The Conklin Crescent Filler Fountain Pen was the favourite writing instrument of America's greatest writer, Mark Twain, who said "I prefer it to ten other fountain pens, because it carries its filler in its own stomach, and I can not mislay even by art or intention. Also, I prefer it because it is a profanity saver; it cannot roll off the desk."

Anyway, it was the first to use the "Crescent" filling system. A crescent shaped bar on the side of the pen compresses a bar, thus squeezing an ink sac - when released, the ink flows in - a method also used by Visconti in some of their pens. The pen has an ingenious locking system to prevent the crescent being inadvertantly pressed, so there is no risk of accidents.

They are good looking, fairly flamboyant resin pens. The nib is steel - a touch more flexible than we are used to these days.