The Conway Stewart 15 was introduced in 1952, it featured in the 1953 price list and the '15G', for Gold trim, was added shortly after. This pen, has the Gold plated trim so would be a 15G, the standard '15' has nickel plated trim and, usually, lacks a cap band.
The pen was made in 'long' and 'short versions, this pen, at 12.9 cm. capped is the longer pen, the short pen is about a half centimetre shorter. With the cap posted on the barrel for use, the pen is a very generous 15.5 cm., well over 6 inches in length.
The pen is in superb condition throughout and has been fully serviced and tested. No restoration was needed as such but the ink sac has been replaced as it had hardened with age. The ink sac was, in fact, the original Conway Stewart sac installed 'at birth'. I'm always pleased to see this as it means that this is the first restoration, I'll pop the old sac in the box as it is part of the provenance of the pen.
The colour is bright and vibrant, it shows no fading with an excellent surface and clear barrel imprint. The pattern is officially described as 'marbled green with black Veins'.
Th 14Ct Gold Conway Stewart nib is most unusual. It has a broad stub profile with the additional benefit of some flex. It delivers a very bold line which widens to extra broad with pressure but produces a narrow horizontal stroke. With a little experimentation some great calligraphy effects can be produced.
The Conway Stewart 15 was made at a time when many manufacturers were facing an uncertain future brought about by the onslaught of the ballpoint. Despite the pressure, the company continued to produce high quality pens, often in bright, attractive colours such as this pen, until 1962, when the they were forced to cut costs by introducing a new range of injection moulded pens bearing little resemblance to the high quality pens on which the company had made its reputation.
The Conway Stewart 15 is not a common pen by any mean. A near mint example, such as this pen, is clearly of collectable quality but would also serve well as an unusual and attractive daily writer.