Conklin Streamline Pens: A Brief Overview
by Jim Mamoulides, December 21, 2001

Conklin Endura Symetrik 1931-1938

Early Conklin Endura Symetrik Green Marble c1932 and Black Red Marble c1936

In response to Sheaffer's introduction of the streamlined Balance pen in 1929, Conklin and many other pen manufacturers found themselves scrambling to match it. The first Endura Symetrik was essentially a rounded off flat-top Endura, having the Endura nib and even including the cut in trim bands on the cap and barrel. These were quickly dropped in favor of a more smooth appearance. These pens came in a wide number of colors and patterns.

Conklin Endura Symetrik Gray Lizard Skin c1933 Pen and Pencil Set

Conklin All-American c1931-c1938

Conklin All-American Black Green Candy Stripe c1934

The All-American was Conklin's second, cheaper brand and yet examples can be found using the same plastic as the more expensive Symetrik pens. All-Americans had plain nibs marked and barrels imprinted with the All-American name. Conklin offered a plunger filler in the All-American line, also.

Conklin All-American Brown Lizard Skin Plunger Fill c1932 Pen and Pencil Set

Conklin Nozac 1931-1938

Conklin Nozac Pen Line Green c1934 and a Set of Green Stripe Nozac, Lever and Pencil Set c1937

The Conklin Nozac is a twist filler introduced in 1931. The striped models are more common. This is not a "Word Gauge" model. Fills with a huge quantity of ink, translucent, faceted plastic body.

Detail of Conklin Nozac Green Pen Line Nib

An extremely nice wet writer, whose only flaw is quick side strokes will sometimes buzz the tines of the nib and splatter a fine mist of ink on the page. A great daily user pen. I bought this one restored.

Conklin Chicago Pens - Post 1938

Conklin Chicago Glider Blue Stripe c1946 and Conklin Chicago Endura Symetrik Black c1939

In 1938 Conklin was sold to a Chicago company and production was moved to Chicago. The pens produced were of lower quality, unless made from leftover Toledo parts, and although this model, the Glider, somewhat resembles the earlier Symetrik, the plastic is lower quality, the stripes twist slightly, and the gold plate wears off quickly. The saving graces of this pen is a broad nib that writes wonderfully and a visulated section. Nice touches. The company went out of business in the mid 1950s.

Comments on this article may be sent to the author, Jim Mamoulides
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