Wilrite
1920s
About This Model
What is a Wilrite? Wilrite pens were made during the 1920’s in New York City, probably among the other similar small companies on Lafayette St. Like so many other small manufacturers, it disappeared by the 1930’s, a victim of the Depression. Wilrite sold inexpensive pens that were better made than much of their competition but were made to appear much nicer: ornate gold-plated overlays with almost whimsical patterning over colored plastic, chased black and red rippled celluloid that looked like hard rubber. Interesting pens, always a pleasant surprise to see one.
About This Pen
This Wilrite is a large pen, 5 5/16” capped and a full 1/2” thick, with stunning gold over the orange plastic. The clip and lever are firm, the gold is particularly clean. The large Fount-O-Ink nib writes a smooth, firm fine line that is typical of a 1920s pen. The sad news is that the orange plastic under the cap overlay is cracked and there is a sizeable chunk missing. The cap does thread, hold and seal, but this elegant pen’s future is on the safe space of a desk, not in a bag or pocket.
This pen is not for sale.