ME249 Platignum Varsity Pressmatic Fountain Pen and Pencil Set, boxed. (Fine)

ME249 Platignum Varsity Pressmatic Fountain Pen and Pencil Set, boxed. (Fine)

Date: c1960s

Size: Length - 132mm capped; 153mm posted.

This top of the range Platignum pen set is in very good condition.  The only problem with it is the deterioration of the plating on the caps, mainly on the pencil, consisting of stippling and foxing to the plating.  It is far more apparent on the photos than it is to the naked eye, though, and both pieces still present very well.  This is a very common fault with these pens and occurs even when there has probably been very little use over the years such as in this case.  This set is made from a glossy burgundy coloured plastic with a brushed metal finish overlaid caps and chrome plated trim.  The caps have a very nice chrome plated pocket clip that is plain and squared in shape.  The cap bodies are plastic overlaid with the brushed metal sleeve that covers the entire cap bar the lip.  At the lower edge of the overlay is the imprint "PLATIGNUM".

Fountain Pen

The barrel has a chrome plated end jewel.   It unscrews to reveal the "Pressmatic" filler.  This works in a similar way to Parker's Aerometric filler.  The original PVC ink sac has the usual internal ink staining, but is still in great physical condition.  The nib on this pen is a high-quality 14-carat solid gold example.  This was a very up-market Platignum in its day! It is in a finepoint.

Pencil

This pencil has an extend-retract mechanism that works by twisting the cap.   The cap pulls off to reveal an apparently unused pink eraser with several 1.18mm leads beneath.  I have fitted a fresh lead into the mechanism, and it is working perfectly.  

Box

A burgundy and black hard shell case with a swirly textured outer and a brass lined opening.  Inside is lined with cream coloured satin. There is a tiny bit of age-spotting to the inner and some discolouration to the brass bindings on the base but it is otherwise clean and sound.  

I have fully serviced this set.  Both pieces work perfectly.  The pen fills easily, and writes very well with a fine width line. 

This was the flagship pen from Platignum at the time it was made, and very rarely for this brand, it has a lovely 14ct gold nib.