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10 Magnificent Pens for Collectors
The Classic Black Collection
Timeless and elegant designs
that always look good in your hand or on your desk
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"You can have any colour, as long as it's black!"
One of the surprising facts we have discovered about the pen business in the past couple of years is how extraordinarily popular black pens are. With such a large number of Conway Stewart collectors on our list you would be forgiven for thinking that they would go for the extraordinary, multi-coloured options that have been the hallmark of Conway Stewart's range for over 100 years.
Far from it! It's the more subtle, more muted colours which always seem to be in greatest demand and, amongst those in particular, it's black pens that lead the way by a healthy margin.
So for those who follow Henry Ford's mantra, "You can have any colour, as long as it's black!" we have put together a special Easter collection of the finest black pens currently available.
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#1. Conway Stewart Churchill Classic Black
First up, it's the Churchill Classic Black. It's elegance personified and has an undisputable presence that simply oozes character. If you are looking for a timeless pen with a reassuring 'heft' to it the Churchill Classic Black ticks all the boxes.
In combination with classic gold fittings and an 18ct gold Flag nib, there is no finer British pen than this.
Churchill Classic Black dimensions
Closed Length: 146mm
Weight: 35gms
Nib availability: Flag 18ct gold F, M, B
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#2 and #3 Conway Stewart Churchill Poppy and Black Chased
Here are two variations on the Churchill Classic Black theme, with some obvious differences and some not so obvious.
On both these pens the classic black barrel has been subtly engraved or 'chased' with a traditional 'Barleycorn' pattern that not only gives the pen a distinctive vibrancy but also makes it highly tactile. Put either of these two pens in your hand and you will not want to put it down!
The Poppy limited edition includes a beautiful enamel and silver poppy design mounted on the top of the cap.
The fittings on both are in sterling silver and the clip is mounted differently from the Classic Black/gold model - slightly higher on the cap to keep it more securely in your pocket.
Churchill Poppy dimensions
Closed length: 146mm
Weight: 50gms
Nib availability Flag 18ct gold 2-tone F, M, B
For more details: Click here
Churchill Black Chased dimensions
Closed length: 146mm
Weight: 35gms
Nib availability Flag 18ct gold 2-tone F, M, B
For more details: Click here
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#4. Conway Stewart Series 100 Classic Black
The Conway Stewart Series 100 has been a firm favourite with Conway Stewart collectors since it was first introduced in 1954 - and continues to be one of the most sought-after models in the entire CS range. It is a mid-sized pen with a gentle taper that feels good in any hand. Sleek and subtly curvaceous, this pen fondly returns to the Art Deco movement that captured the imagination of designers a century ago. Each Classic Black is set off with a distinctive trio of gold cap rings, 2 further gold rings on the barrel and a gold plated clip.
Series 100 Classic Black dimensions
Capped Length: 137mm
Weight: 20gms
Nib availability: Flag 18ct gold F, M, B
(nib shown in photo is no longer available)
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#5. Conway Stewart Series 58 Classic Black
The Conway Stewart Series 58 Classic Black is a traditional sized pen which pays homage to one of the company’s classic models. It is a pen revered in its original form by pen collectors for the wide range of vibrant materials and variations, but here in Classic Black we think it stands the test of time as a (relatively) inexpensive pen that simply oozes class.
It bears the distinctive 3-gold ring configuration around the cap and is available with either gold or silver fittings.
Series 58 Classic Black Dimensions
Capped Length: 129mm
Weight: 15gms
Nib availability: Flag 18ct gold F, M, B. Original Conway Stewart nibs also available in B, BB, EF, IF or IB. (Please check website for latest nib availability)
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#6. Conway Stewart Raleigh Celebration
The Conway Stewart Raleigh Celebration is a unique design, departing from the traditional in several ways, while still retaining the classic styling that recalls Conway Stewart’s rich heritage. And what could be more classic than the black and gold combination shown here?
The perfectly proportioned barrel is accented with two solid gold rings and topped with a cap that features a slight inward curve towards the top. Unusually, there is a quartet of solid gold rings around the cap while both the cap top and barrel end feature a classic stepped design, which give the Raleigh an elegant touch of distinction.
What also sets the Raleigh Celebration apart from many other Conway Stewart pens is the subtle but distinctive engraved pattern etched into the barrel - shown in the image above. Hold this magnificent pen and you'll realise just how tactile it is.
Raleigh Celebration Dimensions
Capped Length: 139mm
Weight: 47.4gms
Nib availability: Flag 18ct gold F, M, B.
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#6. Henry Simpole's Snake Pen
Here's a black pen with substantial and valuable decoration - the fascinating and mysterious Snake Pen by Henry Simpole.
It is crafted from polished black hard rubber, overlaid with two solid gold snakes on cap and barrel each one having polished cut emeralds for the eyes.
Pen-makers around the world have often entwined snakes around the barrels and caps of their pens to symbolise wealth and status. Indeed, one of the world’s most sought-after and expensive pens is an 1888-98 Waterman Sterling Silver 3 Snake Pen which sold at Bonham’s in 2013 for $37,500!
Henry's Snake pen is issued in a limited edition of 50.
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#7. Conway Stewart Winston Classic Black
The Conway Stewart Winston Classic Black holds true to the classic 1920s styling that made Conway Stewart famous, yet has a freshness that makes it a joy to hold and use. It has a slight taper to the barrel end and a gently rounded cap top and weighs in at a hefty 54 grams. Like its namesake this is definitely a heavyweight pen!
The Conway Stewart Winston Classic Black is the ideal choice if you prefer a large pen; one that stands out in a crowd. It has a 'captured converter' filling system and is available with either sterling silver fittings (as shown above) or solid gold fittings.
Winston Classic Black Dimensions
Capped Length: 142mm
Weight: 54gms
Nib availability: Flag 18ct gold F, M, B.
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#8. Conway Stewart Dandy Carbon Black
The complete opposite to the Winston, the Dandy is one of the smallest pens in the Conway Stewart range which adds greatly to its charm. It typifies the understated elegance of 1920s pen design and for many years has been one of Conway Stewart’s most distinctive profiles.
The Carbon Black is a new addition to the Dandy range. At first glance you might think this pen is solid black, but look closely and you’ll see it has slightly smokey silver flecks.
All Dandy models are fitted with original Conway Stewart gold nibs and there are a number of sizes available - see below.
Dandy Carbon Black dimensions
Closed length: 123mm
Weight: 15gms
Nib availability: Conway Stewart nibs available in B, BB, EF, IF or IB. (Please check website for latest nib availability)
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#9. and #10. Conway Stewart Lawyer's Pens - Churchill and Series 100 editions
One of the Professional range issued by Bespoke British Pens and featuring the Scales of Justice engraved on the cap, The Lawyer's Pen is available in two different models - The award-winning Churchill and the mid-sized Series 100.
Each pen is engraved with The Scales of Justice - on the top of the cap on the Churchill and on the wide gold cap band on the Series 100. The rich black acrylic of the Churchill version has been engraved with a traditional ‘barleycorn’ pattern on cap and barrel and is further enhanced by sterling silver fittings. The single wide cap band is stamped with English hallmarks proving its quality and purity.
The Series 100 version is enhanced by 9ct gold fittings to give a true luxury feel to the pen. The wide cap band is stamped with English hallmarks acknowledging its quality and purity.
Lawyer's Pen Churchill edition dimensions
Closed length: 146mm
Weight: 35gms
Nib availability Flag 18ct gold 2-tone F, M, B
For more details: Click here
Lawyer's Pen Series 100 edition dimensions
Closed length: 137mm
Weight: 20gms
Nib availability Flag 18ct gold F, M, B
For more details: Click here
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"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication"
I think you'll agree, that's quite a collection. And I hope you enjoy having a look through the wide variety of sizes and styles available in these 10 wonderful pens - all in black!
I know some people prefer complex and intricate designs for their pens but there's something reassuringly valuable in the simplicity of black offset with silver or gold. As Leonardo Da Vinci said more than 500 years ago, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" - and who could disagree?
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To see the complete Bespoke British Pens collection go to
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