1950s Gorgeous Faber Castell Osmia No. 882 Celluloid Large 14K Gold EF Flexible Nib Piston Vintage Fountain Pen Item ID: VAR-116

Faber Castell Osmia No.882

Manufacturer/Model: Faber Castell Osmia/882 EF/Germany
Year of production: Early to mid 1950s
Filling system: Piston Filling (With Rubber O Rings)
Nib: Solid 14K 585 Gold two tone gold, Flexible EF Extra fine size; writes up to triple broad - 3B
Material: Black Celluloid; Amber transparent color ink window
Length (pen closed): 131mm, posted 150mm

Condition and information:
A truly gorgeous pen with a lot of history attached to it. The Osmia company was founded in 1919. They made some amazing writing instruments and were strongly admired for their pen's quality and innovation. This caught the eye of some of the larger pen makers in Europe, and soon enough in mid 1930s, Osmia was partially acquired by Faber Castell. Since the Osmia brand had a such a good reputation, Faber Castell decided to keep the brand, and thus continue to make only the best of their fountain pens under the brand Faber Castell Osmia. In fact, the pens were made in part by the same people that worked at Osmia. However in early 1950s, the entire Osmia company was acquired by Faber Castell and they decided to phase out the Osmia name completely, only the diamond Osmia logo stayed on their pens, without the Osmia name, i.e. this pen, made in early to mid 1950s.

The pen is a true masterpiece, made to compete and even surpass its biggest rivals at the time, the Pelikan 400 and the Montblanc 142/144 which were in its class. The build quality, the precision, the compactness of the fitted parts is extraordinary. The pen has that familiar curved line of that 50s German design, very similar to the Pelikan 400. It is made out of celluloid, and there is even some light dark red amber like celluloid color, the beautiful orange amber color striped ink window. The beautiful Osmia logo is located on the top as a crown, as well as on the nib. Gold plated wide ring and clip are pristine with no gold wear off.

The pen has a superb piston filling system. Rarely seen in those days, one of the first use of the rubber O rings as opposed to corks which were fitted on other pens, even Montblanc pens. Unsurprisingly, these are the original O rings, still in pristine condition after nearly 70 years since made, that speaks volumes about the quality and the edge of engineering in Osmia craftsmanship. The piston works perfectly and will operate as such for decades to come.

Where this 882 gives Pelikans and Montblancs run for their money is its superb nib. Osmia was renowned for their nibs. It is much larger than most of its competitors at the time, it almost feels and looks as it does not belong to this pen, it is so big. It is semi to fully flexible super sharp EF nib. It just feels right and does an amazing writing. It can easily flex with a gentle press, and the tines will split apart up to 2mm. Even though its EF, it is not scratchy, only when pressed very hard. But its a thick nib, so unlike many flexible nibs which could easily bend when pressed, this one will retract in its original position always.

Most importantly the pen is in pristine condition, it is perfectly preserved. No scratches, cracks, dings, teeth marks, gold ware off or any cosmetic or functional issues. Wonderful writing instrument to be enjoyed and admired!