Carter’s
1930-32
About This Model
Carter's was the dominant manufacturer of ink in the early years of fountain pen use, until the Depression. In the late 1920s, Carter added fountain pens to complement its lines of ink, at first buying the inventory and then the manufacturing capacity of a failed pen factory. Their own manufacturing probably started in 1926, and by 1927 Carter was producing fine pens in celluloid, which they called coralite. In 1929, they offered a new line made of a swirly pearlescent plastic they called Pearlite, which they advertised as having true mother-of-pearl, a claim that was broadly doubted later. Carter's output rose steadily until 1931-2, when with many other firms, the Depression forced them out of the market after a sudden falloff in models and features. Their 1920s pens were excellent, sturdy, and wrote well. In summary, Carter's was a classic second tier manufacturer -- created excellent pens that not compete in straitened circumstances.
About This Pen
Carter’s was one of several American pen manufacturers that made excellent pens but just could not compete with the Big 4. Carter’s was a major producer of inks and other office supplies (“You know us for our inks…”), and added fountain pens to their line in 1924. Carter’s pens were around only from 1924-32 before the Depression ended pen production, so now a Carter’s pen in good condition is not seen all that often now. This pen, from the 1930s, is of jade (“Coralite”) celluloid and is in excellent condition. The pen’s model number is not clear, but it has the post-1930 rounded black crown and matching base of their higher end model. Except for one very faint line of what is probably ink stain from posting the cap, this pen is without blemish. It is a slimmer pen, which makes it appear longer than its 5 ⅜” capped length. The trim is gold and clean; the clip is spring-loaded and strong and the two cap rings are both tight. The lever, which is supported by Carter’s own secondary spring, does protrude just a tiny bit, but it is tight and strong. The nib is gold, marked Carter’s 14K, and appears to be factory-stubbed. It writes a smooth, wet stubbed broad line.
Price: $225 Sold