Conklin was one of the early fountain pen manufacturers, starting in the late 1800s, re-forming as a fountain pen manufacturer in Toledo, Ohio in 1901 to market Roy Conklin’s patented Crescent Filler, one of the first modern designs that worked reliably. For the next twenty-plus years, Conklin produced Crescent Fillers and lever-filler pens, introducing the Endura in bright colors and fine metals in the 1920s, until they gave way to the Endura Symetrik in 1931. The Symetrik lines were essentially rounded Enduras, in response to Sheaffer's Balance. In 1931-32 Conklin finally moved away from the Crescent-Filler altogether, embracing the Nozac and Endura Symetrics as their top lines. Although the Nozac, the first twist filler, was a beautiful, successful pen and the Endura Symetrik sold well against the very similiarly shaped Sheaffer Balance, Conklin's ongoing resistance to change had limited the company’s success, forcing them to sell out in the late 1930’s.

Conklin sold to new owners in 1938, and were moved to Chicago, where they produced the last generation of Enduras and, finally, Gliders, before ending production in 1947. The Gliders looked like Enduras but did not have their quality or durability.

Conklin, as noted above, made mostly excellent fountain pens that were also often innovative. In the mid-1920's, their offerings were consolidated into fewer lines as Conklin focused on the Endura brand.

One such pen was the Duragraph, which is almost mythical in how seldomly it is seen today. It was only made in 1924 but available in 1925, before it was renamed and became part of the Endura model line. This Duragraph is a ringtop model in black hard rubber. It is in very nice condition, unblemished and with almost no discoloration. It is a substantial pen: 4.4" long capped but a full .4" wide just below the cap edge. Its trim is limited to a gold-plated crown holding what is most likely the original ring, a matching 1/8" wide cap ring, and gold-plated lever. The lever is characteristic of Conklin pens, very small and engraved with "Conklin". Small as it is, the lever is firm and gets a good fill. This pen also has additional adornment in four identical rings chased into the cap and barrel; they give the pen a slightly more uncommon look. The Conklin Duragraph imprint is deep and easily legible. Finally, the Conklin nib is an excellent writer, firm and extra fine, perfect for notes. It is a relatively rare pen today, in excellent overall condition, and can be used and enjoyed!

In addition, the pen comes with what is believed to be its original box.