2 replies to this topic

[Alex2014]

A recently acquired Wirt  BCHR eyedropper filler, with checkerboard pattern chasing and two gold filled repoussé bands. Early production (c.1888-1900, most likely at the beginning of the period) with a two-rubber-shaft overfeed (the first overfeed patented by Wirt on February 3, 1885) and a Grecian Urn shaped section ended with a 3-rope band. 

 

Two-line imprinting on the barrel:

PAUL E. WIRT FOUNTAIN PEN

PAT'D JUNE 27, 1882 FEB 3, 1885

 

 

 

   

 

Dimensions: L_capped = 145 mm (5 ¹¹/₁₆ in), L_posted = 170 mm (6 ¹¹/16 in), D = 7,5 mm

Weight: 6.8 gr.

 

“An absolutely perfect reservoir pen, a pen compared with which all other pens are frank failures.” (Mark Twain). Twain bought a Wirt fountain pen from Horace M. Smith in 1886 and used it until 1904, when he received a Conklin Crescent BCHR S4 as a gratitude sign for the endorsement he wrote for the manufacturer from Toledo (Ohia). 

 

From all account, between 1885 and 1899, Paul E. Wirt from Bloomsburg (Pennsylvania) led the competition on the American fountain pen market. 

Edited by Alex2014, 02 August 2015 - 12:36 PM.

[david i]

Nice pen.

 

I have just couple Wirts, one a fancy pen that found my website years ago.

 

regards

 

-d

[Alex2014]

In the left side, an oldest Wirt eyedropper. It can be dated 1887-88 due to the imprint on the cap:

 

 WIRT'S  PAT FEBY .3, 1885

& PAT'S APP'D FOR

 

when Paul E. Wirt did not acquire yet the Marvin C. Stone's patent from 1882. Compared with the above one, it is shorter - L_capped=128 mm (5⅛ in) and has a different pattern chasing. The feed is a single rubber piece one (see www.kakaurapen.com about  WIrt's early overfeed types)

 

Edited by Alex2014, 08 November 2015 - 07:50 AM.