Pilot Custom 823 Amber Demonstrator
For years, many in the fountain pen world hoped for a Pilot piston-filler. The Custom 823 series has surpassed expectations. The Amber Demonstrator seen here remains one of Pilot's most popular offerings.
$336.00
our price
$420.00
retail

Don't expect to have ink fill the entire barrel, as a partial vacuum gets about 3/4 of the semi-transparent barrel topped up. Nevertheless, the ink capacity is right up there with the Pelikan M1000 and far exceeds all of the cartridge/converter systems. This pen is easy to flush out but almost impossible to get the last of the flush water out of the barrel. This has never been a problem for us except the clear barrel shows a few drops of water.
The pump creates a vacuum on the down-stroke which ends when the piston passes a widening of the barrel near the section. The ink is then drawn up into that vacuum. This is a well-executed system, relying on a similar design to that used by Sheaffer's pens during the 1930s.


The Pilot Custom 823 is available with your choice of solid gold 14K nib. These Pilot 14k nibs are well-suited to customizations including Stub, Cursive Italic, or Left Oblique, as well as the modification for added flexibility.
A handsome presentation box includes a bottle of ink, making the Custom 823 a classy gift for special occasions. A full set of papers, including instructions and the owners certificate, is included.

Unless requested otherwise, each pen or nib you purchase from us will be carefully examined, tested, and optimized for your personal writing characteristics before it ships.
Measurements & Specifications
Closed Length | 5.9" |
Posted Length | 6.4" |
Barrel Length | 4.2" |
Barrel Diameter | 0.5" |
Section Diameter | 0.4" |
Ink Capacity | 1.3 ml |
Filling System | Vacuum/Power Filler |
Cap Type | Threaded |
Clip | With Clip |
Postable | Postable |
Pen Weight | 28.8 g |
bryspoon
The 823 is probably the single best pen made. I cannot say enough good things about nibs.com. In the past, I have bought from another seller who promises to tune and smooth before shipping. I am confident that he did nothing to the stock pen. Nibs.com is completely different. I ordered an 823 with a stub grind. It shipped the next day and when I recieved it, it came with a personalized card written with my pen both before and after the work was done to it. These folks did excellent work on a beutiful pen, shipped it almost immediately and provided me proof positive that they paid close attention to my order. I'm never purchasing from anyone else. I have no idea whether they have a good return policy or customer service (though my experience leads me to believe they would) because the order I placed was done perfectly and quickly. I am very impressed with both the amazing work that took a medium 823 and made a beautiful stub. Absolutely brilliant.