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ENGEIKA SINCE 1987

Vintage 1950s Pilot Super 150L Black 14K Nib Fountain Pen Japan

About This Piece

Original & Authentic

Vintage 1950s Pilot Super 150L Black Fountain Pen

[Fitted with Pilot 14K-585 Gold Nib]

Specifications

Brand

Pilot

Model

Super 150L

Era / Period

1950s

Body Material

Resin

Filling System

Ink Sac

Nib Material

Pilot 14K-585 Gold Nail Nib

Nib Size

Colour

Black

Country of Origin

Japan

Includes

Pen + Box

Weight

11 g

Length

136 mm

History of Pilot

Founded in 1918 by Ryosuke Namiki and Masao Wada, Pilot has become one of the most influential and respected names in the fountain pen industry. Over more than a century, the company has built a reputation for combining Japanese craftsmanship, technical innovation, and exceptional writing performance, producing pens that are trusted by writers, professionals, and collectors around the world.

From its early beginnings as the Namiki Manufacturing Company in Tokyo, Pilot focused on creating high-quality fountain pens capable of competing with established Western brands. The company's dedication to precision engineering and continuous improvement quickly established it as one of Japan's leading pen manufacturers. Throughout the decades, Pilot introduced numerous advancements in nib design, filling systems, and manufacturing techniques, helping shape the modern fountain pen industry.

Pilot is also renowned for preserving traditional Japanese artistry through the creation of urushi lacquer and maki-e writing instruments under the Namiki name. These handcrafted masterpieces showcase techniques passed down through generations and remain among the most celebrated luxury pens in the world.

Over the years, Pilot has produced many iconic models that have become milestones in fountain pen history. The Pilot Super series helped establish the brand's post-war reputation, while the Elite series introduced innovative pocket pen designs that remain popular today. The Custom line, including the Custom 74, Custom 742, Custom 743, Custom 823, and Custom 845, has become synonymous with exceptional writing performance and nib variety. Pilot also revolutionized the industry with the Vanishing Point, the world's first commercially successful retractable fountain pen, a design that continues to be admired for its ingenuity and practicality.

Pilot Super 150L

The Pilot Super 150L is a variant of Pilot's renowned Super series, produced during the 1950s when Japan's fountain pen industry was rapidly evolving. The Super line helped establish Pilot's reputation for producing dependable, high-quality writing instruments that combined modern materials with precision craftsmanship.

The "150" in the model name originally indicated the pen's retail price of 150 Japanese yen, while the "L" is generally understood to denote the long version of the standard Super 150. Compared to the regular model, the Super 150L features a longer barrel and cap, offering a more balanced and comfortable writing experience, especially for those who prefer full-sized fountain pens.

Most Pilot Super 150L pens are fitted with a 14K gold nib, known for its smooth writing characteristics and slight springiness. Although designed as an everyday writer rather than a luxury model, the nib delivers the refined writing experience that has made vintage Pilot pens highly regarded among collectors.

The pen uses Pilot's traditional rubber sac filling system, which, when restored with a fresh sac, remains reliable and easy to maintain. The streamlined design reflects the clean, functional aesthetic of Japanese fountain pens from the post-war period, emphasizing practicality without sacrificing elegance.

Pilot 14K Gold Nail Nib

The Pilot Super 150L is fitted with a 14K gold nib, a hallmark of Pilot's commitment to producing smooth, dependable writing instruments during the 1950s. Although intended as an everyday pen, the nib was crafted to a remarkably high standard, offering excellent durability and a comfortable writing experience.

Compared to many modern Pilot nibs, vintage Super 150L nibs often have a slight natural spring, giving the writing a softer feel without being true flexible nibs. This subtle responsiveness provides a pleasant cushioning effect on paper and, with light pressure, can produce a modest amount of line variation. The nib is known for its reliable ink flow, precise control, and smooth performance, making it suitable for long writing sessions.

Most Super 150L nibs were produced in common sizes such as Fine and Medium, though the nibs were not always clearly marked with their point size. As a result, the writing width is often determined by testing rather than relying solely on the engraving.

One of the defining characteristics of these vintage 14K nibs is their hand-finished tipping, which gives each nib its own unique writing feel. Even after more than half a century, a well-preserved Pilot Super 150L nib remains a dependable and enjoyable writer, showcasing the craftsmanship that helped establish Pilot as one of Japan's leading fountain pen manufacturers.

Nib Size - Material 14K Gold

Condition

This pen is in good vintage condition. It shows the expected signs of wear consistent with a fountain pen from the 1950s, including light surface wear from normal use over the years. There are no major dents, cracks, or other significant damage to the pen, and the nib remains in excellent functional condition, ready for everyday writing.

The ink sac has been replaced and tested. Unfortunately the ink sac we used was slightly bigger than the sleeve so we couldn`t fit the sleeve in the pen The pen fills properly, writes beautifully, and is ready to be enjoyed immediately.

Item Specifics

◆

Brand Pilot

Material Resin

Ink Color Black

Nib Size Fine (F)

Nib Material Gold, 14K

Vintage Yes

Type Fountain Pen

Country of Origin Japan

Modified Item No

Pen Type Fountain

Body Details Pilot Super 150

MPN Pilot Custom K-500SS

ENGEIKA 円花家

For every seed you plant, let us help nurture it together. Just as a plant flourishes through daily care and dedication, at Engeika, your satisfaction grows through our lifelong experience, sincere passion, and careful attention to every detail.

Founded in 1987, Engeika has grown into a leading direct-to-customer e-commerce retailer specializing in writing instruments, watches, bags & cases, and more recently, lighters. Our mission is to bring exceptional products with outstanding quality, craftsmanship, and design to customers around the world.

The name Engeika means “horticulturist” in Japanese — a person who combines both scientific knowledge and artistic sensibility to carefully nurture every plant in their garden. Watching those plants grow becomes their greatest joy.

That philosophy is at the heart of everything we do. At Engeika, we take pride in caring for each and every customer with the same dedication. Your satisfaction is not only our goal, but also our daily motivation and happiness.

Through every product we offer, we hope to deliver not only the finest quality and most beautiful designs, but also the inspiring stories and history behind them.

About Writing Instruments

Our journey began with a deep passion for fountain pens and the art of writing. Like many enthusiasts, we started as beginners. Over time, through years of learning, collecting, restoring, and experiencing countless writing instruments, our knowledge and appreciation continued to grow.

Today, we are proud to offer not only carefully selected writing instruments, but also honest guidance and personalized support to help you find the perfect writing experience.

Whether you are a longtime collector, a first-time fountain pen user, or simply curious about the world of writing instruments, we are always happy to help.

We warmly welcome messages in any language. We will always do our very best to understand you and reply in English or Japanese.

Item Condition Grade for Engeika Vintage Fountain Pen: Please Check Our Vintage Fountain Pen Grade list and read the item's condition list to see the Pen's actual grade ratings

All our pens are original and authentic because they're sourced directly from the owners of fountain pen collectors, factory owners in the 40s who's sons/daughters have sold their grandparent's fountain pen old stock and hence cant be sourced online. But for an even more detailed description of our pens condition, we have provided a grade tier list to help you determine if this is the pen for you.

S TIER — Almost like Brand New: This pen is in exceptional condition, almost as if it were brand new. There are no signs of rust on the clip, and the original filling system is still intact. The cap and piston filler screw on and off smoothly. The nib color is vivid with limited to no scratches. The pen feels smooth, polished, and shiny.

A TIER — Excellent Condition: This pen is in excellent condition with only minor flaws. There may be small chips on the nib, but no rust is present. Hairline scratches may be visible on the body, cap, and nib. The pen can be easily screwed on and off, and the filling system works properly.

B TIER — Good Condition: This pen is in good condition and is perfectly usable. It may have some rust on the clip and trim. The nib color may have changed due to weathering or ink stains. The filling system has been replaced with a new one.

C TIER — Fair Condition: This pen is in fair condition and is functional, but it has noticeable scratches on the body and cap. The trim may be rusted or chipped. The filling system also requires replacement.

F TIER — Poor Condition: This pen is still writable, but it is cosmetically in a poor state. A major refurbishment has been conducted to restore the pen to an acceptable condition, but in the process, many of its original characteristics have been lost.

Please note that this item condition grade is based on general standards and may vary depending on the specific criteria and expectations of different collectors or sellers.

Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery. Buyer pays return shipping. Item must be returned in the same condition as received. Vintage items may show normal signs of age and use. Please review photos carefully and contact us with any questions before purchase. Refund issued after returned item inspection.

Worldwide Shipping & Customs

2026 Update

⚠ Attention: High-Duty Regions (LATAM)

For buyers in the following regions, import fees in 2026 are significantly higher than the global average. These fees are determined by your government and are not included in the shipping price.

🇧🇷 BRAZIL: Combined taxes (II, PIS/COFINS, and ICMS) often reach 60–80% of the total value. A valid CPF (Tax ID) is strictly required for all shipments.

🇨🇱 CHILE: The duty-free threshold is only $30 USD. Orders above this are subject to 6% duty + 19% VAT on the total cost (including shipping).

🇦🇷 ARGENTINA: Strict "door-to-door" regulations apply. Buyers may need to confirm receipt on the AFIP website to clear customs.

Global Shipping Status

USA: Standard Shipping via Japan Post remains suspended. All US-bound orders ship via Express Courier (DDP) to comply with current US import regulations.

TURKEY: All orders ship via Japan Post EMS ($30 USD). Turkish customs require a Customs Broker; these fees are the buyer's responsibility and are non-refundable if the package is rejected.

RESTRICTED: We are currently unable to deliver to Russia, North Korea, Belarus, or Ukraine.

Express-Only Regions — $75 USD Flat Rate

Due to current logistics challenges, shipping to the following countries is $75 USD via Express Shipping by default:

Yemen, Cyprus, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, UAE, Oman, Venezuela, Qatar, Egypt.

For US Customers: All-Inclusive (DDP)

As of late 2025, the US "Duty-Free" allowance was suspended. To ensure a seamless delivery:

Final Price Guarantee: Your checkout total includes the 20% US Import Duty, the $20 Government Surcharge, and all brokerage fees.

No Surprise Bills: You will not receive an invoice from the courier (UPS/DHL) for additional taxes.

For International Customers (Non-US): Standard (DDU)

We ship Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) for all other countries.

Buyer Responsibility: You are responsible for local VAT, GST, and duties.

Payment Tip: Pay your duties online via the link sent by the carrier (UPS/DHL) to avoid the $12.00 in-person surcharge (ICOD fee) and speed up delivery by 1–2 days.

Shipping Transparency & Online Payment

100% Prepaid Transport: We pay 100% of the international transport fees to the carrier (UPS, DHL, or Japan Post) before your item leaves Japan. In 99% of cases, your order will reach your door with no further delivery fees — only government duties apply.

How to Pay Your Customs Duties: When your package arrives in your country, the carrier (UPS or DHL) will contact you via SMS or Email with a payment link. We strongly recommend paying online through the official carrier website immediately.

Avoid "Payment on Delivery" Surcharges:

› UPS "ICOD" Fee: UPS now charges an additional $12.00 surcharge for import charges collected at the door. This fee is waived if you pay online.

› DHL Disbursement Savings: DHL offers a discounted processing rate for duties paid via their "On Demand Delivery" portal. Paying in person results in a higher "Cash Handling" fee.

› Japan Post EMS: Your local post office (e.g., USPS) may charge a small nominal fee ($5–$10) for "Postage Due" or final-mile processing.

Important Policies

› Address: Please input your shipping address in the English alphabet only.

› Combined Shipping: We offer combined shipping for up to 10 items purchased within 3 days.

› Customs Refusal: If a package is returned because customs fees were not paid, we will refund the order minus the cost of two-way shipping (to and from your country) and any unpaid fees.