Ban-Ei Japanese Eyedropper Fountain Pen handmade by Japanese lathe-master Eisuke Sakai. This pen is equipped with a 14K Gold nib with the engraving 復刻手造万筆 which translates to "reproduction handmade fountain pen." This pen was a special reproduction run by Ban-Ei after the death of their nib meister Ginjiro Kabutogi. It is rumored that G.K.'s son Toshiya Kabutogi was the maker of these nibs. However, there is no concrete evidence to fully back this claim. The nib on this pen is very similar to Kabutogi's "G.K." marked nib, but this "reproduction" nib has a noticeably more flex than the regular G.K. nibs and is marked with "KABUTOGI" on the lower shank, underneath the grip section. This pen is 145.5mm long while capped and measures 13.25mm in diameter at the barrel.
This pen comes with the original wood box as well as the Limited Edition certificate of authenticity signed by Eisuke Sakai. This pen is number 1,097 out of 10,000. The included certificate states the following:
"Limited Production Certificate
This certifies that the reproduced handmade fountain pen delivered to you was produced as a limited edition.
Limited production number: 1097/10,000
Heisei 7: (1995)
(Signed): Sakai Eisuke"
This pen has had the worn out, original cork shutoff valve seal replaced with o-rings. Providing a great alternative to prevent leaks near the back of the pen. 90 day warranty on service work.
- Manufacturer/Model: Ban-Ei (Eisuke Sakai, Tsuchida Shuichi) Eyedropper
- Year of Manufacture: 1995
- Color: Black, Red
- Material: Ebonite (Hard Rubber), Urushi Lacquer
- Nib: 14K Gold Kabutogi Reproduction Nib
- Filling System: Eyedropper w/ Shut-off Valve
- Condition Rank: (A) Very Good Condition. Please See Photos and Condition Rank Guide.
- Warranty: 90 days on service work
- Country of Manufacture: Japan
Condition Rank Guide:
-NOS: Item is in New Old Stock condition (NOS). Shows little to no signs of use apart from some minor handling wear.
-A+: Item is in Excellent condition. Micro-scratches can be seen on the barrel, cap, and/or grip section. No noticeable scuffs, chips, or cracks.
-A: Item is in Very Good condition. Minor scratches and scuffs can be seen on the barrel, cap, and/or grip section. No Chips or cracks.
-B: Item is in Good condition. Moderate scratches and scuffs can be seen on the barrel, cap, and/or grip section. No Chips or cracks.
-C: Item is in Fair condition. Heavy scratches and scuffs can be seen on the barrel, cap, and/or grip section. Cracks or chips that potentially affect functionality may be present. See Photos.
-D: Item is in Unrestored condition. Item is good cosmetic condition, but not functional as-is. Requires repair or to be used as parts. No returns on items labeled with this rank.
-F: Item is in Poor condition. Item is broken beyond reasonable repair and should only be purchased for parts. No returns on items labeled with this rank.