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The Story of Yi Cheng Trading starts off with a Hero 336 Fountain Pen.
That was the first pen we sold for US$8, a good start. As far as my record goes. Hero 336 is the grandfather of all Hero Pens. The first version of Hero 336 was released in 1968, at that time it was the Cultural Revolution of China and the great helmsman Mao Tze Dong was idolised as a Saviour of China.
Fountain pens reaches its height in China history at this time because the poor chinese simply could not afford to purchase many pens and having one is a real luxury. Hero 336 was offered as a solution to the masses for its reliability and price. For about US 30 cents, you could get a hero 336 and a bottle of Hero Ink cost about US 10 cents.
It was a craze at that time because the cap was shiny gold and the iridium hooded nib resembles the Parker 51. Ink Flow is stable and leak proof . Ordinary workers and officials have one in their pockets and soon it becomes a standard among the educated masses. It is this Hero 336 that helps Hero Pen Company establish it reputation as an excellent pen company and place them on the world map.
Today when one talk about Hero Pen Company, one remembers the 336 as the first fountain pen they have used as a kid. I had one too when I was 12 and it is this pen that spurs my hobby into a life long passion of pen selling.
The Hero 336 fountain pen looks simple but some call it ugly.. However beyond its appearance, it is a very tough pen. Initial writing reveals a rough medium nib but after 3 days of usage, it is as smooth as silk. The iridium tip stands the test of time on all hostile surfaces. I recall throwing a Hero 336 against the blackboard and use it as a flying dart. It still writes well after all the abuses. See a sample writing here.
I recommend this pen to those who want to begin a collection of Chinese Pens and a love relationship with Chinese culture. This pen will never fail you.
Measuring 1.5cm, it comes with a rubber suction pump that takes ink from bottles. Use Parker ink and it will write beautifully. Unbreakable and shock proof, the economical price will set you heart at rest. This pen will stand the test of time and when it is time to throw away after 20 years, you are glad you have become acquainted with Chinese Fountain Pen. |
