Wearever Zenith
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 is a classic 1930s Wearever Zenith. Substantial, larger pen at 5 1/4″ long capped and almost 1/2″ wide just below the cap edge. It is in black celluloid with “abalone” in the black; this is in quotes because one doubts whether real shell was used in a Kahn pen. There is a solid layer of use wear underlying the polished appearance, but no significant marks or scratches. The trim is quite clean, missing tarnish and wear. Curiously, the cap ring has “sterling silver” engraved in very small capital letters, which is doubtful. As with many other Zeniths, there is a green ink view window; it is generally clear. This pen does not have an imprint. The nib is marked “Iridium Tipped USA”. It writes a smooth enough fast fine, a good writer and a nice-looking pen.
Price: $59 Sold