Abstract: Disclosed is a writing implement with self-contained illumination including a barrel comprised of first and second electrically conductive sections insulated one from the other by an annular band. One section carries a lens, a writing point and a lamp, coaxially of the barrel with the lamp lying in electrical contact with the one section. The barrel also defines a battery compartment. A cap is formed of electrically conductive material and, when the writing implement is not in use, closes over the writing point about the first section. When the writing implement is to be used and illumination is not needed, the cap is disposed about the first section at the opposite end of the barrel and retained. Should illumination be necessary, the cap is pushed beyond the insulating band to electrically connect the two sections and complete an electrical circuit to the lamp to energize the lamp and illuminate the area surrounding the writing point through the lens.

Abstract: A nib and shield for a writing implement are coextruded of plastic material. The shield is coextensive with the nib over a major portion of its length and reinforces the nib substantially throughout its length. The shield terminates at one end short of the end of the nib to expose the writing point. The shield also terminates short of the opposite end of the nib to expose the nib end for reception in an ink wad within the writing implement. The inner end of the shield is tapered to provide a lead-in when the nib and shield are inserted into the open end of the barrel of the writing implement.