How many people out there own one of the CS 74 "Speedy Phils"? There's a pic here on Johnathan Donahaye's website. That was the pen that got me interested in Conway Stewarts in the first place. My dad bought his 74 in the 1950s and as I was growing up it always sat in the back of the drawer in the sideboard. It didn't work, but I always thought it was beautiful, it's a green herringbone one. A few years ago we sent it off to Conway Stewart who restored it back to working order. I've only ever written with it a couple of times and I love any opportunity to get my hands on that pen. I always feel like I'm handling something very special. One question as a result of Gary's quiz in which he featured a CS22, which other Conway Stewarts featured a Grecian design?

Hi Carrie,

As far as I know only the 22 and 74 have the "grecian bands".

Gary

You're quite correct in thinking that the 74 and 22 (Floral) were the only two post-WW2 models available with the 'Greek Key' cap band. Whilst the 22 was only available in the Floral design, the Speedy Phil 74 was available in plain black and red, green and blue herringbones.

[This is my first entry, so hope it comes out OK!]

Hi Stylophilist, welcome to the forum, you'll find a friendly bunch hangs about around here.

Is nobody else going to admit to owning a CS74 then?

Nope, not me guv, honest.

Gary

The problem with owning a 74 (if you want a pen to use regularly) is the Speedy Phil filling system itself. I think there is an analogy with owning a vintage car - part of the attraction is that the engine is simple enough to maintain yourself without special equipment! In the same way, most other CS pens of the 50s & 60s are well made and very simple to maintain, with plenty of spare parts still available! However, if anybody does have a dead 74 they wish to get restored, I believe David Wells can handle the repair (but e-mail him to check before you send the pen off).

I did own a green herringbone 74 a few years ago but sadly it had to go the way of most of the others to subsidise the main collection!

Andy

Having read about the filling system being prone to breaking I was curious how many other people here might have working models. I know that pen was my dad's daily writer for a good number of years (throughout the fifties from its purchase and the sixties) and that included everyday use on building sites, so it certainly was a tough pen because it's in pristine condition. Next time I'm over at the parent's house I'll see if I can get some decent photos of it and I might see if I'm allowed to ink it up to include a writing sample as well.