| |
Experience Report:
The nib is inscribed with 14K 580 and also engraved at the base.
The entire writing instrument lies solidly and comfortably in the hand. The color is deep blue, though the camera distorts the colors slightly. I would classify the weight as above the MB Starwalker fountain pen. It appears to be quite substantial brass. It feels very sturdy.
When unscrewing, the 'aha moment' arrives: a piston converter is inserted, inscribed with "DUKE Germany". Very interesting.
The cap is push-fit and cannot be posted to the end. It does fit on, but the lacquer could be damaged. The cap clicks into a final position when closing and has a small play of a few tenths of a millimeter (noticeable).The surface itself has a slightly relief-like texture and feels pleasant to the touch. The golden characters and the two masks are filled with color. The craftsmanship can be described as excellent and masterful. At both ends, blue stones or glass are inlaid.
The clip is embossed with a suggested scale pattern and a head (probably a snake, although unusual for China) as well as the "Duke" crown. It is elastic, but does not feel as if it is being permanently opened wide.
The characters on the cap tell a story, but unfortunately remain incomprehensible to a European like me.
The writing test was somewhat complicated. After filling the converter, nothing happened at first. The nib feels very soft and wants to be held with concentration. Apparently there is no iridium point on the tip. If you hold the writing instrument too loosely, the nib visibly spreads apart. For the first half hour the instrument could not be persuaded to write. I had internally already given up and wanted to exchange it the next day. While editing the photos I tried again and to my surprise it worked. I would classify the nib grade as M or larger. A quite strong ink flow results, though this is certainly partly due to the paper as well. Because of the soft nib, one cannot vary much. But it is fun to write with.
|
