Hi there CS peeps and let me just thank you for your patience right off the bat..I'm new to the vintage CS world and have checked a few links which give a nice model overview (not review but production details) but have yet to find one that compares the vintage CS nibs. I'm wondering if there is a quality difference between the standard CS 1, 1A, 2, 3 nibs from the 30's-50's+. Gary was kind enough to inform me that the Duro is their smoothest, but I discovered that it was used on the higher-end pens (hope I'm getting this right) and therefore they all have the gold-plating on bands, clips, etc which I shy away from. The CS vintages I'm looking at now: a 466 (early 1940s) and 75 (early 1950s) have the original nibs (a CS 1 and CS 3 respectively) Does one perform better than the other?

TIA, as usual

Anyone, anyone, Bueller, Bueller?...

Hi Kelly,

Can't leave you hanging out there can we.

Apart from the duro nibs the 1,2,3 etc basically vary in size. All have good and some bad points. I have a pen with a #2 nib that is very flexible and fab then I have another #2 that is quite stiff ???. I can't really work it out either. My best non duro nibs seem to be #5's. All very nice.
I have also found a little tweaking sometimes is necessary, tine alignment etc.
The fine nibs all seem to be a little scratchy for my taste.
If you get a broad or stub nib then they are generally lovely. Bear in mind though most CS nibs are not marked F M B or St etc.. I hope this helps a little.
I'm sure others can jump in here as well.

Regards

Gary

ps forgot to mention that some nib numbers are low on the nib and often hidden inside the section. :ph34r:

Of course each nib type has its basic characteristics, for example flex etc, but with nibs that have been around for so long their previous use and abuse will have an influence.

From my small and motley group of CSs the 1A nibs are all very good writers, certainly writing 'bigger' than their small size might suggest. However they are all slightly different (surely part of the charm of vintage pens) and, if compared blindfolded, might be totally differently nibs even if their basic characteristics are similar. In general I have found them to have little flex, if a little soft, but reliable and suitable for fast writing, which is appropriate to the type of pen they equip.

I have a worn 3, on an old 330 Scribe which I've described elsewhere (somewhere!) in this forum, which is only a little larger than the 1A and, of course, feels totally different in that it is wet and flexy but not extremely so, like a Mabie Todd I have.

While they are different I'm not sure one is 'better', although I like the 3 best. One of the nicest nibs I have in fact. It sounds like you are unimpressed by size and glitz, Kelly, and so these smaller nibs are likely to be appreciated more than by those who prejudge on dimensions.

I suppose my point is that, if possible, a try out will be a better way of finding the nib you like best rather than the number stamped on it.


Greg

I ought to add that I have no experience of the legendary Duro nibs. I was too slow to take up Gary's clearout, regretfully. One day.


Greg

Thanks G & G! I appreciate your thoughts and experieince with the vintage nibs. Unfortunately, these are both on-line, both from extremely good dealers (purchases from both before), and I'm still in a quandry. Of course, if I could write with each, my decision would be easy but... I have seen a writing sample from the CS 3, fine point and it looks good as well as the dealer's testimonial...I'll give it another couple of days and hope they both are still there...or maybe I'm hoping someone will buy one and the decision will be made for me - Thanks again!

My impression, based on a rather small number of samples, is that Conway nibs below the Duro line are pretty much of the same quality, and that quality is good. The nib was what they prided themselves on (or anyway, it was their chief selling point), and they seem to me to be typically robust, with maybe a little bit of flex, but not a huge amount, and like British nibs in general to be more likely to be a medium than a fine.

The actual smoothness of a given nib will depend a lot on the individual nib's adjustment, especially when they're that old. My impression is that the Duro nibs are big solid honking great things, more probably rigid than the ordinary nibs, but not necessarily smoother -- the ordinary range typically have survived as very smooth writers.

So unless your dealer(s) can give a detailed description of the character of the nib, I'd suggest maybe you make your choice on some other grounds. I'd be disappointed if I ever came across a Conway with a bad nib.

Best

Michael

Thank you, Michael. I've got an email of inquiry in on the other nib whose sample I have not seen. I probably can't miss with either and the vendor's reply on this nib will be the deciding factor. As it is, I'm leaning toward the 466, medium nib. Thanks for your feedback

Greg,

Don't be too sad about missing out on a CS with duro nib, I always have one floating around to go to a good home. pm me if you ever want to buy one.
I do have a second #47 with duro 40 nib btw.

Gary