Bayard 450
About This Model
Bayard was another of the original European companies, established in Paris from roots in stationery and bookselling in 1920. Like many other firms, their output was not revolutionary or particularly innovative, but it was good, solid quality in ebonite, then celluloid. The Normal and De Luxe models were 1920s lever filled production, rarely seen today. The late 1920's Superluxe and early 1930's. Special 8 were clearly identified as Bayard style, and other models followed in short order. Of the models we see today, the Luxe (1932-37), Supterstyl (1940-55), Excelsior de Bayard (1942-48), and Capostyl (1949-56) appeared to be the most durable. Throughout its history, Bayard was a steady producer of household and personal items, from pens to clocks to kitchen appliances, all generally regarded as well-made if not innovative. Bayard pen production ended during the 1960s, a victim of the ballpoint.
About This Pen
France, 1937. This Bayard is probably the Special Luxe, one of Bayard’s nicer pre-WWII celluloid models. Tubular shape, “necktie” clip, two gold cap rings, marbled celluloid, a lever filler. It’s a favorite pen for its elegance, even with significant unrepaired cap crack and rippling that limit it to desk use. From France, 1937. I like to think that the damage happened during a hot prewar Paris weekend, on the dashboard of a Citroën Traction Avant.
Price: $