Wearever Deluxe
late 1930's
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
Every time I sell a Wearever, another takes its place. This pen is a Deluxe, from the late 1930’s, in black and gold stripes. Like almost all Wearevers, it is just short of 5″ long capped and 7/16″ across just below the cap lip. Wearevers never first appear in good shape, but this one showed its promise immediately. It shows some wear, there are nicks and scratches. The trim is still plated, and the clip clearly shows the “Wearever Deluxe” in script. The main barrel imprint is less easily read, but it’s all there. The pen works well; clip and lever are strong. The cap rings have been stabilized. This pen’s nib is interesting, one of Wearever’s overlay nibs in excellent condition! David Kahn, the manufacturer, called the overlay “reinforcement” in advertisements, along with “$1.00 pen with a 14k gold nib!” The added reinforcement must work, because it does write a very nice and wet fine/medium line. This is a solid pen that can be used forever, enjoy it.
This pen is not for sale.