Pilot - Capless FCN-500R-B - No reserve price - 万年筆

Introduction

This auction features a vintage Pilot Capless FCN-500R-B fountain pen in black, fitted with a 14K 585 gold nib.

The Capless, also widely known as the Vanishing Point（ヴァニシング・ポイント）, is one of Pilot’s most distinctive fountain pen designs. Instead of using a conventional removable cap, the nib is extended and retracted by pressing the push-button mechanism at the rear of the pen.

This example belongs to the highly recognizable faceted generation of the Capless series produced during the 1980s.

Product details

Brand: Pilot

Model: Capless FCN-500R-B

Type: Fountain pen

Country of origin: Japan

Period: 1980s

Colour: Black

Body material: Resin

Trim: Black and metal components

Nib: 14K gold

Nib marking: PILOT 14K 585

Filling system: Cartridge / converter

Mechanism: Push-button retractable nib

Dimensions

Length: approx. 13.7 cm

Maximum diameter: approx. 1.2 cm

Design

The pen features a distinctive faceted black resin body with a slim, elongated profile.

The faceted construction is characteristic of the FCN-500R generation and gives the pen a geometric appearance that differs significantly from later rounded Capless models.

The clip is positioned near the writing end, a functional design intended to guide the hand into the correct writing position.

At the rear is the long push-button mechanism used to extend and retract the nib.

The body is marked “JAPAN,” while the clip carries the PILOT name.

Nib

The pen is fitted with a Pilot 14K gold nib marked “PILOT 14K 585.”

The nib retracts completely into the body when not in use, where an internal sealing mechanism helps protect it from drying.

The compact retractable nib assembly is one of the defining technical features of the Capless series.

Model context

Pilot introduced the Capless concept in the 1960s and continued to refine the design over subsequent decades.

The FCN-500R series was introduced in the 1980s and is particularly recognizable for its lightweight faceted resin body.

This generation was produced with both steel and 14K gold nib variants.

The model measures approximately 137 mm in length and around 11.8 mm in body diameter, closely matching this example.

The faceted Capless models have become increasingly collectible due to their distinctive design and their difference from later metal-bodied Vanishing Point models.

Condition

The fountain pen is in good vintage used condition.

The black resin body shows light surface marks, scratches and signs of normal use consistent with age.

The clip, push-button mechanism and other components show minor wear.

The 14K gold nib remains intact and retains clear PILOT and 14K 585 markings.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Function

The push-button mechanism operates to extend and retract the nib.

The pen uses Pilot cartridges or a compatible converter.

The pen has been checked for basic function.

As with any vintage fountain pen, additional cleaning or maintenance may be required depending on future use.

Accessories

No original box or paperwork is included.

Only the fountain pen shown in the photographs is included.

Closing note

A distinctive vintage Pilot Capless FCN-500R-B combining an innovative retractable nib mechanism with the angular faceted styling characteristic of the 1980s generation.

Its lightweight black resin construction, 14K gold nib and unusual engineering make it an appealing example for collectors of vintage Japanese fountain pens and Pilot Capless models.