Jump to content

Jame Mclean Ltd


northlodge

Recommended Posts

I have recently been working on a couple of somewhat mysterious 'oversize' pens. There currently seems to be little information available about either, although they both offer a 'social history' story. so I thought I would document what I have before I sell them on.

 

The first is a pen made exclusively for James McLean Ltd of Glasgow. This was a high class book maker who attracted the most affluent clients of the day. It appears that he commissioned the production of pens from the best manufacturers, which he then gave to his valued clients. The pen has no indication of the original maker, so suggestions are welcome. Measuring in at 5 3/4", and carrying a size 8 14ct nib, this is a substantial pen:

post-32315-0-17718800-1320928165.jpg

post-32315-0-13769400-1320928385.jpg

post-32315-0-33805800-1320928393.jpg

post-32315-0-77507600-1320928404.jpg

Edited by northlodge
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 24
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • Lazard 20

    8

  • Beechwood

    5

  • rhosygell

    4

  • northlodge

    3

Probably National pen products Chicago judging by the clip, lever, nib / feed/ section. It is a dead ringer for my Lincoln from the same maker.

Iechyd da pob Cymro

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am very pleased that you posted this information NorthLodge, it follows on from an original enquiry of mine:

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/207216-black-and-orange/page__p__2144675#entry2144675

 

The print on my pen is much weaker, I could just make out Glasgow and ACE, so thank you.

 

The clip on my pen is wrong and will be changed.

 

I agree, high quality manufacturer involved

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Closer examination of the pen in my hand seems to suggest American manufacture, quite possibly NPP. Any further suggestions anyone ?

Iechyd da pob Cymro

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I have a pen identical to Arthur's although mine has had most of the inscription removed - you can see the CE of terrace and, now that I know what it says, a few of the other characters also. My theory is that it was made by Wyvern. The style, lever and section are pretty much identical to my Redwing.

 

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss121/Waudok/PICT0278.jpg

 

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss121/Waudok/PICT0279.jpg

(sorry, shocking photo')

 

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss121/Waudok/PICT0280.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The similarity between the two pens is quite obvious, I am pleased that I now have a makers name for mine.

 

Henry Simpole has made a beautiful job of ftiing a very stylish clip to my pen and with a light restoration and polish the end result is stunning.

 

On the hunt for a good Warranted Number 8 to complete the job.

 

To the OP, when you say that James McLean were a high class book maker, i assume we a re talking about persons who make books and not a turf accountants?

Edited by Arthur
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The similarity between the two pens is quite obvious, I am pleased that I now have a makers name for mine.

 

Henry Simpole has made a beautiful job of ftiing a very stylish clip to my pen and with a light restoration and polish the end result is stunning.

 

On the hunt for a good Warranted Number 8 to complete the job.

 

To the OP, when you say that James McLean were a high class book maker, i assume we a re talking about persons who make books and not a turf accountants?

 

No, it was my understanding that James McLean was the upmarket "William Hill's" of the Glasgow area, what you term a Turf Accountant - and therefore presumably operating on the fringes of the law.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The similarity between the two pens is quite obvious, I am pleased that I now have a makers name for mine.

 

Henry Simpole has made a beautiful job of ftiing a very stylish clip to my pen and with a light restoration and polish the end result is stunning.

 

On the hunt for a good Warranted Number 8 to complete the job.

 

To the OP, when you say that James McLean were a high class book maker, i assume we a re talking about persons who make books and not a turf accountants?

 

No, it was my understanding that James McLean was the upmarket "William Hill's" of the Glasgow area, what you term a Turf Accountant - and therefore presumably operating on the fringes of the law.

 

 

Thanks Paul, but the answer is disappointing. I will put the pen up for sale.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now having got the pen in my hand I also agree that Wyvern is the most likely source - it is all but identical in detail to my mottled rubber Wyvern 61 which is a fraction smaller. I will post photos later including the photo of the NPP pen that caused me to think differently initially.

 

Incidentally, in a Glasgow business directory found on line James McLean is described as a Commission Agent, probably another synonym for a betting shop !

Edited by rhosygell

Iechyd da pob Cymro

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some photos of a Wyvern 61, Lincoln by NPP and the James McLean pen for your collective delectation -

post-17838-0-33773000-1322251205.jpg

post-17838-0-68513700-1322251208.jpg

post-17838-0-77779900-1322251211.jpg

post-17838-0-90014200-1322251214.jpg

Iechyd da pob Cymro

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here's another McLean pen. A button filler (brass button), with 'Made in England' stamped round the barrel just above the blind cap. A well-made pen - but by whom and when?

 

post-51492-0-04860800-1322318781.jpg

 

post-51492-0-11737200-1322318822.jpg

 

post-51492-0-53245400-1322318847.jpg post-51492-0-54333000-1322318874.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here's another McLean pen. A button filler (brass button), with 'Made in England' stamped round the barrel just above the blind cap. A well-made pen - but by whom and when?

 

 

Your pen will have been made by Parker, I have seen examples of these James McLean peens which were basically Duofolds complete with Parker pattern celluloid, Oxonian is an avid collector of these pens, so for further information I would suggest he be contacted.

et

Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge (Charles Darwin)

http://www.wesonline.org.uk/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 years later...

Here's another McLean pen. A button filler (brass button), with 'Made in England' stamped round the barrel just above the blind cap. A well-made pen - but by whom and when?

 

 

 

 

I think is an fpen made ​​by Parker for advertising in general and James McLean Ltd, a major betting house -20 phones lines in 1927-, in Glasgow so they bought the Parker fpen and they printed advertising of them. I have seen a 1930 specimen with both imprint in the barrel "GEO S. PARKER PARKER DUOFOLD MADE IN CANADA" and JAMES McLEAN Ltd. Here is the obituary of Mr. McLean.

 

http://s7.postimg.org/rvgj3y96z/JAMES_MCLEAN_OBITUARIO.jpg

Edited by Lazard 20
Link to comment
Share on other sites

A week ago a good friend sent me a beautiful Duofold Senior Moderne Green & Pearl to to take a look as not loaded ink.

 

Could not load because whoever who installing the elastic ink reservoir 40/50 years ago -I estimate that by the solidification grade of the rubber- turned section with the pressure bar inside the barrel and twisting the sac preventing it to fulfill its role.

 

Although the sac were a curiosity that really struck me was his custom imprint that did not correspond , as more usual, a natural person , but to a legal person , being what we might today call "a advertising fountain pen" by promoting commercial services but with a expensive Parker

 

JAMES MCLEAN LTD GRAMS SPOTLESS GLASGOW

 

Driven by curiosity and while the fountain pen taking bath to soften rigor possible impurities inside barrel I introduced the name in the reference search engine and appeared to me , nothing less, a press with the Obituary that who appeared to have been Mr. McLean. A more refined search led me to internal documents their exciting business and reproduce here by permission and courtesy of Mr. Robert Pool author of an interesting collection of images of Glasgow.

 

Yesterday I returned the Duofold to my friend and I narrated him the intrahistoria over coffee who, in turn, allowed me to publish this entry.

 

Well, time to let these images speak:

 

http://s28.postimg.org/m1owu67r1/image.jpg

 

Note. The clip has been mounting these days and it does not correspond exactly. Waiting to find the corresponding to a senior streamlined.

Edited by Lazard 20
Link to comment
Share on other sites

http://s24.postimg.org/j0y3tmyz9/image.jpg

Footnote. My English is very limited so, please, Is "grams" contraction of "telegrams" or it's a engraving error typo?

http://s27.postimg.org/ywxtjisjn/image.jpg

http://s4.postimg.org/4urhxq6v1/5145784578_caef95e4d4_o1.jpg

Edited by Lazard 20
Link to comment
Share on other sites

http://s24.postimg.org/6ws1450ut/JAMES_MCLEAN_1927.jpg



http://s11.postimg.org/rqmiaa5f7/image.jpg



http://s29.postimg.org/hapyewcsn/image.jpg


Link to comment
Share on other sites

http://s1.postimg.org/5n1dpgmdr/JAMES_MCLEAN_INVOICE.jpg



http://s30.postimg.org/r1f23v1sh/image.jpg



http://s29.postimg.org/dgx0cnow7/image.jpg


Link to comment
Share on other sites

Grams will be an abbreviation for telegrams.

 

The use if the work Spotless is a pun. at this time book making wasnt entirely legal but the word spotless is slang for pure and legitimate.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Grams will be an abbreviation for telegrams.

 

The use if the work Spotless is a pun. at this time book making wasnt entirely legal but the word spotless is slang for pure and legitimate.

Thanks you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Most Contributions

    1. amberleadavis
      amberleadavis
      43844
    2. PAKMAN
      PAKMAN
      33494
    3. Ghost Plane
      Ghost Plane
      28220
    4. inkstainedruth
      inkstainedruth
      26624
    5. jar
      jar
      26101
  • Upcoming Events

  • Blog Comments

    • Shanghai Knife Dude
      I have the Sailor Naginata and some fancy blade nibs coming after 2022 by a number of new workshop from China.  With all my respect, IMHO, they are all (bleep) in doing chinese characters.  Go use a bush, or at least a bush pen. 
    • A Smug Dill
      It is the reason why I'm so keen on the idea of a personal library — of pens, nibs, inks, paper products, etc. — and spent so much money, as well as time and effort, to “build” it for myself (because I can't simply remember everything, especially as I'm getting older fast) and my wife, so that we can “know”; and, instead of just disposing of what displeased us, or even just not good enough to be “given the time of day” against competition from >500 other pens and >500 other inks for our at
    • adamselene
      Agreed.  And I think it’s good to be aware of this early on and think about at the point of buying rather than rationalizing a purchase..
    • A Smug Dill
      Alas, one cannot know “good” without some idea of “bad” against which to contrast; and, as one of my former bosses (back when I was in my twenties) used to say, “on the scale of good to bad…”, it's a spectrum, not a dichotomy. Whereas subjectively acceptable (or tolerable) and unacceptable may well be a dichotomy to someone, and finding whether the threshold or cusp between them lies takes experiencing many degrees of less-than-ideal, especially if the decision is somehow influenced by factors o
    • adamselene
      I got my first real fountain pen on my 60th birthday and many hundreds of pens later I’ve often thought of what I should’ve known in the beginning. I have many pens, the majority of which have some objectionable feature. If they are too delicate, or can’t be posted, or they are too precious to face losing , still they are users, but only in very limited environments..  I have a big disliking for pens that have the cap jump into the air and fly off. I object to Pens that dry out, or leave blobs o
  • Chatbox

    You don't have permission to chat.
    Load More
  • Files






×
×
  • Create New...