These pens have gone missing from one of my collecting colleagues following an exhibition in London recently. They disappeared some time around 6th - 8th September. It is not known whether they were stolen or lost but if you see them offered anywhere (they are very distinctive, especially if offered as a batch, and in fantastic condition) please let me know and I'll pass any information on. Unfortunately there are no pictures available. I'm duplicating the post in the Parker and Conway Stewart forums as these are the main two brands involved.

Parker Lucky Curve Duofold Junior in transparent bakelite
Parker Lucky Curve Duofold Senior in blue-on-blue lapis
Parker Lucky Curve Duofold Senior in white flecked blue lapis
(one of these lapis Duofolds is in an original 1920s Duofold card box)
Mabie Todd Swan Eternal No4 Leverless in blue on blue lapis
Conway Stewart No40 Duro in black veined green and white marble
Conway Stewart 1920s Giant lever filler in black chased hard rubber with huge hand engraved nib - barrel imprint 'The Duro Pen Conway Stewart London' - this pen is huge - much larger than a No20 or the earlier Duro pen

I have seen the giant CS pen and it is almost certainly the only one in the world. It is absolutely huge and couldn't possibly be mistaken for any other model.

Thanks everybody in anticipation of your help.

Andy

No help. I'm afraid, just that I'm doubly sad; firstly that the owner has (hopefully temporarily) lost these pens, and secondly I didn't get to the exhibition. Was it open to the public?

I would have loved to have seen the big CS 'London'.

Greg

I believe so, though you wouldn't have gone on the off-chance of seeing pens. It was the International Jewellry Fair at Earls Court.

Seeing the huge CS Duro against a Dinkie was a sight not to be forgotten, if the pens are returned I'll try and get hold of a pic and post it here.

Andy

I'm pleased to say that these pens have recently been recovered, and had actually been mislaid rather than stolen (though the owner was obviously far too embarrassed to let me know directly, I heard through a mutual friend)!

Andy

That is good news!

"My Mercedes runs perfectly." is something that was often said about the German built cars back in the 70's when Damlier-Benz was having quality control issues. The true translation of the phrase was closer to, "I don't have the testocular fortitude to admit I made a $50,000 mistake."

I've often thought one of the real attributes to a person is if they have the self confidence to admit they made a mistake. A lot of stuff is sold on hype. It is not an embarassenent for me to say something isn't as advertised or whan asked about someone to tell folks exactly what I think with 'pulling punches'. But, I prefer clarity to agreement, honesty to being nice. If something is going to come out a bit rough for someone I will ask if they really want the answer, because it is going to be an honest answer as I view it.

Ron

Hi Ron,

ive owned 9 mercedes from the 70s and 80s and i can assure you, they really do run perfectly!

there were no quality control issues for the company in the 1970s, quite the contrary, this era was a company heyday.

some quality control issues arose in the mid 1990s to early 2000s.

cheers!

They must have been great in the 70s then as my late 90's C180 estate has never missed a beat in well over 100,000 miles!

Anyway, I missed the post saying the chap had found his pens, I'm very pleased for him, even if I'm a little jealous of the CS40.


Greg

Greg,

I've also now seen a picture of the Duro 40 - and you have every reason to be much more than a little jealous, it is spectacular! I believe, however, that pen has already been sold on once or twice since the story was concluded. I know of the whereabouts of another identical one that has not yet been offered for sale, though, if you win the lottery in the near future......!

Andy