The Conway Stewart Shorthand pen, produced in the late 1950s. , was a 'special purpose' pen designed to be used with Pitmans Shorthand, a rapid writing system that representds sounds by using thin and thick lines and curves.
The nib had to have the right amount of flex and be able to swittch instantaneously from a thin to thick line and back. Although shorthand writing fell out of use in the early 1980s, these nibs are still popular as the responsive flex allows character and individuality to be added to handwriting. This example does it very well.
Finished in light grey, with gold plated trim, the pen has a slip cap with a distinctive green cap stud, This was to allow the pen to be rapidly picked out from other pens in an office or other workplace situation. Shorthand pens were used extensively by journalists, secretaries, and court recorders.
The pen uses a 'pressmatic' filling system, very similar to the Parker 'aerometric', it is reliable and easy to use. The 14Ct. Gold nib, in excellent condition, is stamped ' Shorthand. 3L. Conway. 14Ct, Gold'.
The Shorthand was designed as a 'writers pen', it is very light in weight, essential for minimising fatigue. It would particularly suit someone who enjoys using a fountain pen for extended periods of time.