Vacumatic S.j. Maxima Or Major?

[baz666]

Hi.

Would the Vac experts consider THIS pen a Single Jewel Maxima, or a Major?

 

The seller is adamant it is a S.J. Maxima and cites THIS link as his defence for his pen only having a 7 feather arrow nib.

 

Thoughts and comments would be appreciated.

 

Regards

Paul.

[penmanila]

the term "maxima" is one of the trickiest terms in vacdom, and despite being a vac addict myself, i had to ask someone far more knowledgeable than me the same question. see the detailed (if also a bit confusing, if you don't know the vac models) answer here:

 

http://fountainpenboard.com/forum/index.php?/topic/964-maxima-as-a-parker-model-name/page__p__4373__hl__maxima__fromsearch__1#entry4373

 

that, of course, is strictly speaking; many vac users and ebay sellers otherwise loosely exchange "maxima" and "major."

 

from what i can see, my quick guess is that the pen in the ebay ad is a major. if it were a single-jewel senior maxima (not that anyone said it was, but by the definition in the discussion above, all other maximas were double-jeweled), it would be fatter and longer (at 5-3/8" rather than 5") than a major, although (paradoxically) it would have the major's narrow cap-band to be correct. i have an SJ senior maxima and you can tell from a single look how much bigger it is than a major. (the SJ senior max will also have the oversized nib and a metal speedline filler, although the speedline could of course be replaced with a plastic one.) i'll try and post a comparative pic later.

 

there are others who know more about this than i do, so i'd welcome their comments and corrections.

[baz666]

Thanks for the quick reply penmanila.

 

I have read the link you posted, (probably as many times as you have) a very informative piece !

 

My bone of contention is, were any "Maxima" pens originally fitted with 7 feather nibs?

 

I realise the nib (and section) may have been replaced at some time.

 

However, I have been in contact with this seller, but due to his evasive tactics, I have my doubts about this pen.

 

He doesn't even specify the size (length and girth) of this pen in his listing.

 

Regards

Paul.

[Buzz J]

I agree with Jose. This is a Major.

 

Based on my observations, Maximas sport a larger nib typically with 11 feathers and Majors sport a smaller nib with 7 feathers.

 

It's not possible to prove a negative, but I'd be pretty surprised to find a Maxima sized nib with 7 feathers. Additionally, I'd believe that a Maxima with a smaller nib was the result of post factory mischief.

 

Further, $150 for a common unrestored Major is not a deal I'd jump at. Finally, a couple gratuitous comments- 41-50 business days for delivery???? and this listing is eight days old. If this was a genuine Max, it would be long gone.

 

Good luck!

 

John

[baz666]

Thanks all.

 

As stated elsewhere, I will go with my instincts (and all your good advice) and give this one a miss!

 

Regards

Paul.