The Diplomat pen company was established, in Germany, in 1922, and still produces high quality fountain pens today.  This 'Classic' model is stamped 'W. Germany' so it was made before the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989.

Constructed in brass with a multi-layered marbled lacquer finish, it is a good sized cartridge/converter filler equipped with the original Diplomat converter.  It is supplied with two international cartridges, which are readily available, so it is ready to write in either configuration.

The pen an excellent finish with only light user marks, and the heavy Gold filling is pristine.  The cap is a push fit, fastening with a satisfying 'click', it also clicks into position when posted on the barrel, preventing the lip of the cap making contact with the barrel and avoiding scratching of the high gloss finish.

The screw type piston filling system is easy to use and very efficient, taking up a good volume of ink.  The steel nib is partially gold plated to give an attractive two tone effect.  It is an excellent writer, producing a smooth firm, fine to medium line with good ink flow.

At over thirty five years old, this Diplomat Classic has the same specification and build quality of a brand new version of the pen which retails at over £200.  It is a handsome pen with good performance and would make a practical daily vintage writer.