Conway Stewart has been a leading fountain pen manufacturer since its founding in 1905, producing high-quality writing instruments with exceptional craftsmanship. One of its most coveted collections is the Duro Collection, which was first introduced in the 1920s. This collection is renowned for its durable and robust design, making it an ideal choice for daily use. The fountain pens in this collection are crafted from solid brass and celluloid, with intricate engravings that showcase the brand's attention to detail.

The Duro Collection's name comes from the Latin word "duro," which means "hard" or "durable," a testament to the pens' construction. This design, coupled with its classic style and elegant look, make the Duro collection perfect for writing letters, journaling, or taking notes.

One of the reasons for the Duro Collection's popularity is its versatility. Collectors have a wide range of options, from different colours and finishes to various nib sizes, making it easy to find a pen that perfectly suits their needs and personal style.

In the early 1920s, Frederick Bina and Francis Barrey improved Conway Stewart's pencils, incorporating these improvements into the new variants of the Duro-Point pencil introduced during that period. By the autumn of 1924, the Duro pen was introduced and quickly became a popular choice. In May 1925, the Duro became available with Conway Stewart's new patented locking lever device, similar in principle to Waterman's box-lever mechanism.

In early 1926, a smaller version of the Duro pen, the Duro No 2, was introduced, and the larger pen was known as the Duro Pen No 1. Both models had one wide cap band, and the retail price of the Duro No 1 had been reduced. Mid-1928 saw pencils introduced to match the Duro Nos 1 and 2, featuring a ball-end clip, a long cone section, and a large 'crown.' At around the same time, the Duro pens and the Conway pencils were available in new colours, such as casein, Lapis Blue, Grey Jazz and Jade Green, making the collection even more versatile and sought after by fountain pen collectors.

In summary, the Conway Stewart Duro Collection is a timeless classic that has been a favourite among fountain pen collectors for many years. With its durable design, classic styling, versatile range of options, and constant improvements over time, it's no wonder why these pens are so highly sought after. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of fountain pens, the Duro Collection is a must-have addition to any collection.