Dear Cross Colleagues,

I have always been a Pelikan and Lamy enthusiast........but I decided to cross the road and try out a few Cross Fountain Pens :

1) The Cross Townsend Medalist ( Gold and Silver accents - double gold rings on base of cap )

2) The Cross Medalist Century 11


I wanted to ask the following :

1) What is the difference between the two

2) Which is the best for writing with all of the time eg. notetaking, letters, general usage.

3) Which has the better nib

4) Which is wetter and smoother to write with.

Thanks.

Kavanagh

Kavanagh,

The Townsend is longer, thicker, and heaver than the CCII. Some complain that the CCII is sufficiently narrow to cause sore fingers and cramping after long writing sessions. I had both a Classic Century and a CCII, and answer that this occurs only when too much pressure is applied. These pens (Townsend and CCII alike) offer a firm, non-flexing nib which lays down a consistently wet line without skipping. Pressure is not needed.

Some time ago I gave a CCII away to a friend, and I missed having a Cross. Yesterday I bought a Townsend online, after having held on once at a show. If you're looking for a light pen that can be tossed in a coat or jeans pocket, the CCII might be best. If, on the other hand, you want a little larger desk pen suitable for stowing in a portfolio or shirt pocket, the Townsend is a great choice.

Best of all, neither pen will come unscrewed from the cap in your pocket; they're both snap caps!

Townsends are quite heavy pens. Furthermore, if you post they have a lot weight at the back. This is not to say that they are not well balanced, but you would be advised to try one before buying. I prefer them to CIIs myself and have no difficulty employing a Townsend for general usage.

Not sure about the nibs: my broad Townsend writes much better than my medium CII, but it does have a gold nib whilst the latter is stainless steel. I believe that both the Medalists have ss nibs.

Cross Townsend is the latest and in my opinion the flagship fountain pen of Cross . The pen is very well made and it feels substancial with the cap posted . The nibs are very smooth (I heard they are made by Namiki of Japan ) .They are very good value for money . I have one in mint condition , which i am disposing off only to make way for a clear demonstrator Stipula
(see my post in marketplace '' Some of my pens for your consideration''.

regards,

Devjeet

I have a Century II medalist in EF, and it writes wonderfully, so much so that I'm glad the store was out of fines and I was forced into an EF.

I was wondering the same thing as you, and it seems the only real difference is the size and weight. I should warn you, even the Century II can feel a bit heavy at times (I don't post while writing), so watch out for the Townsend.