Onoto released a new range of colours in november 1928, among them was this vivid marbled green, advertised in 1928 as 'Virdine Green'. The 7070 clipless version, this pen, appeared around 1930.
The pen, a box lever filler, is in outstanding condition throughout. It is remarkable that the pen shows no discolouration, extremely unusual in light green pens. It has an excellent surface and a clear imprint:
ONOTO THE PEN
DE LA RUE & CO Ltd. LONDON
The number '3.7' is also imprinted around the end of the barrel, this may refer to the number 3 nib and a lever filler.
The 'box lever' system is an upgrade to the standard lever arrangement in that it features a metal cage to anchor the lever more substantially to the barrel and help prevent any swelling around the lever slot. A new ink sac has been fitted and the pen fills well.
The 14 Ct. Gold Onoto 3/st nib is original, it has a small amount of flex which gives line variation, very effective in the right hands.
Although the pen is a compact 12.cm. when capped it grows to a most impressive 16.5 cm in length when the cap is posted on the barrel for use and has a well balanced, high quality feel.
I have provided a new, high quality box which suits the pen well and will serve for transportation, protection, and display.
The Onoto 7070 is an extremely rare pen, one in this unusual colour particularly so, it is the only one I've seen 'in the flesh'. It ticks all the boxes for collectability: rarity, age, condition, and quality but is also outrageously attractive and practical.