Vintage Pilot Elite Pocket Fountain Pen Black Gold 18K Manifold Nib Estate AS-IS for Sale

Vintage Pilot Elite Pocket Fountain Pen Black Gold 18K Manifold Nib Estate AS-IS For Sale

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Vintage Pilot Elite Pocket Fountain Pen Black Gold 18K Manifold Nib Estate AS-IS:
$89.50

Vintage Pilot Elite Pocket Fountain Pen – Rare 18K Solid Gold "Manifold" NibSourced Directly From a Local Estate Sale | Sold Strictly AS-IS for Parts or RestorationA Piece of Fountain Pen History: The Pilot Elite LegacyFounded in Japan in 1918 by Ryosuke Namiki and Masao Wada, Pilot has spent over a century setting the absolute global standard for fine-writing engineering and meticulous gold-nib craftsmanship.In 1968, Pilot introduced a design that would change the industry forever: the "Elite" series. It popularized the legendary Japanese "long-short" pocket pen format. This engineering marvel was intentionally designed with a short, compact barrel to travel effortlessly inside a gentleman’s front shirt pocket. However, when the long cap is pulled off and securely posted onto the back of the pen, it transforms instantly into a beautifully balanced, full-sized writing instrument.By the early 1970s, as Japanese manufacturers entered the famous "Gold Nib War" to produce luxury writing tools, the Elite family evolved to showcase stunning, premium 18K gold inlaid nibs. This particular estate find is equipped with a highly prized 18K solid gold "Manifold" nib. Originally designed to maintain structural firmness while writing hard enough to press through multi-layer carbon copy paper, Manifold nibs yield an exceptionally stable, precise line and are significantly scarcer today than standard fine or medium variants. There are no production date stamps visible on this specific pen, which is common for certain production runs of this era.Functionality & Testing Disclaimer (Sold AS-IS)Please note that I am a vintage reseller and do not sell my pens in working condition. This fountain pen is sold strictly UNTESTED and AS-IS for parts, restoration, or vintage pen collections.I dipped the nib and it writes great. The dried-up ink cartridge has been removed, but residual dried ink likely remains in the feed. The buyer assumes all responsibility for thoroughly flushing the section, sourcing a compatible Pilot cartridge or converter, and completing any servicing required to bring this historic pen back to working order.Detailed Cosmetic Condition ReportTo ensure absolute transparency, please cross-reference the following notes with the 22 high-resolution photos provided:Cap Finial: There is noticeable flea-biting, grazing, and minor material chipping along the very top edge of the black resin cap finial, right where it meets the gold trim ring.Cap Barrel: The cap shows pocket wear in the form of a prominent cluster of horizontal surface scratching and micro-abrasions on the glossy resin finish, situated between the gold clip and the "Elite" script branding.Main Body and Grip: The glossy black body resin retains a nice shine but exhibits light, typical pocket wear and micro-scratching consistent with age and storage.Gold Plating and Trim: The gold-plated pocket clip and cap-lip bands show surface wear and minor estate tarnish. Crucially, the stamped "PILOT" and "Elite" script imprints remain sharp, silver-filled, and deeply legible.Nib and Feed Assembly: A visual macro inspection shows the 18K gold manifold nib to be physically straight, aligned, and intact with its tipping material fully present.Dimensions & SpecificationsClosed and Capped Length: Approx. 4.6 inches (11.7 cm) — Pocket friendly.Posted Length: Approx. 5.6 inches (14.2 cm) — Full writing length.Nib Material: Solid 18K Gold.Nib Type: Manifold (Firm / Carbon Copy Era).Manufacture Country: Japan.Please review all 22 photos carefully as they serve as the definitive visual extension of this condition report. This rare variant is a superb restoration candidate or a stellar addition to any vintage Japanese pen display.Thank you for looking, and please check out my other vintage estate finds! Related Items: