Conklin’s self-filling pen

[Samuel Clemens, former owner]

Conklin’s self-filling pen

Toledo, Ohio

Conklin Pen Co.

ca. 1903

The Conklin Pen Co. of Toledo, Ohio, featured Mark Twain in its advertisement for this self-filling pen, quoting him as saying: “I prefer it to ten other fountain pens because it caries its own filler in its own stomach and I can’t mislay it, even by art and intention. I also prefer it because it is a profanity-saver; it cannot roll off the desk.” Conklin continues to use Twain for promotional purposes today; each of their fountain pens is engraved with his name along the band.