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A little About Conklin

Conklin has been shaping the art of writing since 1897. From Roy Conklin’s groundbreaking Crescent Filler™, the first practical self-filling fountain pen, to modern reimagined classics, the brand is built on innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless design. Celebrated authors like Mark Twain once endorsed Conklin pens for their reliability and elegance, a legacy that continues today. Whether for writing, collecting, or gifting, Conklin pens bring a touch of history and sophistication to every word you put on paper...

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History of Conklin

  • Crescent Patent Filed

    Roy Conklin patents the Crescent Filler, the world’s first practical self-filling fountain pen, sparking a revolution in writing.

    1897

  • Conklin Company Founded

    Roy Conklin establishes the Self-Filling Fountain Pen Company in Toledo, Ohio, later renamed the Conklin Pen Manufacturing Company.

    1898

  • Crescent Filler Debuts

    Conklin launches the Crescent Filler — the first mass-produced self-filling fountain pen, praised for reliability and ease of use.

    1901

  • Mark Twain Endorses

    Mark Twain becomes Conklin’s spokesperson, calling the Crescent Filler a “profanity saver” since it can’t roll off a desk.

    1903

  • Clip Innovation

    Conklin patents a new spring clip, improving portability and cementing its reputation for functional design.

    1916

  • Conklin Ink Introduced

    Conklin expands beyond pens with its own line of bottled inks. Offered in Blue-Black, Green, Violet, Blue, and Red, Conklin ink became the perfect companion to the company’s fountain pens. Vintage bottles like these remain highly collectible today.

    1920 - 1930

  • Conklin Pencils Introduced

    Conklin launches its first mechanical pencils, crafted with the same precision and style as its pens, offering writers and professionals a complete writing set.

    1922

  • Endura Debuts

    Conklin launches the Endura in vibrant celluloid colors with streamlined styling, quickly becoming one of the company’s most popular models.

    1924 - 1930

  • Duragraph Introduced

    The Duragraph arrives, designed for durability and everyday use. Sleek styling and affordability make it a classic Conklin model.

    1931 - 1938

  • Nozac Word Guage

    Conklin introduces the Nozac, featuring the innovative “Word Gauge” that measures how many words of ink remain.

    1931 - 1938

  • Chicago Production

    Conklin moves to Chicago, introducing models like the Minute Man and Glider. Ballpoint competition leads to decline.

    1939 - 1948

  • Decline of Conklin

    By the late 1940s, Conklin ceases large-scale production. Vintage models become collector treasures.

    1948

  • Brand Revival

    After decades dormant, Conklin is revived with reissues of historic pens, starting with the Crescent and Duragraph.

    2000

  • Yafa Acquisition

    Yafa Pen Company acquires Conklin, relaunching the historic brand worldwide and blending heritage with modern craftsmanship.

    2009

  • Symetrik Returns

    Conklin revives the Symetrik, inspired by 1930s streamlined pens. Modern resins and JoWo German nibs bring new life to this vintage classic.

    2010

  • Twain Crescent Series

    The Mark Twain Crescent Filler pens return, celebrating Twain’s historic role in Conklin’s story and honoring the 1897 filling innovation.

    2010

  • Herringbone Launch

    The Herringbone debuts, featuring engraved metal barrels coated with translucent lacquer and epoxy, a bold modern twist on vintage style.

    2011

  • Stylograph Revived

    The Stylograph returns, showcasing Conklin’s patented 1916 spring rocker clip in a modern design that honors its vintage elegance.

    2012

  • Deco Crest Returns

    The Endura Deco Crest is reintroduced, with art-deco filigree overlays and lacquer finishes, blending historic elegance with modern design.

    2012

  • Duragraph Returns

    The Duragraph reappears in colorful resins, fitted with JoWo German nibs and cartridge/converter systems, offering affordable luxury.

    2013

  • All American Returns

    The All American relaunches with bold oversized resins and vibrant colors, quickly becoming a bestseller for writers and collectors.

    2013

  • 120th Anniversary

    Conklin marks 120 years with commemorative limited editions, honoring its Toledo origins and its legacy of fine writing innovation.

    2018

  • Limited Editions Debut

    Conklin expands into special Limited Edition pens, introducing unique colors and finishes that honor tradition and attract collectors.

    2020

  • Heritage Revival

    Conklin reintroduces classic designs in the Heritage line, honoring vintage inspirations with updated finishes and modern performance.

    2021

  • Global Expansion

    Conklin grows worldwide, now available in 36 countries. Collectors and writers embrace the brand as a global symbol of fine writing.

    2021 - Today

  • Modern Innovations

    Conklin continues blending vintage inspiration with bold modern luxury, launching innovative collections for today’s fine writing world.

    2025

Collections

Conklin

MARK TWAIN CRESCENT FILLER

Demo - At A Glance

Premium JoWo stainless steel nib, made in Germany. Available in Extra Fine, Fine, Medium, Broad, Stub, and Flex for a smooth, precise writing experience.

Rotating locking ring secures the crescent lever. Align to unlock, then lock again to prevent accidental ink discharge.

Patented spring-loaded rocker clip from 1916 — durable, functional, and uniquely Conklin.

Original Crescent Filler™ system, patented in 1897. Press the crescent lever to compress the sac and fill with ink — the world’s first practical self-filling fountain pen.

Cap band engraved with Mark Twain’s signature — a tribute to the literary icon who made Conklin pens legendary.