The Onoto K3 was the only one of the K series pens to feature an exposed nib. The other variants, the K1, K2, and K4 all had a hooded nib design.
The pen was made in Strathenry, Scotland, using moulding machinery purchased from Germany, the K series pens were among the last of the Onotos and the only pens to use a piston filling system. All the parts for the pens, including the nibs, were made on site, it was a labour intensive operation including many hand made processes.
The pen is in excellent condition throughout and in first class working order. The piston filler, operated by turning the blind cap, is smooth and takes up a good volume of ink.
The Onoto No. 3. 14Ct. gold nib delivers a very smooth line, perhaps a little on the broad side of medium. At 15 cm. in length when posted, it is a good sized, slim pen with a comfortable, well balanced feel.
The K series pens had a relatively short producion run and are now not easy to find. The K3, this pen, is particularly scarce as, at the time, the hooded nib of the other K pens was much more popular.