In 1915 Ryosuki Namiki left his job and founded a small writing instrument factory near his home. When he was joined by an old friend, Masao Wada in 1918 they decided on a name – “Pilot”
Early Products were dip pens with “Namiki” 14kt Gold Nibs but in 1925 Namiki realised that Lacquered pens could be developed for the western market. This culminated in stunning decoration using the traditional art called Maki-E These pens are highly collected today and fetch considerable sums on the market.
In 1938 the company name changed to Pilot Fountain Pen Co Ltd and these later pens were branded as Pilot There then followed a period of much innovation and the company still exists today Other than the famous Namiki Laquered pens early examples of Pilots are also highly collectable and are exceptional writers
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Beautiful RARE Pilot Maki-e Double Cranes by Kyusai Yoshida. In Absolute MINT Condition. Hand Painted Laquered Pen ,signed by the artist with Gold filled trim. Fitted with the Original 18kt gold semi flex fine tipped nib. Highly Collectable and sought after pen.
c1961
£1750
Beautiful RARE Pilot Maki-e Sakura Cherry Blossoms. In absolute MINT Condition. Hand Painted Laquered Pen ,using the Maki-e decorative technique Hyomon, where gold foil is set in the lacquered surface. Fitted with the Original 18kt gold semi flex fine tipped nib. Highly Collectable and sought after pen.
c1961
£1450
Pilot E in Black Laque with Brushed Gold fill cap. In Absolute MINT condition. Fitted with the original 14kt gold, very smooth fine tipped nib.
c1964
£88
Pilot Metropolitan Fountain Pen in Satin Gold finish. New Old Stock. In Absolute MINT Unused Condition in original Box . Fitted with the Original medium Nib.
c2020
£35
Beautiful Pilot Dragon Zodiac Maki-e signed by Seiki Chida . In Absolute MINT Unused Condition in original Wooden Box. Hand Painted Lacquered Pen ,signed by the artist with Gold filled trim. Never Inked, completely as new. Fitted with the Original 18kt gold fine tipped nib.
c2000
£1875