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 pen is one of the celluloid third tier pens from the 1920s that was probably made to look like red hard rubber. In fact, I rubbed it to make sure it wasn’t ebonite. That it isn’t hard rubber doesn’t mean it isn’t attractive, however. It’s a substantial pen, at 5⅛” long and a full half inch wide just below the cap edge. Adding to its appearance are shiny black cap and barrel crowns. This is a nice looking pen, showing some age but not scratched or nicked. The gold-plated trim is all complete. The nib is a warranted 14K that writes a wet medium with a bit of flex; like other Wilrites I’ve seen, it’s a very nice writer.
This pen is not for sale.