Wearever Pioneer
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. The better Wearevers were the flagship models of David Kahn's pen manufacturing empire which ranged from the often shoddy Pioneers and Zeniths (few of which survive intact today) to the very solid and attractive Deluxes, Pennants, 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 of Kahn's quality levels included the Deluxe 100s, made from probably the mid-1930s-the end of the WWII. The Deluxes 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 and Deluxe 100s are readily found today -- 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
This Wearever, probably a Pioneer, belongs to the almost down-and-out category of pens, getting what will probably be its last chance in a long career. It is a 1930s pen, lever-filled, of blond celluloid. It is one of the medium sized Wearevers, 4.4″ capped and .45″ across just below the cap edge. so looks a bit stubby. There is one deep mark that would not polish out, and the lever’s retaining ring is visible through the barrel. The cap is also discolored by old ink stains inside, but removing this pen’s inner cap was not happening. The lever is quite corroded but functions well; the pen fills strongly. The cap ring is corroded as well. The clip is marked “Wearever”; there is no barrel imprint. The nib is a Supreme (a Kahn product like the pen), and writes a pretty smooth fine.
To the extent that this is a reclamation project, its restoration is complete and the pen is ready to go back to work. It’s not a bad pen…someone please give it a job?
Price: $39