 55 for a very low price as its really a spares pen in very poor condition.

A lever and bar from another pen was rattling around inside and the cap is from a 759 or something and doesn't fit, but it has the hallowed nib which is in very good nick. I've bodged the bar and 'resacced' it so it will fill and cleaned it all up so it can be used.

It writes perfectly, not that buttery feeling that some nibs give, but I think it might be that slightly 'toothy' feel that Gary prefers. Its very smooth, however, and gives a reliable line, but flexy? No. Quite surprised. The tines can be pressed and huge variations in line achieved but it required quite a bit of pressure to do this.

Its certainly very practical for quick and lengthy note taking, the main use for my pens. If I hold it almost vertical I think I may be mimicking the writing habits of the long time previous owner as the nib then becomes super smooth. Interesting the legacy that previous owners leave with their pens.

Anyone got a cap from a 55 knocking around they wouldn't mind flogging? Of course a marbled blue would be perfect but anything that fits would be great as this is really not a collector's pen but could easily end up as my every day workhorse (as I'm now a little sensitive about crashing out big money on pens!).


Greg