General
This is a vintage Russian (Soviet period) black resin fountain pen with gold plated cap. It is marked “Leningrad” and it measures 142 mm with the grip section size of 10.9 mm. Its weight is 16.2 g, which is similar to Parker Models 17 or 51 Super Duofold Fountain pen, or even Parker Model 61. This pen has been manufactured in the city of St. Petersburg in Russia, formerly known as Petrograd (1914–1924) and later Leningrad (1924–1991).
Features
Its filing system is using push button filler and the nib is medium, 0.70 mm size. The nib has some limited flexibility, and come either as gold plated steel or 14K solid gold. The Leningrad steel nib after 60 years, if corroded, can brake easily, but some Parker replacements of the same period can be used. The original Leningrad nibs are quite smooth and most of the time they work fine and without major problems, whilst its filling system issues are very common but then again, they can easily be repaired. Its Parker style grip section is fine and measures almost 11 mm, where I would hold it normally.
Comment
This is vintage 1960s pen of the Soviet era, but now it is simply a rare fountain pen. It was branded Soyuz Leningrad. It is not a bad writing instrument and it has an interesting international very loyal following amongst its collectors. The solid gold nib version would be our preferred choice, simply because solid gold even in 14K does not rust. When Leningrad fountain pen was launched back in 1960s, it was practically unheard of in the western world. Since those days, this model received a high number of very good reviews internationally.
Ink used: Parker Quink Blue, France/UK
