Thompson Fountain Pen

[fcs]

This is my first posting to the Fountain Pen Network, which I was attracted to by the variety and interesting nature of the forums, and particularly by the chance to read postings of folks seriously interested in fountain pen history.

 

I recently acquired a striated red and white flattop (5 3/8" capped; 6 1/2" posted; 1/2" wide) with gold filled trim. The ball clip and lever are marked "Thompson." It has a nearly 1/4" wide cap band. The nib has no markings at all. I assume Thompson was a third tier maker. The general appearance of the pen suggests the late 1920s or the 1930s. I like very well the way the pen writes, despite its obviously modest origins. Might anyone have information about Thompson pens?

[Keith with a capital K]

I am only aware of Thompson Pens as being a current manufacturer of pens which are generally custom replicas of vintage models although they also offer their own unique designs... this is not to say that there might have been a vintage manufacturer of "Thompson" pens as well.

 

http://www.thompsonpens.com/

[fcs]

Thanks for your response. This Thompson is definitely a vintage pen, replete with a clip loose from wear and an ossified sac.

[rhr]

As a matter of fact, Chris Thompson collects these vintage pens as well as making his own modern pens under the same name. He showed me a lineup of 5-6 (?) different colors of the vintage Thompson at a pen show, once, a few years ago. Try contacting him through his website and ask him about the vintage pen company (I'm sure he would oblige you with a response), and then please post your findings here. Tell him that I sent you.

 

George.

 

:ph34r:

[fcs]

George: Thanks very much for this lead. I'll do as you suggest.

 

Floyd

[fcs]

I e-mailed Chris Thompson and Julie replied: "Chris has several of these pens, himself, but his research has led him nowhere. He suspects that they may have been sold in drug stores of old."

 

At the Boston Pen Show yesterday I asked Richard Binder if he knew anything about the Thompson company and he did not.

Edited May 23, 2005 by fcs