The Conway Stewart Popular, made around 1930, was an 'own brand' pen supplied to the Scholastic Trading Company Ltd of Bristol, established in 1883. This was a wholesale and retail stationary organisation with a number of branches who made a brief excursion into the fountain pen business. The pen was also supplied to Svanstroms, a major Swedish stationers.
The pen, constructed in black chased hard rubber, has been restored and tested and is in excellent working condition, The chasing on the cap is worn but that on the barrel is particularly sharp, as is the imprint, which reads: 'Popular. The Scholastic Trading Co. Ltd. Bristol'. The nickel plated lever carries the Conway Stewart logo.
The clearly stamped 14Ct. Gold Conway Stewart nib is unusual in that it has a stub point. This gives a thin horizontal line and a much thicker vertical one so character is added to the writing. A stub nib is similar to an italic but is much less 'harsh' and more forgiving in use.
The cap is a smooth screw fit, it also screws securely on to the end of the barrel when in use, giving the pen a most impressive 16.5 cm. in length. The pen is very comfortable in use and has a robust, solid feel. it would make a great vintage daily writer.