Onoto Self-Filling Franken-Ink Pencil?

[chunya]

Hi All,

 

I recently picked this up at a local auction and it had me scratching my head there, but I still went fo it.

 

It has a beautifully transparent cap and barrel, and a lovely crisp imprint that reads:

 

Self ONOTO Filler

Ink Pencil

De La Rue (British Made) London

BR Patent Applied For

 

So why does this have a fountain pen nib?

 

I did Google and found one that had recently been sold on Ebay Ireland, also with a fountain pen nib .... the only dfference is that one had a DLR nib whereas mine has a nice Pelikan nib.

 

Is this how they were made, then why are they ink pencils, or is their design such that they can be converted to FPs?

 

BTW Apologies for the photos

 

 

 

 

 

[barriep]

The good news is that the barrel and cap have lovely transparency. This design was sold as both a pen and an ink pencil. The bad news is that your's has been converted - probably using a pen section - to a fountain pen with a Pelikan nib that fitted the section (maybe the section as well as the nib is from a Pelikan?). This has devalued the pen but if it writes well as it is then just enjoy using it.

[chunya]

Thanks Barrie, that is what I thought must have happened, it was just so surprising to see another almost the same. Here it is

 

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/antique-ONOTO-self-filling-INK-PENCIL-FOUNTAIN-PEN-marble-effect-with-gold-/282702164591

 

 

You are right, the transparency is lovely. As I paid a lot, lot less than £68 (winning bid on the Ebay one) I'm not too concerned about it being devalued, and the Fine Pelikan nib actually writes with a lovely bit of flex.

[CS388]

That's a stunning barrel and cap, chunya. Congratulations.

 

I think that if I had an ink pencil, I'd be looking to convert it into a FP, anyway - unless it was a mint example to keep as a curio? So having a nice Pelikan nib on the end is no great issue, in my books.

 

Great find! Thanks for sharing.

[northlodge]

The conversion is very easy, I did it a few years back with that very model (and sold it described correctly!).

 

It is a shame really, a serviced and fully working ink-pencil / stylo is a very user friendly item. That they are so undervalued, and too readily disposed of, might mean they will one day prove a good investment for the collector who does keep them in original condition.