Conklin Crescent Fountain Pen Review

Product Review of the Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler Series Fountain Pens

The Conklin Crescent fountain pen has been around since the early 1900s. The pen was orginally endorsed by Mark Twain and is named after him, the Conklin Mark Twain Crescent fountain pen. Conklin has recreated a replica version of the original pen with its unique crescent filling mechanism. The Conklin Crescent comes in various color choices including a limited edition demonstrator version. I opted for the black chased version of the pen. It comes with a beautiful rose gold trim and the cap and barrel are etched with a chase pattern.

Conklin Crescent Fountain Pen Review

One of the most intriguing things about the Conklin Crescent fountain pen is the filling mechanism. Inside the pen is a rubber bladder that hold the ink. A small metal arch protrudes from the pen on the barrel and is used to compress the bladder. When released the bladder draws ink inside, filling the pen. Underneath the metal arch is a small matching resin lock. This small ring twists around the barrel and has a small slit that must be aligned for the filling mechanism to be compressed. Without this lock I am sure it would be easy to accidentally force ink from the bladder reservoir. The position of the filler mechanism is out of the way and does not interfere when using the pen. Engraved on this metal arch filling mechanism is "Conklin" on one side and "Crescent Filler Trademark" on the other.

Conklin Crescent Fountain Pen Filler Mechanism closeup

Because the pen is opaque and there is no ink window you are not able to see the ink levels. I find this makes it harder to fill since you assume you have ink in the bladder and you also do not know when you are running low. I am sure the Limited Edition Conklin Crescent fountain pen with the clear barrel would be easier to use fill. The limited edition also gives you a good view of how the crescent filler works.

I did find that cleaning the pen is easy. The nib and feed unscrew from the barrel of the pen and give access to the bladder where you can run water and flush the pen.

Conklin Crescent Fountain Pen Nib ReviewThe nib on the Conklin Crescent fountain pen is a stainless steel two tone nib or a solid color on the stub nib. My pen is a stub nib and is a solid chrome although I would think the black color Conklin nib would look better with the black chased cap and barrel. The nib writes smooth and is plenty wet. There is no skipping or hard starts and works well.

Conklin Crescent Fountain Pen Cap ReviewThe cap on the pen has a nice large rose gold clip that is spring actuated allowing the clip to open easily for pocket insertion. At the bottom of the cap is a nice thick rose gold ring. Printed on one side is "Conklin" and Mark Twain's signature is on the opposite side.

Pros of the Conklin Crescent Fountain Pen
  • Crescent fill bladder that hold a good amount of ink and allows bottle inks.
  • Smooth nib out of the box.
  • Easy to clean.

Cons of the Conklin Crescent Fountain Pen
  • Hard to determine ink level both when filling and using. Easily fixed with the limited edition demonstrator models.

Conklin Crescent Fountain Pen Review Conclusion

The Conklin Crescent Mark Twain fountain pen has been around for more than 100 years and still going strong. The pen is both unique and beautiful but more importantly it writes well. A great recreation of this iconic fountain pen.

Buy the Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler Series Fountain Pens


Specs of the Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler Series Fountain Pens

Length: 5.480 in.
Posted Length: 7.000 in.
Diameter: 0.300 in.
Weight: 2.640 oz.
Body/Trim: Resin
FillType: Crescent Fill Bladder



Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler Series Reviews from our Customers

See what our customers have to say about the Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler Series Fountain Pens. Don't just take our word for it, read actual customer reviews of the product and see what they think.
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
Overall rating:
4.6
out of 5
(26 reviews)

 
Classic Conklin and an enjoyable writer. Nice balance. Fine nib was slow to start and a little scratchy, but has settled in a bit. Arrived late due to incorrect address on label (error on the part of the distributor) and minor imperfections on the cap band - one directly over the "M" on the Mark Twain signature.
overall: 4 out of 5
overall rating 4 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 4 out of 5
function:
function rating 4 out of 5
style:
style rating 4 out of 5
value:
value value 4 out of 5
The pen looks and performs great.
Wish it had a little more weight.
I prefer writing with a slightly heavier pen.
overall: 4 out of 5
overall rating 4 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 3 out of 5
function:
function rating 3 out of 5
style:
style rating 3 out of 5
value:
value value 3 out of 5
Nice, but a terrible nib
overall: 4 out of 5
overall rating 4 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 3 out of 5
function:
function rating 3 out of 5
style:
style rating 3 out of 5
value:
value value 3 out of 5
Possibly the best pen I have ever owned. Writes smoothly. Works every time without hesitation. I am crazy about the Omniflex nib. So far, no leaks, no problems!
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
Roll on muddy river, roll on... This pen takes you back in time and to the trails of Sawyer and Finn. The Mark Twain Crescent is a fun pen. The crescent filler is easy to function and rests easily in the hand. I love eye-catching pens that enable conversations and the Mark Twain Crescent Filler rises to the challenge. Pen Chalet offers a great selection, with great prices, and exceptional service. Thank you.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
While the look is sleek, the crescent filler can be a bit of a nuisance. Plus, the flex nib requires a bit more pressure than usual. Oh, and the texture of the paper makes a difference, as well. If it is a coarser grain, it will prove more of a chore to write. As anything new, it may take some adjusting but I shall keep penning.
overall: 4 out of 5
overall rating 4 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 4 out of 5
function:
function rating 4 out of 5
style:
style rating 4 out of 5
value:
value value 4 out of 5
Love the pen, love the design, love the feel. However, this pen for some reason, does not write properly. I have a Conklin Duraflex which writes incredibly wonderful. I thought since both have the same design flex nib, both would write equally well. This is not the case as the nib in the Cresent model seems to skip constantly. Disappointed in this pen.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
I absolutely love this pen! It’s a beautiful pen and it writes very smoothly. I ordered a fine nib and it does write very fine. Love it!!! It has quickly become one of my favorites!
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
This is not an usual pen because of the filler. I enjoy collecting photos and this one has proven to be fun.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5
Fantastic pen. I love the style and the filing system. This has become my everyday pen. Great service and fast shipping. I would recommend the Conklin Mark Twain pen and Pen Chalet to everyone.
overall: 5 out of 5
overall rating 5 out of 5
quality:
quality rating 5 out of 5
function:
function rating 5 out of 5
style:
style rating 5 out of 5
value:
value value 5 out of 5


Pictures of the Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler Series Fountain Pens

Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler Series Fountain Pens
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Prices for the Conklin Mark Twain Crescent Filler Series Fountain Pens start at:
Retail: $195.00
Sale: $156.00
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