Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler Fountain Pen

Since 1898, Conklin has been one of the most innovative and reliable American manufacturer of industry pens. Featuring one of their most esteemed historical designs, the Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler is an exact replica of the original auto-filling fountain pen, with a series of modern finishes.

Refilling a Crescent Filler is simple: Depress the crescent into the barrel of the pen while the nib is submerged in ink. As you release, ink will be drawn into bladder of the pen. Repeat the process a few times to fill the ink sac completely. Once you have filled the pen, wipe off excess ink from your nib with a soft cloth or tissue, then rotate the locking ring underneath the crescent to closed position so that the ring opening is on the opposite side if the crescent. The same process can be used with cold water for cleaning, and the crescent itself also helps to prevent the pen from rolling unnecessarily when in use.

Conklin is the first manufacturer of practical self-filling fountain pens, starting with their initial 1897 design. The Crescent Filler was an innovation in pen making that ultimately led to more practical construction. With crescent shaped metal extending from the side of the pen, users could fill a pen with ink by depressing the crescent, which engaged an internal pressure bar and allowed incoming ink to fill a built in rubber sac. Mark Twain was an official Conklin spokesperson and openly promoted the pen by stating, “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.”