What Conway Stewart Did Winston Churchill Use?

[karmakoda]

Another excellent biography of Churchill is "Churchill" by (the late) Roy Jenkins (Macmillan, 2001). A heavy tome in both weight and content but very literate and well researched as may be expected from one of the more scholarly of cabinet ministers. My copy is a 1000 page paperback which I still haven't finished after 2 years!

 

Nigel

 

Thank you Nigel

I like big books, but I confess that I have had the Churchill Memoir (one book, not the six volume set) for a number of years, have not finished it, and cannot even find it, after moving 3 years ago.

I will look for Mr Jenkin's volume, though. Characters like Sir Winston intrigue me: he was not in great shape for most of his life, smoked huge cigars, drank champagne every day of his life, and whiskey and soda....but he had an insatiable appetite for life, and fortitude, fortunately for us. I had no idea, until recently, that he won a Nobel Award for Literature, in 1953.

Regards

Greg

[ArchiMark]

 

[snip...]

 

Characters like Sir Winston intrigue me: he was not in great shape for most of his life, smoked huge cigars, drank champagne every day of his life, and whiskey and soda....but he had an insatiable appetite for life, and fortitude, fortunately for us. I had no idea, until recently, that he won a Nobel Award for Literature, in 1953.

Regards

Greg

 

I agree that Sir Winston is quite an intriguing figure and the older I get the more this Yank is impressed by his determination, fortitude, ability to persevere after failures in his early life and unlike most political figures currently, able to look reality in the face and deal with it head on, with no dithering about it....

 

Even if Sir Winston didn't use a CS pen, I'm very glad that CS issued the Churchill as a tribute to this great man....and also, glad that I bought one for myself....

[pguyton]

Thank You Pguyton

I will check that out. Is it similar to the following photo?

 

http://www.innovationsinnewspapers.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Anonymous-1.jpg

 

I don't see a pen in this picture, but it was apparently taken of Churchill in Italy, in 1944.

I will seek out that book for sure. A CS 26 Duro is one of my "dream pens". Pricey. May Conway Stewart will consider a re-issue.

Best Regards

Greg

Greg,

I ommitted that the Frontispiece photo I looked at is in the Second Printing 2002 of the the 2000 edition of The Folio Society (London) of Volume V, Closing the Ring, of Churchill's The Second World War. It is a different but similiar photo to the one you attached, taken either before or after the one you attached. And it is only with magnification that the top of a pen can be seen. But it sure looks like a CS Duro to me.

Some years ago, 4 or 5, there was a long discussion on this subject either on Fountain Pen Network or Pentrace. I wish I had the archives on that discussion because someone reported that Winston Churchill's personal secretary was asked this question and had responded that Churchill used a Duro. It would be interesting for someone to really research this and get a definitive answer from the folks at the International Churchill Society or the National Trust that runs Chartwell (Churchill's home) today as a museum.

Pat

[karmakoda]

 

[snip...]

 

Characters like Sir Winston intrigue me: he was not in great shape for most of his life, smoked huge cigars, drank champagne every day of his life, and whiskey and soda....but he had an insatiable appetite for life, and fortitude, fortunately for us. I had no idea, until recently, that he won a Nobel Award for Literature, in 1953.

Regards

Greg

 

I agree that Sir Winston is quite an intriguing figure and the older I get the more this Yank is impressed by his determination, fortitude, ability to persevere after failures in his early life and unlike most political figures currently, able to look reality in the face and deal with it head on, with no dithering about it....

 

Even if Sir Winston didn't use a CS pen, I'm very glad that CS issued the Churchill as a tribute to this great man....and also, glad that I bought one for myself....

 

Congratulations on the CS Churchill! I have not made that step, yet, being torn between a number of Conway Stewarts, and others. As a Canadian, I am grateful for all the larger-than-life characters in our past that made guarding our freedom, and way of life, their priority. Gen. Douglas MacArthur comes to mind, and, of course, all of the servicemen that made their sacrifices and contributions. I wonder which other figures would qualify to have commemorative pens issued in their honour? Might be another Topic there??

[karmakoda]

Thank You Pguyton

I will check that out. Is it similar to the following photo?

 

http://www.innovationsinnewspapers.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Anonymous-1.jpg

 

I don't see a pen in this picture, but it was apparently taken of Churchill in Italy, in 1944.

I will seek out that book for sure. A CS 26 Duro is one of my "dream pens". Pricey. May Conway Stewart will consider a re-issue.

Best Regards

Greg

Greg,

I ommitted that the Frontispiece photo I looked at is in the Second Printing 2002 of the the 2000 edition of The Folio Society (London) of Volume V, Closing the Ring, of Churchill's The Second World War. It is a different but similiar photo to the one you attached, taken either before or after the one you attached. And it is only with magnification that the top of a pen can be seen. But it sure looks like a CS Duro to me.

Some years ago, 4 or 5, there was a long discussion on this subject either on Fountain Pen Network or Pentrace. I wish I had the archives on that discussion because someone reported that Winston Churchill's personal secretary was asked this question and had responded that Churchill used a Duro. It would be interesting for someone to really research this and get a definitive answer from the folks at the International Churchill Society or the National Trust that runs Chartwell (Churchill's home) today as a museum.

Pat

 

Thanks Pat

You gave me a lot of information that was new to me. Maybe I'll just contact the people at Chartwell. Although Sir Winston probably used a variety of pens, it would be interesting to know what he fancied. I will be looking for that photograph....and probably a Duro on eBay...there are some beautiful 26 Duros out there, around a thousand dollars. Think I'll get the Churchill instead....so many pens...my wife thinks I'm obsessive, compulsive. Well, two out of two ain't bad.

Greg

[ArchiMark]

 

[snip...]

 

Characters like Sir Winston intrigue me: he was not in great shape for most of his life, smoked huge cigars, drank champagne every day of his life, and whiskey and soda....but he had an insatiable appetite for life, and fortitude, fortunately for us. I had no idea, until recently, that he won a Nobel Award for Literature, in 1953.

Regards

Greg

 

I agree that Sir Winston is quite an intriguing figure and the older I get the more this Yank is impressed by his determination, fortitude, ability to persevere after failures in his early life and unlike most political figures currently, able to look reality in the face and deal with it head on, with no dithering about it....

 

Even if Sir Winston didn't use a CS pen, I'm very glad that CS issued the Churchill as a tribute to this great man....and also, glad that I bought one for myself....

 

Congratulations on the CS Churchill! I have not made that step, yet, being torn between a number of Conway Stewarts, and others. As a Canadian, I am grateful for all the larger-than-life characters in our past that made guarding our freedom, and way of life, their priority. Gen. Douglas MacArthur comes to mind, and, of course, all of the servicemen that made their sacrifices and contributions. I wonder which other figures would qualify to have commemorative pens issued in their honour? Might be another Topic there??

 

Hmmm.....good idea, karmakoda, think you're onto to something....

[BBailey]

Another excellent biography of Churchill is "Churchill" by (the late) Roy Jenkins (Macmillan, 2001). A heavy tome in both weight and content but very literate and well researched as may be expected from one of the more scholarly of cabinet ministers. My copy is a 1000 page paperback which I still haven't finished after 2 years!

 

Nigel

 

 

Nigel,An excellent choice of books for reading up on my favorite statesman. I have had mine a bit longer and still have not gotten through it entirely. In fact, plan to start over during one of my school breaks. For the non-Brit like me, it is difficult to pick up on the nuances Jenkins writes about, but it is enlightening about Sir Winston!Bruce

[221bbakerst]

I was beginning to think there would be no replies to this question.

 

But, the claim of use by Winston Churchill is a form of celebrity endorsement, and carries a lot of weight. It is the same as reference to the use of a Parker 51 by Admiral Nimitz to sign the Japanese surrender, or the Pelikan 100 or 100N to sign the German surrender. Historical reference is meaningful and marketable. Look to the popularity of World War II aviation watches, such as the IWC Big Pilot, HanHart and Tutima for the re-editions of hand wound Pilot watches, and the Bond connection to Rolex and Omega. If I was Conway Stewart I would be researching and waving the banner. Pen manufacturers of the day were probably aggressively trying to place one of their pens in Churchill's hand. I have one vintage Onoto, a very nice pen.

 

I am surprised, in the case of Winston Churchill, that his estate would not have some definitive answers (not to mention the Conway Stewart web-site). After looking at some of the stunning collections of pens aquired by members of this Forum and Network, it would not be surprising that an affluent connisseur, such as Sir Winston was, would have more than one type of pen, or cigar, scotch whiskey or his daily champagne.

 

I have looked for information on the pens used by JRR Tolkien and other famous writers, and found some information on this Network. I am grateful for any additional thoughts on this topic.

To 221bbakerst: There is a book called "Winston Churchill-History in Pictures", or something like that, and I saw a photo in that book of WSC pocketing a pen, but unclear as to indentity. Any favorite books to recommend on Sir Winston?

There are so many books to read that this is a hard question. However, allowing for the obvious examples such as his "The World Crisis 1914-1918" and 'Memoirs of the Second World War" I would definately recomend " Five Days in London,May 1940" by John Lukacs and "The Duel, The Eighty-Day Struggle Between Churchill& Hitler" also by John Lukacs. Also "My Early Life" by Churchill is a good read. "Five days in London.." really illustrates how much the free world has to thank Sir Winston for NOT losing WWII before he had a chance to play such a part in winning it.Britain could easily have lost the war before it really got fully started. Enjoy!!

 

That's a lotta reading! I have a Memoirs book somewhere, and "The Wicked Wit of Winston Churchill" on my desk at all times.

My Dad served in the Canadian forces in WW2 and, in our house, Sir Winston, was a hero. I have Victory newspapers my mother saved with Mr Churchill on the front page.

Thank you for the reading suggestions!

I would love to see the Victory newspapers!! Actually, neither of the Lukacs books is particularly long nor are they costly. Both are recent prints and should be available on Amazon. Both are very readable and flow quickly. John Lukacs, I learned, is both well known and a respected writer.If one admires Churchill,they would qualify as 'fun' reading. Hope you try them!

[BBailey]

After reading the thread about Winston Churchill's use of Onoto pens, I have posted a comment under the Chatter thread. Those who are interested can see it there. It is not appropriate for me to give any further details under this thread.I enjoyed reading all the information and viewing the photos of Chartwell. Great stuff about a great man.Bruce

[karmakoda]

Christmas is a great time to pick up some special items, and I am going to put some of the books, mentioned above, on my list. If a Churchill should be laying under the tree, who will question that gift from Santa? Ho Ho Ho

 

What is the Chatter Thread? I would like to read more.

 

Reading about Sir Winston, and the respectful comments here, makes a person take a look at their own life, because his was certainly one well spent, truly meeting his challenges and staying the course.

[duofoldguy]

I was beginning to think there would be no replies to this question.

 

But, the claim of use by Winston Churchill is a form of celebrity endorsement, and carries a lot of weight. It is the same as reference to the use of a Parker 51 by Admiral Nimitz to sign the Japanese surrender, or the Pelikan 100 or 100N to sign the German surrender. Historical reference is meaningful and marketable. Look to the popularity of World War II aviation watches, such as the IWC Big Pilot, HanHart and Tutima for the re-editions of hand wound Pilot watches, and the Bond connection to Rolex and Omega. If I was Conway Stewart I would be researching and waving the banner. Pen manufacturers of the day were probably aggressively trying to place one of their pens in Churchill's hand. I have one vintage Onoto, a very nice pen.

 

I am surprised, in the case of Winston Churchill, that his estate would not have some definitive answers (not to mention the Conway Stewart web-site). After looking at some of the stunning collections of pens aquired by members of this Forum and Network, it would not be surprising that an affluent connisseur, such as Sir Winston was, would have more than one type of pen, or cigar, scotch whiskey or his daily champagne.

 

I have looked for information on the pens used by JRR Tolkien and other famous writers, and found some information on this Network. I am grateful for any additional thoughts on this topic.

To 221bbakerst: There is a book called "Winston Churchill-History in Pictures", or something like that, and I saw a photo in that book of WSC pocketing a pen, but unclear as to indentity. Any favorite books to recommend on Sir Winston?

 

You have a really good point about endorsing products; that a lot of people use more then one product. That endorsements do not mean that a product is better or worse. I like that each of your examples shares a claim to fame at some point in history. The one about Admiral Nimitz signing the surrender with a P51. That same document was signed with General MacArthur red senior Duofold. The Germany surrender was signed with a Parker 51 as well as the Pelikan.

[karmakoda]

General MacArthur is my favorite figure of US Military History, hands down, so Thank You duofoldguy, I see a duofold in my future.

 

Conway Stewart, and the Estate of Sir Winston, are entities that are mutually complimentary, so in this case, the posthumous endorsement is fine and remains in the realm of connoissuership, as opposed to Elvis's image on vans owned by Dickie Dee's King of Carpet Cleaners (I invented that, not real).

 

Recently, fountain pens have appeared in a number of movies, the latest being a button filler used in "Inglorious Basterds", and that brief image has generated a number of posts on this network. It may have been the film, "The Reader" that inspired my interest in vintage Montblancs and other piston fillers. Seeing "Valkyrie" resulted in my purchase of a beautiful black Pelikan 100N.

My fascination with Sir Winston has given me the gift of enjoying my collection of five gorgeous Conway Stewarts, and for that I am grateful.

The amazing power of celebrity and media.

[Lito]

I have recently looked at the Churchill Papers online and I found out a little bit about the type of pens Churchill used.

Swan pens, Red Dwarfs, Conway Stewart and Miles-Martin biros.

Have a look at Palimpsest:

http://writinginstruments.blogspot.com/2010/09/winston-churchill-and-his-pens-from.html

[RMN]

I have recently looked at the Churchill Papers online and I found out a little bit about the type of pens Churchill used.

Swan pens, Red Dwarfs, Conway Stewart and Miles-Martin biros.

Have a look at Palimpsest:

http://writinginstruments.blogspot.com/2010/09/winston-churchill-and-his-pens-from.html

Thanks for the link

 

D.ick

[bbs]

Thank You Pguyton

I will check that out. Is it similar to the following photo?

 

http://www.innovationsinnewspapers.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Anonymous-1.jpg

 

I don't see a pen in this picture, but it was apparently taken of Churchill in Italy, in 1944.

I will seek out that book for sure. A CS 26 Duro is one of my "dream pens". Pricey. May Conway Stewart will consider a re-issue.

Best Regards

Greg

Greg,

I ommitted that the Frontispiece photo I looked at is in the Second Printing 2002 of the the 2000 edition of The Folio Society (London) of Volume V, Closing the Ring, of Churchill's The Second World War. It is a different but similiar photo to the one you attached, taken either before or after the one you attached. And it is only with magnification that the top of a pen can be seen. But it sure looks like a CS Duro to me.

Some years ago, 4 or 5, there was a long discussion on this subject either on Fountain Pen Network or Pentrace. I wish I had the archives on that discussion because someone reported that Winston Churchill's personal secretary was asked this question and had responded that Churchill used a Duro. It would be interesting for someone to really research this and get a definitive answer from the folks at the International Churchill Society or the National Trust that runs Chartwell (Churchill's home) today as a museum.

Pat

 

Thanks Pat

You gave me a lot of information that was new to me. Maybe I'll just contact the people at Chartwell. Although Sir Winston probably used a variety of pens, it would be interesting to know what he fancied. I will be looking for that photograph....and probably a Duro on eBay...there are some beautiful 26 Duros out there, around a thousand dollars. Think I'll get the Churchill instead....so many pens...my wife thinks I'm obsessive, compulsive. Well, two out of two ain't bad.

Greg

 

Well I was at Chartwell a couple of months ago (it's just down the road from me) and saw those pens on the desk and asked the guide what they were. After consulting his notes, all he could tell me was that they were Conway-Stewarts .....

[PatientType]

Churchill was inclined to pamper himself and image would have been very important to him. In those years, the Conway Stewart top-of-the-line would have been the Conway Stewart 100, I'd think.

[Boston Brian]

I know that this does help answer the question, but in the book "Speaking for Themselves" which is a collection of letters between Winston & Clemmie, Churchill when serving in the trenches in WWI asked Clemmie to send him another Onoto pen as he has carelessly lost the one that he had when he arrived at the front. So we do know that he used that make of pen during the first world war.

[ybrudny]

In the early 1980s, I have attended a lecture by Churchill secretary, Sir William Deakin. During the lecture he claimed that Churchill strictly speaking did write any books or letters, since he simply dictated them to his secretaries. Therefore a fountain pen, Conway Stewart or any other other, was not an important item he used daily. The pictures of his pens on the table or him holding a pen could be placed there to create an image of an intellectual politician toiling with his fountain pen.

[Boston Brian]

Certainly in the last period of his life Churchill did dictate most things, but for most of his life private correspondence was hand written, he corrected galley proofs of his books with two pens, one filled with red ink, one with black ink. He made notes to remind himself of things, so he used a fountain pen just like most people of his age and generation.

There are a number of books about Churchill by people who worked for him, secretaries, valets, colleagues and those who dealt with him over publishing rights to his books and paintings, and they shed a lot of life on his day to day activities.

I am a bit of a Churchill fan, and have dozens of books about him in various periods of his life.

[soapy]

sorry i have no knowledge on that but heres one of his best quotes

 

"sir, you are drunk". "madam, you are ugly, but I'll be sober in the morning.".