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A range of Pilot Capless and VP models


Dan Carmell

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I hope to get a dual review of the Pilot Decimo and Fermo models up here this weekend and in taking photos for that this morning, I took photos of all five of my Capless models. Below are some measurements and photos.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v255/dcarmell/5vpaa.jpg

The models are: (left to right) a 1967 Capless, a 1990s faceted Vanishing Point, a current production Raden Capless, a Decimo, and a Fermo.

 

Measurements:

 

Model Weight (gm) Length (mm) Width (mm)*

 

1967 Capless 16 146 12

Faceted VP 16 138 11.75

Current Capless 30 142 13

Decimo 20 140 11.5

Fermo 34 142 12

 

*The width is measured at the opening of the "barrel" section of the pen, except in the case of the '67 model, because it is the only model with the threads on barrel section, so it is measured from the "cap" section's opening.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v255/dcarmell/5vpb.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v255/dcarmell/5vpc.jpg

Each clip is mounted differently, and if you look at the wide range of early Capless models, you will find even more variations.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v255/dcarmell/5vpd.jpg

Interesting to note that the first and the last of these models feature a plastic button with a metal end jewel.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v255/dcarmell/5vpe.jpg

Note that the clip on the '67 Capless is the longest in relationship to the "cap" end of the pen, because it is mounted lower than the rest of the pens' clips and because this model is also unique among these five models in have a relatively short "cap" section versus the "barrel" section.

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  • Dan Carmell

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Wow - thanks for the excellent photos and info! You have an excellent collection of VPs there - all in my preferred colors too. The Raden is gorgeous.

 

Do you have a favorite?

"I have striven not to laugh at human actions, not to weep at them, nor to hate them, but to understand them."

- Baruch Spinoza

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Lovely photos, Dan...and some very useful info there re: the different models. Like Ryan, I am curious as to whether or not you have a favourite pen in the group above.

I have a maroon w/chrome (edit: I mean rhodium :doh: ) trim modern VP with a lovely cursive italic nib that is one of my best writers (I think I've used it in a snail I sent to you a while back) :)

Edited by Maja
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Nice comparison shot--what's that little fliggher to the right of the Decimo?

 

Ryan & Maja, I'll put up my Fermo and Decimo review later today and I think that will answer your question!

 

Thanks for the nice comments!

 

Dan

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what's that little fliggher to the right of the Decimo?

 

It's a Pilot Birdie - not bad little fountain pens - especially considering they're only about £8, and small enough to fit in a Filofax loop. Even comes with a converter.

Michael Randall :: PigPog - Cult Pens (UK)

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Nice review of the Birdie--I wish my photos were as crisp! I like the detailing on the clip--the long and short grooves--and, yes, the stepped down barrel is much like the Parker 25, the last great school pen by Parker (IMO).

 

I have a slot in my binder for a small pen, this would be a perfect match.

 

Dan

 

p.s. I did mean "flighter"--I wasn't creating a new word "fliggher" which sounds rather Harry Potter-ish!

Edited by dcarmell
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Thanks for the great comparison shots!

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom. 5:8, NKJV)
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