Specifications

Brand: Pilot

Model: Vintage Custom

Era: 1990s

Body Material: Resin

Filling System: Cartridge or Converter (Pilot Proprietary)

Nib: Pilot 14K-585 Gold A292 Soft Fine Size JIS Nib

Color: Black/Gold

Length: 134 mm

Weight: 11.5 g

PRESENTATION 

Pen + Box

Condition

Good Condition

The pen have been very well taken cared of, there are small micro scratches consistent with used pens. We found no problems with the nib, writes quite smooth. Otherwise everything else is in good conditions

Pilot Custom

This vintage Pilot Custom is an early model from Pilot's long-running Custom series, featuring the distinctive “CUSTOM” engraving on the pocket clip. The engraving is one of the characteristic details of these earlier Custom pens and gives the pen a clear period appearance.

The Custom series was introduced by Pilot in 1971, originally as a line of higher-grade fountain pens emphasizing refined construction and gold nibs. Early Custom models established the design direction that would later develop into the many Custom models produced by Pilot over the following decades.

The pen has a classic, streamlined profile with restrained Japanese styling. Rather than elaborate decoration, the design focuses on balanced proportions, practical usability, and the quality of its components.

The “CUSTOM” clip engraving is particularly notable on this model, distinguishing it from later Pilot Custom pens whose clip designs and markings changed as the series developed.

Pilot Custom JIS 14K Gold Nib

The Pilot Custom is fitted with a 14K gold nib marked “JIS A292.” The 14K specification indicates a gold content of approximately 58.5% (585 fineness), while the JIS marking identifies the nib as conforming to Japanese Industrial Standards.

The “A292” designation is part of the JIS marking found on Japanese gold fountain-pen nibs of the period. It is a technical identification rather than a nib size or writing-grade designation.

The nib has the characteristic refined feel of a vintage Pilot gold nib, offering a controlled and responsive writing experience. Its construction provides some natural resilience while maintaining a relatively firm and precise feel for everyday writing.

The combination of 14K gold, the Pilot Custom engraving, and the JIS A292 marking makes this a distinctly period-correct nib for an early vintage Pilot Custom.