Ban-ei Ideal GK Ebonite Eyedropper Fountain Pen Flex Fine Nib Rolled 14k

Vintage Japanese Eyedropper Fountain Pen. These pens were very popular during the first half of the 1900's, but fell out of major use due to the invention of automatic filling systems. However, they still maintained a niche interest during the second half of the 1900's and even till today. These pens were designed as eyedroppers, meaning ink was stored directly in the barrel without cartridges or converters. A key feature was the shutoff valve, a small mechanism that prevented ink from leaking during use or travel. This valve allowed users to seal the ink reservoir, ensuring a steady flow only when writing, which addressed issues like burping or dripping often seen in traditional eyedropper pens. This pen has not had the original seals replaced. Rear cap is stuck with dried ink. Seals will need to have service completed to ensure proper functionality. R14K mark on clip and cap band. Ideal flex nib. Ideal was a brand owned by Ginjiro Kabutogi, one of the premier post-war Japanese nib me