For your consideration, we are proud to present for sale this 2016 Sailor Maki-e Limited Edition “Endangered Species – Mammals: African Elephants” Fountain Pen, number 51 of only 88 produced worldwide, fitted with a 21K Hard Broad (H-B) gold nib. This example remains never inked and is preserved in Mint, New Old Stock condition.
This exceptional piece belongs to Sailor’s highly regarded Endangered Mammals series, a small and thoughtfully curated collection devoted to celebrating—and preserving awareness of—some of the world’s most vulnerable wildlife. The African Elephant edition is widely considered the visual centerpiece of the series. The artwork was executed by renowned Master Urushi and Maki-e artist Koushu Nishihara, whose work is prized for its balance of realism, depth, and restraint. His signature appears at the lower end of the barrel, alongside the hand-inscribed limited edition number 51/88, affirming both authenticity and individual craftsmanship.
The pen is built upon the classic Sailor 1911 silhouette, crafted in deep black resin that serves as a dramatic canvas for the maki-e artwork. This fountain pen is crafted from resin and finished using traditional Togidashi-Taka maki-e techniques, with delicate abalone shell inlay forming the Elephant's eyes—a subtle detail that brings remarkable life to the composition. Against this glossy surface, Nishihara’s depiction of African elephants is rendered with remarkable nuance—subtle tonal transitions, finely controlled detailing, and a sense of movement that brings the scene to life without excess ornamentation. The result is elegant, powerful, and unmistakably Japanese in its artistic sensibility. The cap and barrel are flawless, showing no cracks, chips, scratches, or repairs, and the screw-cap threads engage smoothly and securely.
In hand, the pen measures approximately 5 1/2 inches capped, 6 1/8 inches posted, and weighs .83 ounces, offering excellent balance and comfort while remaining true to Sailor’s traditional proportions.
The pen is fitted with Sailor’s celebrated 21K gold nib, stamped “1911 – Sailor anchor logo – 21K – 875 – Sailor”, with “H-B” marked on the shoulder, denoting a Hard Broad point. The tipping measures approximately 0.92 mm when checked with digital calipers. True to Sailor’s design philosophy, the nib provides firmness with controlled line variation, ideal for collectors who appreciate precision and refinement. To preserve its New Old Stock status, this nib has never been inked, leaving the inaugural writing experience entirely to its next steward.
The filling system accepts Sailor proprietary ink cartridges or converter. The converter has been tested with water and functions exactly as intended.
This pen does not include its original limited edition presentation box, but will be housed in a standard Sailor softwood box, appropriate for protection and display.
The Sailor African Elephants Maki-e Fountain Pen stands as both a writing instrument and a miniature work of art—an object created at the intersection of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, fine art, and modern collecting. With its extreme scarcity, master-level artistry, and untouched condition, this is a compelling acquisition for the serious Sailor collector or connoisseur of high-end maki-e fountain pens.
