The Conway Stewart Dinkie pen, a hallmark of British pen-making, emerged as a compact yet fully functional fountain pen. Released in the early 1920s, the Dinkie quickly became one of Conway Stewart’s most enduring products, maintaining its popularity throughout its fifty-year production span. We take a brief look at the Conway Stewart Dinkie Fountain Pen along with a price guide / value guide. However, the range of designs, materials and colours make it very difficult to generalise on prices.
Originating from the innovative design of the Speedy Phil, the first all-British lever-filler launched in October 1920, the Dinkie utilized a delicate and effective lever-wire-hinge system. This mechanism became so popular that it was used in various models for nearly half a century. The Dinkie was essentially a miniature version of the Speedy Phil, equipped with a similar twist-type filling system but featured in a more compact form with a straight-end lever.
Initially available only in chased black vulcanite and lacking a model number, the Dinkie was marketed as “the smallest practical fountain pen ever made.” Its introduction was a response to the success of the Speedy Phil and a precursor to a broader range of fountain pens that included safety, regular, and screw-cap models. The Dinkie’s appeal broadened in March 1924 when it was released in a diverse array of colors, coinciding with Conway Stewart’s move to a larger factory in Shoe Lane, EC4, which facilitated the expanded production.
The pen’s range of colors and materials grew over the years, with more than 100 different materials eventually used, each coded to help collectors identify the specific material and manufacturing period.
From 1922 to 1929, at least 25 different Dinkie models were produced in four distinct styles, including the slightly larger and more luxurious ‘Dinkie Major’.
Andy Russell’s book 50 Years of the Dinkie 1922 – 1972 is a must for collectors and has received excellent reviews. It is now available in paperback. Lots of pictures of the many variations in colour. For me, although the design and functionality are great, it is the variation in colours that really appeals. The picture below shows some of the variation in those colours of the pens with presentation boxes.
As one of Conway Stewart’s most successful lines, the Dinkie became a sought-after collector’s item after production ceased. Its design not only reflects the era’s technological and aesthetic trends but also set a precedent for subsequent models. Today, the Dinkie is celebrated for its timeless design and exemplifies the high-quality British craftsmanship that defines the legacy of Conway Stewart pens.
Reference
Small But Mighty: The Legacy of the Dinkie Pen
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