Discover the Vintage Pilot Justus 14K H179 JIS Gold F Nib Fountain Pen, a masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship from the 1970s. This authentic pen features a unique adjustable nib, allowing you to switch between soft and hard writing experiences for ultimate personalization.
Includes original box. Condition: Good, with minor micro scratches. A perfect choice for collectors and writers seeking versatility and style.
Elevate your writing with this iconic piece--shipping is fast and secure. Invest in quality, history, and elegance today!
ENGEIKA SINCE 1987
Vintage 1st Gen Pilot Justus 14K H179 JIS Gold F Nib Fountain Pen 1970s Japan
About This Piece
Original & Authentic
Vintage Pilot Justus Fountain Pen
[Fitted with Pilot 14K-585 Gold H179 Adjustable Fine Size JIS Nib]
Specifications
Brand
Pilot
Model
Justus (Precursor to the Justus 95)
Era / Period
1960s
Body Material
Resin
Filling System
Cartridge or Converter (Pilot Proprietary)
Nib Material
Pilot 14K-585 Gold H179 Adjustable JIS Nib
Nib Size
Fine
Colour
Black
Country of Origin
Japan
Includes
Pen + Box
Weight
20.6 g
Length
140 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 Justus
The Vintage Pilot Justus is one of Pilot's most innovative fountain pens, first introduced in the late 1960s. Designed for writers who wanted greater control over their writing experience, it pioneered Pilot's unique adjustable nib system, allowing the firmness of the nib to be changed using a slider on the barrel. By adjusting the support beneath the nib, users could choose between a firmer, more controlled writing feel or a softer, more expressive touch--an ingenious feature that set the Justus apart from virtually every other fountain pen of its era.
This groundbreaking design became the foundation for the modern Pilot Justus 95, introduced decades later to celebrate Pilot's 95th anniversary. While the contemporary model features updated styling and manufacturing, it continues the same philosophy established by the original Justus: giving the writer the freedom to tailor the nib's character to their personal writing style.
While retaining the refined appearance expected of a classic Pilot fountain pen, the Justus stood apart through its engineering. The adjustable support beneath the nib allowed users to choose between a firmer, more controlled writing feel or a softer, more expressive touch, offering a level of customization rarely seen in fountain pens of the time.
Built with Pilot's renowned attention to detail, the Vintage Justus combines precision engineering with everyday practicality. Its balanced design, reliable construction, and innovative mechanism have earned it a lasting reputation among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate both exceptional writing performance and mechanical ingenuity.
Pilot JUStus adjustable 14K Gold Nib
The Vintage Pilot Justus features a unique 14K gold adjustable nib that allows you to switch between Soft and Hard writing characteristics using the slider on the barrel. Rather than changing the nib itself, the mechanism adjusts the amount of support beneath it, letting you tailor the writing feel to your preference.
In the Soft setting, the nib has greater freedom to flex, producing a cushioned, springy writing experience with a touch of natural line variation. It responds gently to changes in writing pressure, making every stroke feel expressive and fluid.
Moving the slider to the Hard setting reinforces the nib from underneath, creating a firmer and more controlled writing feel. The increased rigidity offers excellent precision and stability, making it ideal for neat handwriting, technical writing, or anyone who prefers a crisp, consistent line.
This ingenious mechanism allows the Justus to offer two distinct writing experiences in a single pen, making it one of Pilot's most innovative achievements and a remarkable example of Japanese fountain pen engineering.
Nib SizeFMaterial14K Gold
Condition
B
Good Condition!
The pen have been very well taken cared of, there are small micro scratches consistent with used pens. The nib is still in top tier condition. Very Smooth with the adjustable nib function working perfectly
Item Specifics◆
BrandPilot
MaterialResin
Ink ColorBlack
Nib SizeFine (F)
Nib MaterialGold, 14K
VintageYes
FeaturesAdjustable Nib
TypeFountain Pen
OriginJAPAN
MPNPilot Original Justus
PersonalizedNo
Country of OriginJapan
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:
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.
