Zebra (zebra) G-pen nib The engraving reads: T. ISHIKAWA ZEBRA TOKYO JAPAN. This is a product of Zebra, one of the two major nib brands. 10 unused nibs, free shipping. This is a popular nib, also featured in the "4 Recommended and Popular Rankings for Penmanship Dip Pens." The G-pen allows for expressive variations in line thickness, suitable for Japanese characters, as well as English and symbols. I've heard that penmanship teachers use it to write Reisho (clerical script) and Tensho (seal script) works. ◆About Nib Manufacturers◆ Lion Pen Nib was manufactured by LION, an office equipment company, but is no longer in production. The manufacturing and sale of nibs ceased in 1996 (Heisei 8), and it is a brand of nibs that will eventually disappear. ◆Some may have rust on the insertion point◆ Some may have slight rust on the insertion point. There is no problem with the part that contacts the paper, and it is hardly noticeable. Currently, the Japanese nib brands on the market are Tachikawa, Nikko, and Zebra. Since the Nikko brand was taken over by Tachikawa, there are only two manufacturers: Tachikawa and Zebra. There are also claims that older ones are better in performance. Around 1985 (Showa 60), during the period of rapid economic growth, the number of dip pens manufactured was 1 million gross (1 gross is 144 pieces), a astronomical figure, but they have been replaced by ballpoint pens in government offices and banks with the trend of the times. Nibs In the past, many nibs were manufactured, and there were many workers, including skilled craftsmen. It seems that they still use the manufacturing machines from that time. The number of workers has drastically decreased from the mass production era, and many of the skilled workers were highly skilled. I've heard that the ones from that time are better, but please take it as a reference. Also, chrome-colored nibs show less deterioration and still have the same performance as they did back then. I also enjoy penmanship and change nibs depending on what I write. Zebra nibs are one of my favorite nibs.