I finally managed to acquire a clear or ‘non color’ version of the Pilot 2020 Enpitsu Sharp. This series was part of the genre of low cost MPs for students modeled after the classic hex profile wooden pencils. I believe the price was 200 yen, based on model number HF-20R. They seem to be a follow up on the more basic models HP-15R and HP-10R from 1980-81 (according to the Pilot Sharp Milestones scans).
As far as I can ascertain, HF-20R was produced around 1991, and were superseded by ‘improved’ models sporting rubber grip designs by 1995.
These are the colors I have collected to-date, L-R:
• Clear or Non-Color
• White
• Yellow
• Red
• Green
• Blue
• Dark Grey (not quite ‘black’)
• Light Grey
• Pink
• Olive
• ‘Light’ Blue
The NC example I obtained was sold in a small bundle of Pilot shakers, so the chromed markings are slightly worn. The translucent body has a smoky tint that shows off the coiled spring shaker weight and black reserve tube. I don’t know if ai have the patience to hunt down a better example!
Another point of interest (or irritation for the detail oriented collector) is the random positioning of the disassembly slot that secures the retaining flange for the reserve tube.
It seems Pilot’s production line did not implement a way to ‘fix’ the location of the slot before stamping the silver foil markings. It would be quite an undertaking to watch listings and try to only obtain examples where the markings appear next to the slot.
Lastly, as a kind of post script to an earlier question about ‘when does a series warrant collecting multiple colors?’, I’d say the 2020 Enpitsu is a prime example: simple and pleasing design, low cost (even for today’s inflated collectors market) and plenty of nice colors to choose from.
