JEBs Dandy Fountain Pen
with Basket-weave BCHR Style Pattern on Black Acrylic.
During my research into BCHR fountain pens, I ran across a Limited Edition (LE) Dandy that the author said was part of a 2000’s era “Ebonite Collection” offered by Conway Stewart (CS). The pattern name wasn’t given, only commenting that it was a “cross hatch” pattern. I thought “basket-weave” was more descriptive, so that’s what I’m calling it.
Creating the Basket-weave Pattern
I only found one posting of this Dandy and it only had a few photo’s, none of which had very good detailing of the pattern. But later on I found a pen from their Doctor series with the same pattern on ebonite.
The hardest part of recreating BCHR patterns like this one is to get it sized correctly so it fits both lengthwise and around the circumference. The circumference is especially challenging because the pattern has to be continuous. With this pattern, the cap has TWO full weaves along the length, and the barrel has THREE. Then the alternating rows start and end with half the pattern. After several attempts, I finally work out a pattern that fit both directions and look much like the original.
About the Dandy
The BCHR pattern is the main feature of this post, but I thought I’d give some details on the pen itself. If you’re familiar with the Dandy, then you know the most recent (modern) version has a pair of thin raised bands at the base of the cap and a vertical knurling pattern around the finial. But this LE version has a single wide (flush) band at the base of the cap and three narrow grooves instead of the knurling around the finial (like the Churchill). You’ll also notice the clip on my version sports the new JEB’s logo!
Pen Dimensions
As with many of my recreated pen styles, I had to adjust the size in order to accommodate available parts and tooling. So this Dandy is a little larger in both diameter and length from the original. I also added a little length to the cap in order to have a more spacing above and below the clip.
According to the posted dimensions, the Basket-weave Dandy was only 123mm (4.84″) long when closed and 120mm (4.72″) uncapped. Mine is 141mm (5.55″) closed and 125mm (4.90″) uncapped. The diameter is also larger. The original posted dimensions are listed as 13.5mm (.53″) Cap and 12.2mm (.48″) Barrel. My dimensions are Cap 15mm (.59″); Barrel 13.35mm (.525″).
Hardware Finishes
The two cap bands are rhodium plated brass. The clip is hand-poured silver alloy). The nib is polished steel. The pen can also be ordered with gold-tone hardware and/or solid gold nib. Lever fillers are available, but in gold-tone only. It can also be ordered as a Button-fillers in either finish (brass buttons used with gold-tone and steel buttons used with silver-tone).
Miscellaneous items:
I also offer a variety of hand-made pen-related items. Pen Props, pen cap Buttons, Pen and Ink Trays, Cufflinks, and Button Covers. Use a Pen Props to display a pen or temporarily raise the nib. Order in a pen-matching material or a wooden style in a variety of finishes. Cap Buttons are small pieces of cap jewelry you can add to a clipless pen to keep it from rolling. Use a Pen & Ink Trays to display your favorite pen and ink. Trays are available in several styles and in your choice of natural wood. Cufflinks and Button Covers are timeless favorites that dress up a shirt. Order them in pen-matching material.
To custom order any of the pens you see on my website for yourself or as a gift, please contact me at jeb<@>jebspens.com.
If you need fountain pen maintenance help (cleaning, refilling, or general issues), please visit my “Fountain Pen Help Line” page. If you’re having a problem and can’t find a solution, use the contact form or send an email.
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