'national' Pen Brand Questions

[sitnstew]

Does anyone have experience with the 'National' brand of pens. I have seen a few vintage pens with this marking that I though were really nice looking but was hesitant to pick them up because I haven't heard anything about them. I'm interested to hear if they are a good quality pen and how much is reasonable to pay for one that is in decent condition.

 

Thanks

[jar]

National was a Chicago company and made contract pens that got sold under many names. IIRC the made pens sold by Sears and several drug store chains. They lasted from the 30s until after WWII I think.

[Chthulhu]

Founded in 1948 according to the "About us" page: http://nationalpen.com/index.html

[sitnstew]

ok, good to know the history. Has anyone ever used one though?

[Happy Harry]

Well the National Pen Co. of Chicago was around a long time before 1948 !! The company linked to is a different one. I've seen National products from the '20's and into the '40's but the later ones are poor quality. As mentioned above National made most of their pens under other names, I have only one clearly labeled as National so they did make under their own name. Really a high quality maker, probably top of the second tier, who's pens are a bit under rated. Good celluloid, good nibs and good shape makes them very user friendly overall. As Jar has mentioned they made a lot for Sears such as Good Service and Diamond Medal but so did other makers such as Parker. Some of the other names you see associated with National include Gold Crown, Gold Medal and Lincoln. There are others but their names escape me. I have a Gold Medal Combo inked at present ( in the Conklin black/bronze plastic) and it's a first rate pen.

[sitnstew]

Well the National Pen Co. of Chicago was around a long time before 1948 !! The company linked to is a different one. I've seen National products from the '20's and into the '40's but the later ones are poor quality. As mentioned above National made most of their pens under other names, I have only one clearly labeled as National so they did make under their own name. Really a high quality maker, probably top of the second tier, who's pens are a bit under rated. Good celluloid, good nibs and good shape makes them very user friendly overall. As Jar has mentioned they made a lot for Sears such as Good Service and Diamond Medal but so did other makers such as Parker. Some of the other names you see associated with National include Gold Crown, Gold Medal and Lincoln. There are others but their names escape me. I have a Gold Medal Combo inked at present ( in the Conklin black/bronze plastic) and it's a first rate pen.

 

Awesome! Thanks for the info. I might have to pull the trigger the next time I find one available.