Instagram story viewer> @conroylesley> Tagged
Lesley Conroy(@conroylesley)'s profile avatar HD Profile

Lesley Conroy

@conroylesley

531
followers
2026
following
Knitwear and crochet designer. I'm Hetty1109 on Ravelry. Fountain pen, ink, handwriting, and stationery enthusiast.
POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED
A little action before Pelikan Hub 2025
29
Download
How many Parker 51 models were made? In 1941, Parker released a revolutionary hooded-nib fountain pen. It was designed for Parker’s new Super Chrome ink which dried almost immediately. The ink had to be kept inside the pen until writing. It would have dried on the nib and feed of traditional fountain pens. The enclosed nib of the 51 solved the problem. The 51 was an immediate success and long outlived Super Chrome ink. There were several types of the 51. Vacumatic 1941-48 in double and single jewel. It was a pump filler with removable blind cap. There were two pumps: 1st year aluminum & later plastic. During this time, there was the short-lived button-bladder Red Band 51, 1946-47. Next came Aerometric, 1948-69. Externally, it is identical to the Vacumatic, but it unscrewed at the clutch ring and had an elongated squeeze filler. There were 3 versions of the filler, plus the Special, 1950-69, which had a hoop aero filler. During the Aero years, Parker made a cartridge filler 1960-62 which opened in the center like the Aero filler. In 1969, the 51 was redesigned, made smaller and more tapered. It closely resembled the Parker 61. It was an Aerometric with the 3rd version of the filler. In the mid-1970s, the last 51 was released. It resembled the previous, streamlined version, but its cap tassie was metal instead of pearl. All 51 caps were Lustraloy (stainless steel), gold-filled, rolled gold, sterling, rolled silver, silver-plate, or solid gold. Finally, in 2002, Parker released a ltd ed Special Edition 51. It is a c/c filler. I classify it with the original 51s because it is identical in size to the original 51 double jewel, and original 1940s-60s 51 caps fit it perfectly. Its filler is based on 1960-62 cartridge 51. There were Demi 51s, desk pens, as well as mechanical pencils and ballpoints. The 51 was the best-selling fountain pen of all time with 20 million units made and sold in nearly 40 years. 51 production ceased in 1978. #parker51 #parker51vacumatic #parker51aerometric #parker51specialedition #fountainpen #füllhalter #plumafuente #nalivpero #dolmakalem #styloplume #fountainpencollector #fountainpencommunity #fountainpennetwork #fountainpennerd
30
Download
Montblanc’s HQ, both factory and offices, suffered severe damaged during WWII. Following the war, Hamburg, Montblanc’s home, was in the British Zone of Occupation. The British Army became a major customer of Montblanc. This arrangement provided fountain pens & mechanical pencils to British service personnel, and earned much-needed hard currency. This was of considerable assistance to the post-war German economy. By the late-1940s, Montblanc was sufficiently recovered to introduce new models. In 1949, the rounded 140 series Meisterstucks replaced the older 130 series. Models 142, 144, and 146 were introduced, but the flagship 139 remained in production another 3 years. In 1952, the 149 replaced the 139 (1939-52). The entire 140 series was produced in celluloid. In 1959, Montblanc made a major manufacturing shift, switching from celluloid to a new material & technique: injection plastic. Additionally, the entire line of pens and pencils (100, 200, 300) with rounded caps and barrel ends was replaced with more streamlined models. The sole exception was the 149. It remained a rounded model and Montblanc’s only oversize fountain pen. Several features characterize these first plastic 149s which were made into the 1960s. It is slightly larger than its celluloid predecessor. Nibs & feeds are the same as those used on the last celluloids. The piston has a single-cycle friction-fit mechanism. I do not know of a definitive date for the switch from this friction fit the more common screw-in. Most serious pen scholars date the change to the mid to late 1960s. If someone possesses documentation containing a specific date for the change in the piston mechanism, please get in touch & be my teacher. The barrel ring which is a part of the piston housing is narrow and rounded, unlike later wider flat 149 rings which are flush with the barrel. The cap band engraving on these first plastic 149s is small. In size and overall profile, it is identical to later 149s. Most external components can be interchanged. For eg, a 1980s cap perfectly fits a 1960s barrel. The photos here are for the most part self-explanatory. Thanks for looking; thanks for reading. #montblanc149 #fountainpen
63
Download
Parker Multi-Color Duofolds The most famous Duofolds (1921-33) are those of one color: Red-Orange, Mandarin, Black. Two colors are characterized by white flecks in their material: Jade and Lapis. A third type are the multi-color ones. The first was Pearl & Black, 1928. To achieve its sheen, mercury salts and real pulverized fish scales were added to the celluloid formula. It was initially called Imperial Duofold, but its name was soon changed to Duofold Deluxe. Some ads refer to it as Moderne Black & Pearl. It is the only multi-color Duofold made during Flattop, 1921-28, and Streamline, 1929-33, eras. Chemicals in ink often discolor the barrels. As a result, the pencils shown retain their color better than pens. In 1931, Burgundy & Black appeared. It is darkest of the series. Of the two shown, one has serious fading. Moderne Green & Pearl, my favorite, was released in 1931. It is sometimes called Seafoam. Those shown have excellent color retention, but frequently crack. A year later, the final Duofold color was released: Moderne Green and Black Pearl. This is the only color of the series I do not own presently. Of these colors, only Pearl & Black was consistently popular. According to Parker documents, the other three colors were attempts to off-set declining sales as a result of the Great Depression. Duofolds were produced until 1933 and sold until 1935. This post concerns US & Canadian Duofolds only. English Duofolds, in this button-filler style and in many other colors, were made well into the 1940s in Newhaven, East Sussex. Photo 8 from New York City Pens. Thanks for looking& reading. #Parkerpen #ParkerDuofold #fountainpen #fountainpenaddict #fountainpennetwork #fountainpennerd #fountainpengeek #fountainpenlove #fountainpencollector #fountainpencollections #fullfederhalter #fullfeder #estilografica #estilografo #styloplume #plumafuente #vulpen #nalivpero #kalem #dolmakalem #fountainpennib #pennib #funtainpen #dolmakalem#penporn #万年筆 #鋼筆 #钢笔
40
Download
Sailor King of Pen had its 20th birthday this year. Released in 2003, Sailor’s King of Pen (called King Profit in Japan) has set standards for oversize fountain pens. The KoP is characterized by its exceptional #9 size nib in 21K gold, available in M and B and specialty sizes. The first models were matte ebonite with cap & barrel bands. In 2004, bands were eliminated from ebonite KoPs but were present on PMMA acrylic models photos 2-6. The KoP comes in 1911 torpedo style & flat top Pro Gear. There have been numerous special & limited editions, including Pillow Book series with colors of the sky photo 5. Other Nature-inspired KoPs are the Ocean series: Storm Over Ocean, Sunset Over Ocean, and others, photo 9. The 1911-style comes in numerous urushi lacquer colors over ebonite photo 8. In 2013-14, Classic Pens released LB5 models in “diffusion bonded acrylic” based on the KoP but slightly longer, photo 6 (on left) & 7. Photo 1 shows 2022 nib design changes with 1911(Sailor’s founding year)eliminated. #SailorKingofPen#Sailorpen #KingofPen#fountainpen #fountainpenaddict #만년필 #fountainpennetwork#fountainpenlove #fountainpennerd #fountainpengeek #fountainpencollections #füllfederhalter #füllfeder #estilografica #estilografo #nalivpero #kalem #fountainpennib #mannenhitsu #funtainpen #dolmakalem #penporn #万年筆＃鋼筆#钢笔
50
Download
Vrolijk Kerstfeest! For those who celebrate, I wish you and your loved ones a Merry, merry Christmas ♥️ Pen: @leonardo_pens Momento Zero Grande in Wild Celluloid with gold trims and no. 8 14k medium nib. Cover: @thechicsparrow Travelers Notebook Orient A5 #merrychristmas #christmaswishes #happychristmas #vrolijkkerstfeest #celluloid #celluloidpens #leonardoofficinaitaliana #leonardopens #leonardomomentozero #leonardomomentozerogrande #madeinitaly #italianpens #leonardopen #fountainpen #fountainpennerd #handwriting #handlettering #fpaddict #fountainpencollector #fountainpencommunity #fountainpenlove #pennerd #fountainpengeeks
20
Download
Some colorful Sailor King of Pens: Since its release in 2003, Sailor’s flagship model, King of Pen (called King Profit in Japan) has been enormously popular among fans of large and oversize fountain pens. The KoP is characterized not only by its considerable size, but also by its exceptional nib. Its #9 size nib is made of 21K gold and is available in M and B sizes, but also in specialty nibs by Sailor’s legendary nibmeister, Nobuyoshi Nagahara, and his son Yukio Nagahara. Those nibs have not been made in KoP size for several years and add considerable expense to the pen when one is fortunate enough to find one. The writing qualities of KoP nibs are a delight for serious calligraphers and for others who simply enjoy fountain pen writing. The nib is soft and responsive, always smooth. Beginning in the mid-2010s, Sailor began offering KoPs in the some of the same vivid colors as the smaller 1911S (Standard) and 1911L (Long) sizes. The KoP is also available in Pro Gear (flat end) style. It too comes in a number of bright colors. The pens here are made of PMMA acrylic. This durable plastic material can be dyed any number of colors, as shown by the variety of Sailor’s color palette. Two of the of the PG models shown here have ground, powdered glass mixed into the wet acrylic, giving an extra brightness and sparkle. Sailor calls this “meta sheen.” Some of the pens in these photos are available only outside of Japan, while others are North American exclusive models. Needless to say, all are great writers, always comfortable, and beautiful to behold. Shown: Stormy Sea, Mandarin, Royal Tangerine, Wicked Witch of West, Fresca Blue, Autumn Sky, Sunset Over Ocean, Storm Over Ocean. Thanks for looking; thanks for reading. #SailorKingofPen#KOPpen #KingofPen#fountainpen #fountainpenaddict #만년필 #fountainpennetwork#fountainpenlove #fountainpennerd #fountainpengeek #fountainpencollections #füllfederhalter #füllfeder #estilografica #estilografo #styloplume #plumafuente #vulpen #nalivpero #kalem #fountainpennib #mannenhitsu #funtainpen #dolmakalem #penporn #万年筆 #鋼筆
67
Download
In the mid-1960s Sheaffer began developing a new pen based on the 1924-29 Flattop senior, the world’s first plastic fountain pen. In 1969, the No Nonsense was released as a fountain pen, ballpoint, & fiber tip, and priced at $1.98 US. It was available in Navy Blue and Khaki. The fountain pen had a steel nib in F or M set onto an ebonite feed. The original ebonite feed was switched to plastic in 1980s. Bright colors were added to the line, increasing its popularity, especially among young writers. Also in the 1980s, a calligraphy set appeared featuring the No Nonsense with three Italic nibs: F, M, B. The No Nonsense proved enormously popular and numerous variations followed: Le Bordeaux, Le Black Viewpoint, Vintage. There was a pair called Guys and Dolls in bright lime and orange with a gold-colored nib steel and an extra-wide cap band in the same metal. They are quite rare today. The upscale Connaisseur (1985) & Grande Connaisseur (1989) are also based on the NN, as was the Sheaffer-Levenger Seas pens (1990s).The No Nonsense is a totally reliable fountain pen, remarkably durable, and impressively simple. It is one of the best inexpensive, student-quality fountain pen. My first NN fountain pens, purchased in Spring 1974, continue to write perfectly. Photos: 1. Early & later nibs 2. 3 Sheaffer Seniors 1924-29 with 2 original NN colors 3. Ebonite & plastic feeds 4. Color variety 5. Vintage & Viewpoint 6. NN & 2 Vintage 7. NN with Connaisser & Sheaffer-Levenger Connaisseur 8. NN with Grande Connaisseur 9. Spare nibs, mostly italic 10. 2 original colors Thanks for looking. #sheafferpen #sheaffernononsense #fountainpen #vintagepen #fountainpennetwork #fountainpengeeks #fountainpennerd #vulpen #nalivpero #kalem #dolmakalem #mannenhitsu #füllfederhalter #füllfeder #plumafuente #estilografo #estilografica #fountainpenlove #fountainpencommunity #fountainpencollector #fountainpenaddict #penworld #penphotography #fountainpenphotography #万年筆 #鋼筆
42
Download
Happy 75th Birthday, Parker 51 Aerometric During the 1930s, Parker developed a fast-drying ink, but it contained chemicals which were damaging to plastics of the time. The ink dried so quickly that it could not be used in a conventional fountain pen because it would dry on the nib & feed & clog the pen. In 1932, Dupont developed a new plastic called Lucite. It was strong and not damaged by Parker’s still-experimental ink. A new pen was designed which kept the ink from drying before touching paper. A collector kept the nib and feed in constant contact with ink, and all three were held inside a shell or hood. Parker now had a pen suitable for its revolutionary ink and called it “51.” In 1939-40, the 51 was tested in northeastern South America and on nearby islands. If 51s operated in extreme tropical conditions, they would work in less demanding areas. The pens worked well, and in 1941, the Parker 51 was released. From 1941 until 1948, the 51 had a plunger-diaphragm Vacumatic filler. But in the mid-1940s, a new, simpler filler was developed. The squeeze Aerometric 51 appeared in 1948. Like the Vac 51, this new model was an immediate success and remained virtually unchanged until 1969. Production lasted until 1978. Some writers prefer Vac 51s because they hold more ink. However, they require more maintenance. The Aero 51s rarely require service. Usually just a thorough flushing will allow them to operate as if they were new. Shown here are Aerometric 51s from my collection: 1. US 2. UK 3.US Burgundy & Plum & UK Burgundy 4. Cocoa, Forest Green, Plum 5. Aerometric filler units: Press 6 times, Press 4 times, Late-production, Hoop-style for Specials & Demis 6. Nib variety 7. More nib variety. 8. 51 ink 9. Cocoa in the hands of a talented writer @bluetastic_pens Thanks for looking. #Parkerpen #Parker51 #Parker51aerometric #Parkerfountainpen #vintagepen #fountainpen #fountainpenaddict #fountainpennetwork #fountainpennerd #fountainpengeek #fountainpenlove #fountainpencollector #fountainpencollections #만년필 # #füllfederhalter #füllfeder#estilografica #estilografo #styloplume #plumafuente #vulpen #nalivpero #kalem #dolmakalem #penporn #万年筆 #鋼筆 #钢笔
38
Download
7️⃣ MONTHS on the ⏰ Brooky Boy. 🙏🏽 Thank you for being you,taking it all in your stride, we’re honoured to guide you through this life my boy. 💙🔗💙 @conroylesley 🧵🧥🧶👌🏽💙 #TheLittlestHoward #MyBoy #Brooky #Thankful #TheFuture #RaisingKings #TheLegacy #HowardTribe #GodBless #iGotYourBack #LoveYouForever #MyGuy #MrsH #LJHoward #7MonthsToday #CelebratingTheMilestones #LetsGo 🥳🙌🏽💙🔗❤️⏰7️⃣✅🙏🏽👏🏽💯🗣🆙
16
Download
The whizz at words and knitting the wonderful @woollenwords 😘kindly asked #widn. Well dinner is over and I'm intending to add some rows to my current knitting but am sidetracked by my happy post. I'm a EYF virgin and am so excited to be going but am nervous too due to shyness so if you happen to see me at EYF please say hello 💛💛😀. Would the lovely @p4chen @knitpiccy and @conroylesley care to share #widn but no pressure. #eyf2017
13
Download
I was at my local knit and natter this afternoon when Ann @simplyplaying kindly asked #widn . I was just finishing the body on this very cute toddlers jumper #weefoxes . Thank you for the tag and would @conroylesley @kelly_green72 and @leemac36 care to share #widn but no pressure 😘 #testknit #babyknits #frogginette
5
Download
back to up