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
Click on images for full size gallery pictures
DUNHILL-NAMIKI: Rare Goose and Pink Flower Maki-e Fountain Pen, Original Design, 1930s An artistically significant Dunhill-Namiki Goose and Pink Flower pen in gold, silver-grey and vermillion takamaki-e on black lacquer ground, not signed. Flat-top vest-form body, gold-plated cap band. 131mm. Lever-filler (missing “lifebuoy” tip). 14K gold #6 Dunhill-Namiki heart-vent nib, tines slightly bent. An excellent rarity, this pen was the inspiration for one of Namiki’s most successful modern limited edition designs (the 2002 NAMIKI: Goose and Pink Flower Maki-e Limited Edition 83 Fountain Pen), regarding which Christophe Larquemin offers these remarks: “An exact replica of a model created in the 1930s, its main subject is a goose. It emanates vivacity and charm, like a character straight out of a children’s story.... Although the collector’s eye is drawn to the charming web-footed fowl, I would like you to look at the bouquet of superb carnations, which, I feel, brings poetry and freshness to the composition. Clearly identifiable by their narrow pink petals, these nadeshiko, fringed pink, are symbols of autumn and gentle first love. Japanese literature has many references to this flower.” -From The Four Seasons of Namiki, [Paris: 2009], pp. 140-141
c1932
£9800
Extremely Rare Lady Kawa FLR-700R-R in Real Red Leather and Gold filled trim. This example is in Absolute MINT Unused condition. Cartridge fill - converters are available if required. Fitted with the original solid 18kt gold semi flex smooth fine tipped nib.
c1976
£185
Extremely Rare Lady Kawa FLR-700R-R in Real Green Leather and Gold filled trim. This example is in Absolute MINT Unused condition. Cartridge fill - converters are available if required. Fitted with the original solid 18kt gold semi flex smooth fine tipped nib.
c1976
£185
Extremely Rare Lady Kawa FLR-700R-R TRIPLE SET in Real Black Leather and Gold filled trim. All Items - Fountain Pen, Ballpoint and Pencil are in Absolute MINT Unused condition in original Leather Case. Fountain pen - Cartridge fill - converters are available if required. Fitted with the original solid 18kt gold semi flex smooth fine tipped nib.
c1976
£295
Extremely Rare Pilot in Real Ostrich Leather with Gold filled trim. In Absolute MINT Unused condition. Cartridge fill - converters are available if required. Fitted with the original solid 18kt gold semi flex smooth fine tipped nib.
c1977
Extremely Rare Pilot in Real Dark Brown Lizard Skin with Gold filled trim. In Absolute MINT Unused condition. Cartridge fill - converters are available if required. Fitted with the original solid 18kt gold semi flex smooth fine tipped nib.
c1977
£190