W.h.smith Fountain Pen

[corgicoupe]

I'm reading a novel by Jacqueline Winspear, copyright 2004, writing about a period of time in 1930. The story opens with a sentence, She took up a green marble-patterned W.H. Smith fountain pen... This author is painstakingly accurate about her history, and I was wondering about a W.H. Smith fountain pen. I know they are a book and stationery company, and they even had a store here in Atlanta many years ago. But I did not know they sold fountain pens. Was it an in-house brand or was it just manufactured and branded for them? Just curious.

[MercianScribe]

They had a couple of different ones made by different makers at different times, I think. The one that maybe comes up most often through sellers and on ebay is The Seal Pen, which seem to have quite a variety. They were made by Conway Stewart from 1906 to the 1930s, according to the Stephen Hull book. Hope that helps!

[nigelg]

See this FPN post.

[corgicoupe]

Thanks to both of you. That answers my question.

[peterg]

Yes it would be a 'The Seal' pen manufactured by Conway.

[npweston]

It maybe should be noted that WH Smith still sell own-brand fountain pens in the UK. I imagine they're of significantly lower quality than the Conway Seal, but I may be wrong

 

https://www.whsmith.co.uk/dept/cat3/stationery_pens_fountainpens/brand/whsmith?format=brand

[peterg]

It maybe should be noted that WH Smith still sell own-brand fountain pens in the UK. I imagine they're of significantly lower quality than the Conway Seal, but I may be wrong

 

https://www.whsmith.co.uk/dept/cat3/stationery_pens_fountainpens/brand/whsmith?format=brand

Yes, I bought one thinking it had a vintage nib as it had WHS on it. I assume it is Chinese. The 'gold' nib is an alloy and very rigid. However, it is broad and writes very well. After the initial disappointment I have become quite attached to it.

[mallymal1]

This is a 'Seal' pen, made by Conway Stewart for W. H. Smith, and probably dates to the earlier 1930's. The nickle plated trim, and lack of a cap band, would place this pen in the more affordable, price band.

 

 

 

 

Apologies for the colour, but if you imagine this is in green...

 

[Steveg58]

Maisie probably wouldn't have splashed out for an expensive one but it might have been a gift.

[corgicoupe]

Yes, a gift from Lady Rowan Compton.