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U.S. Orders:
- Free Shipping: We offer free shipping for all U.S. orders over $20, including Alaska and Hawaii.
- Standard Shipping Fee: For U.S. orders below $20, a flat shipping fee of $5.99 will be applied.
International Orders:
- Shipping Rates: International shipping rates are calculated based on the weight of the package and the destination country.
- Exclusions: Currently, we do not offer shipping to Russia and South Africa.
The Sailor 1911L Wicked Witch of the West Fountain Pen takes the classic rounded form of Sailor's flagship 1911 Large and gives it a darker, more dramatic personality. Created as a North American exclusive, the edition pairs deep purple resin with black ion-plated trim and a matching black ion-plated 21k gold nib, producing one of the most distinctive color treatments ever applied to the 1911L platform.
The finish is intentionally moody rather than bright. In subdued light, the resin can appear almost black; under stronger illumination, the underlying purple becomes much more apparent. The effect gives the pen a sense of depth that suits its name particularly well while preserving the understated proportions of the 1911 Large.
The Wicked Witch Palette
The defining feature of the Wicked Witch of the West is its near-monochromatic combination of dark purple and black. The cap, barrel, and section are formed from glossy purple resin, while the clip, cap bands, and other fittings are finished in black ion plating.
Instead of the traditional gold or rhodium trim found on most 1911 models, the dark hardware allows the entire pen to read as a single unified composition. The purple reveals itself gradually as the pen moves through different lighting, giving the finish considerably more character than a conventional solid-color resin.
A Darker Interpretation of the 1911
The 1911 is one of Sailor's defining fountain pen designs, recognizable by its rounded cigar-shaped profile, balanced proportions, and traditional cap architecture. The Large version provides additional diameter and length compared with the 1911 Standard while retaining the comfortable shape that has made the series a longstanding favorite among writers.
The Wicked Witch does not alter that underlying form. Instead, it changes the personality of the pen almost entirely through color and surface treatment. The result remains unmistakably Sailor, but the blackened trim and purple resin give the familiar silhouette a more contemporary and unconventional presence.
The Black Ion-Plated 21k Gold Nib
At the center of the writing experience is Sailor's large 21k gold nib, finished with black ion plating to match the rest of the pen. The dark coating transforms the appearance of one of Sailor's most recognizable components while preserving the writing character for which the 1911L is known.
Sailor's 21k nibs are valued for their controlled feel and characteristic tactile feedback. Rather than gliding without sensation across the page, they provide a subtle connection to the paper that gives the writer a precise sense of movement and control.
The matching black nib is particularly important aesthetically. When the cap is removed, there is no abrupt shift to bright gold or silver; the dark visual language continues uninterrupted from the exterior trim to the writing point itself.
Writing Experience
The 1911L platform is designed around balance and comfort. At approximately 141mm long and 21.6 grams, it has enough size to feel substantial without becoming overly heavy, while the resin construction keeps the pen manageable during extended writing sessions.
The cap may be posted to shift the center of gravity toward the rear, or the pen can be used unposted for a lighter feel. This flexibility allows the 1911L to accommodate a wide range of hand sizes and writing preferences.
The filling system accepts Sailor proprietary cartridges or a Sailor converter, allowing the pen to be used with either convenient disposable cartridges or bottled fountain pen ink.
Collector Perspective
The Wicked Witch of the West has become especially appealing to Sailor collectors because it combines several characteristics that are less common within the standard 1911 lineup: a North American-exclusive finish, dark purple resin, black ion-plated trim, and a matching blackened 21k nib.
Its appeal is not based on elaborate decorative techniques or precious-metal construction. Instead, the edition succeeds through restraint. The familiar 1911L form is preserved almost completely, while an unusual color treatment gives the pen an identity that is immediately recognizable to enthusiasts.
For collectors of regional Sailor releases, discontinued colorways, or black ion-plated nibs, the Wicked Witch represents one of the more memorable modern interpretations of the 1911 Large.
Technical Specifications
- Product Type: Fountain Pen
- Brand: Sailor
- Collection: 1911
- Model: 1911 Large
- Edition: Wicked Witch of the West
- Market: North American Exclusive
- Body and Cap Material: PMMA resin
- Color: Dark Purple
- Trim: Black ion-plated
- Nib Material: 21k Gold
- Nib Finish: Black ion-plated
- Filling System: Cartridge Converter
- Cartridge Type: Sailor proprietary
- Length: Approximately 141mm
- Maximum Diameter: Approximately 18mm including clip
- Weight: Approximately 21.6g
- Primary Color: Purple
- Country of Origin: Japan
The translucent purple body is mysterious and beautiful. It goes well with black nibs and metal fittings, and I'm very satisfied with my taste. Because it's made in Japan, I feel secure as a Japanese.
The Sailor 1911L Wicked Witch Zoom nibbed pen is a pen that I saved for. I it is the most beautiful dark translucent but almost opaque deep purple resin. The Ruthenium ion coated furniture and nib are the perfect foil to the resin’s color. I love that the zoom nib allows for different line variations depending on how you hold the pen. The nib is as smooth as butter on a hot griddle and even on paper with a bit more texture, it lays down a nice line of ink.
My first Sailor pen. The zoom nib is a treat. I really like the aubergine deep purple of this pen. The dark accent of the metallic parts is very nice as well, but perhaps a problem? I was somewhat disturbed by the note from the manufacturer placed under the clip of the pen:
"Please note the nib on this pen is specially ion-plated to give the unique color."
"Only Sailor inks should be used with this pen to avoid damage to the nib plating."
"Any damage to the nib caused by the use of other branded inks will not be covered under the Sailor standard warranty."
So, I'll be using my usual Diamine and Noodlers inks and we'll see what happens. I asked if there are any inks specifically to avoid but I haven't heard anything back from the retailer. I will avoid bay-state and iron gall inks (just guessing?).
What about the clip? Is it similarly fragile?
As always excellent customer service. The purple is a great color along with the ruthenium accents and nib.
