Conklin 22C - crescent filler - flexible XF-BB

This is the pen and nib that all the flex fans are looking for.

From the 1921 Conklin catalog:

The Conklin's Simplicity

The service a pen gives is largely dependent upon its construction. No pen is satisfactory that requires frequent adjustment or replacement of worn out or broken parts.

The extreme simplicity of a CONKLIN Crescent Filler Pen is graphically illustrated below - only eight parts - and none of them of the delicate, complicated type that renders breakage easy.

From catalog scans I estimate this pen is at least 102 years old, from 1918-1920. This is based on the 1918 patent stamp on the clip and the lack of a crescent on the crescent filler. There are probably Conklin collectors who can provide a better estimate. The barrel is stamped 20. The catalogs say this means the base model pen is a 20C. However, the cap has an upgraded half-inch, plain polished, rolled gold band that changes the designation to 22C. I love old pen catalogs.

This pen is in amazing condition regardless its exact vintage. The gold plating is perfect The chasing is crisp and there is almost no oxidation - the ugly brown color that black ebonite turns with UV exposure. The clip is every so slightly skewed. It is so slight that I decided not to risk attempting to straighten it.

The nib is beyond superlative. There are no modern nibs with comparable performance. It can make lines from hairline to broad and back again with gentle pressure variation. The writing sample is a poor demonstration because I have no skill with such nibs. Great care should be used when flexing this nib. Such performance is provided by a nib that is quite thin and can be sprung and ruined with a heavy hand. It is robust enough to last another 100 years if used with respect and care.

Length
Capped - 137 mm (5.4”)
Uncapped - 125 mm (4.9”)
Posted - 172 mm (6.8”).
Diameter
Cap - 12.6 mm (0.5”)
Barrel - 10.7 mm (0.42”)

Filler
Crescent

Nib
Flexible (XF-BB)