Wearever Deluxe

early 1930s
About This Model

Wearever was one of the most prolific fountain pen brands, manufactured in numerous models and countless varieties from the 1920s through the 1950s.  They were the flagship line, with many other third tier pens from the same factories, of David Kahn's pen manufacturing empire.  Ranging from poor overall quality (few of which survive intact today) to the very solid and attractive Zeniths and Pacemakers of the 1940s, Wearevers were dime store pens that generally worked well, lasting as long as the quality of their components allowed.

The top third of Kahn's quality levels included the Deluxe 100s, made from probably the mid-1930s-the end of the WWII.  The Deluxe 100s were usually of multicolored, vertically striped celluloid, with gold-colored trim and black plastic barrel and cap crowns.  Their nibs were a wide range, from 14K to plate, to steel nibs with various Kahn model names. Deluxes were in marine green, often in black, and in less ornate patterns.

Deluxes and Deluxe 100s are found today in a range of survival — the best are quite clean and easily restored.  One needs to watch for corrosion in the metal trim and in the pressure bar.

About This Pen

This Deluxe is an early celluloid model, in what Sheaffer called Marine Green. It’s full length and girth, at 5.25 and .5″, respectively. These were budget pens in a budget era, and they are durable as can be. This pen has years of use, although it cleaned and polished up pretty well. There are no singular marks except some nibbles at the top of the cap. The trim is plated, and the plate is quite thin on the clip and lever; better on the cap ring. This pen took a large sac, so will hold a very generous amount of ink. The nib, which is stamped “Iridium Tipping USA” is a bit misshapen, but it writes a nice wet fine, a good writer.

Price: $50 $45