Specifications

Brand: Sailor

Model: 85th Anniversary Theta

Era / Period: 1990s

Body Material: Resin, Urushi

Filling System: Cartridge or Converter (Sailor Proprietary)

Nib Material: Sailor Theta 21K-875 Gold Nib

Nib Size: H-Medium

Colour: Black/Green

Country of Origin: Japan

PRESENTATION 

Includes: Pen + Box

Condition

In Really Good Condition

The Pen has been really well taken-cared of. While you may find some minor wear and tear consistent with used pens, This pen overall is still visually stunning with all original accessories and paper attached

(Pen Description)
The Sailor 85th Anniversary Theta is one of the most unusual and fascinating commemorative pens ever produced by Sailor. Released in 1996 to celebrate the company's 85th anniversary, the Theta was created as a limited-edition model that combined Sailor's traditional craftsmanship with a distinctive design inspired by the "Theta" concept that was popular in Japan during the mid-1990s. Only 5,000 pieces were produced worldwide, making it one of the rarer modern Sailor anniversary pens.

Unlike the standard Profit and Professional Gear models, the Theta immediately stands out through its unique wave-shaped clip and special Theta symbol engraved on both the nib and cap finial. The design was intended to reflect the concept of waves and energy, giving the pen a visual identity unlike anything else in Sailor's history. Even today, the distinctive clip remains one of the most recognizable features ever used on a Sailor fountain pen.

The anniversary model was produced with luxurious lacquered brass construction and offered in several urushi finishes, including black, vermillion red, blue, and green. The substantial metal body gives the pen a reassuring weight in hand, while the urushi finish provides depth and richness that changes beautifully under different lighting conditions.

Many examples were fitted with Sailor's celebrated 21K gold nibs, while select versions were available with specialty nibs developed by the legendary nib master Nobuyoshi Nagahara, including the famous Naginata Cross Point. These special nib options have made the Theta particularly desirable among collectors of vintage Sailor pens.

(Pen Nib)

The 21K gold nib fitted to the Sailor 85th Anniversary Theta was created to showcase the very best of Sailor's nib craftsmanship during the company's 85th anniversary celebration in 1996. Engraved with the special Theta emblem, the nib was exclusive to the anniversary model and remains one of the most distinctive Sailor nib designs of the era. Some versions were offered with a standard Medium nib, while others featured specialty grinds developed by legendary nib master Nobuyoshi Nagahara, including the famous Naginata Cross Point.

On paper, the 21K nib delivers the writing character that has made Sailor famous among fountain pen enthusiasts. The higher gold content provides a subtle softness and responsiveness, allowing the nib to feel cushioned and lively without becoming flexible. Every stroke feels controlled yet expressive, offering a unique combination of precision and smoothness. Sailor's 21K nibs are particularly admired for maintaining a tactile connection to the paper, giving the writer a sense of feedback that many enthusiasts describe as engaging and highly satisfying.

The nib was carefully tuned to provide excellent ink flow and dependable performance. Whether writing a quick note or several pages at a time, it maintains a consistent line while preserving the characteristic feel that distinguishes Sailor nibs from their competitors. Combined with the substantial lacquered brass body of the Theta, the nib creates a writing experience that feels deliberate, balanced, and refined.

What makes the Theta nib especially appealing today is its exclusivity. The commemorative engraving, limited production, and connection to Sailor's 85th Anniversary make it more than just a writing tool--it is a piece of Sailor history. Decades after its release, the Theta's 21K nib remains highly sought after for both its writing performance and its place among Sailor's most memorable anniversary editions.