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 Mak-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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RARE Early Pilot in Green Marble with gold filled trim. Lever fill. In Near MINT Condition. Fitted with the original Hard Gilt Fine tipped nib.
c1948
£245
RARE Early Pilot in Black with gold filled trim. Lever fill. In Near MINT Condition. Fitted with the original 14kt gold full flex fine tipped nib giving a superb writing style.
c1952
Scarce Pilot in Black with Satin Finish Cap. In absolute MINT Condition in original Box . Marked with model number HD 11. Fitted with the original 14kt gold medium to fine tipped nib.
c1964
£120
Magnificent Pilot Grandee in Satin Black with Vermeil cap band and gold filled trim. In MINT Condition. Complete with original converter. Fitted with the original 14kt gold fine tipped nib.
c1975
£168
Beautiful Pilot FD in Black Laque with with signed maki-e decoration of phoenix and gold filled trim. Nr MINT. Complete with original converter. Fitted with the original 14kt gold semi flex medium tipped nib.
c1979
Scarce Pilot Dinkie Pen in White Enamel with gold filled trim. In Near MINT Condition. Fitted with the original semi flex medium tipped nib. Measures 113mm long capped. Cartridge fill
c1979
£90
Scarce Pilot in Green Laque with star pattern. Gold filled trim. Near Mint Condition. Complete with original converter. Fitted with the original 14kt gold fine tipped nib.
c1980
£125