It's An Umbrella......pen?!

[Jadie]

So....I just won this really strange pen on eBay and was wondering if anyone has any information on it.

 

At first glance, it looks like one of those paper umbrellas you stick into cocktail drinks....

 

Turn it around and---ooo! Surprise, it's a geisha!

 

Unscrew it and---whoa, is that a nib?

 

Pretty weird! But I liked the looks of it, so I got it anyways...

 

The only info I can find is this other eBay listing for a similar "umbrella fountain pen", but for waaaay more:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-Minim-Fountain-Pen-in-Pink-Color-Umbrella-Shaped-Original-Stamp-1950/380450183140?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D17905%26meid%3D1503916414376392040%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D8262%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D141066324596%26

 

And....a random blog entry with the clone of my pen here:

http://www.rubylane.com/item/172908-JOY1440/Vintage-Celluloid-Fountain-Pen-Figural

 

As far as I can guess, it's a vintage Japanese celluloid pen of some type. The nib reads "IDEAL Pen", and some further info can be found in the original listing here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-Antique-NOS-Painted-Celluloid-Novelty-Umbrella-Fountain-Pen-Ideal-Pen-Nib-/141066324596?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&nma=true&si=blKEkbymAjt6dnfBEH2abTwzINo%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

 

I'd appreciate some more information!

 

 

 

[ethernautrix]

I can't help with information, but that is very cool!

[stan]

Late 1950s to early 1960s novelty pen.

Many made by small companies as souvenirs, leave-behinds, and token gifts.

Usable but, not serious writing instruments.

 

They come in many designs and varieties.

Enjoy. Makes wonderful conversation piece.

[Jadie]

Thank you very much! I will treasure this piece of history. ^___^

[Jadie]

Well, the pen arrived today and wow, is it tiny. More interesting is the fact that the barrel is grooved---so that each of the black lines you see on the umbrella is ever-so-slightly raised from the surface, making for a nice tactile texture.

 

The tipping seems a bit worn, though, also, I'm still trying to figure out how to open the pen so I can fill it with ink...

[ethernautrix]

Would love to see more photos. Cool little pen!

[rudyhou]

oh my. very interesting. never seen any fp like it before. thought it's not something i'd get myself, i think it's pretty cool. considering its size, it's a perfect fp for travels, no?

[alexander_k]

This brings back childhood memories: I had such a pen as a small child in the early 1960s. I wonder where it is now. It was a horrible writer and leaked ink in all positions - but it was great fun.