Pens with XF, B, & Firm Nibs
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6939: A. A. Waterman twist-filler: black hard rubber slip-cap with gold filled hand-engraved floral pattern overlay, 14.4 cm long, "F.O." on indicia, marked "NOT CONNECTED WITH/THE L.E. WATERMAN CO."; #2 AA nib is firm and somewhat toothy, overlay metalwork is in excellent condition but for a small area of age speckling on the barrel and some corrosion around one cap breather hole (see detail).
DATE: c. 1906 • CONDITION: VG-fine
• NIB: extra-fine • $800 
6940: A. A. Waterman twist-filler: black hard rubber slip-cap with gold filled filigree overlay, 15.2 cm long, hard rubber dark and glossy, interesting dated presentation inscription from Mexico; overlay fully marked, #3 nib bears the infamous "NOT CONNECTED WITH THE L. E. WATERMAN COMPANY' disclaimer.
DATE: c. 1910 •
CONDITION: fine • NIB: extra-fine flex • $865
9987: Aikin Lambert eyedropper-filler: black hard rubber slip-cap with lattice-like floral gold filled overlay in relief; 13.3 cm long, unusual but characteristically Aikin #1 nib with round vent hole behind but not connected to the slit, ribbed section; barrel indicia engraved "A/AND/C", metal very clean with no brassing, only a few shallow flat spots on cap crown, hard rubber nice and dark.
DATE: c. 1910 •
CONDITION: exc • NIB: extra-fine semiflex • $850
10277: Aikin Lambert (?) dip pen: sterling silver, elegant twist pattern, marked only "STERLING", 16.5 cm long excluding nib. Nib is a large ventless gold Aikin Lambert #5, spidery fine writing lightly, will open up wide with normal pressure. Hairline from end of slit could be repaired, but does not appear to open during normal use. Holder is nice and clean, noting slight shallow indentation at center of smooth front gripping section.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: fine-exc* • NIB: extra-fine superflex • SOLD
7252: American Fountain Pen Co. Moore's Non-Leakable: long mottled hard rubber retracting-nib safety, 15.3 cm long, marked "3.50" on posting end, good barrel imprints, cap imprints worn but legible, early model without safety post inside cap; pen has been recorked, nib is an old replacement, marked "MOORE PEN" instead of "AMERICAN FOUNTAIN PEN", slightly toothy but very flexible, opens up with light pressure.
DATE: c. 1906
• CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: extra-fine flex • $425
9654: American Fountain Pen Co. Moore's Non-Leakable: mottled hard rubber retracting-nib safety, 12.25 cm long, 1903 patent cap imprint, safety post in cap; has been recorked, strong imprints, noting scratching to barrel (see detail); smooth-writing 14K gold warranted replacement nib.
DATE: c. 1915 • CONDITION:
fine • NIB: extra-fine • $395
7259: Aurora Olo: red pearl button-filler, 13.2 cm long, chrome plated trim, bold barrel imprint, Olo #3 nib has scant iridium and is rather draggy, but very flexible; filler button is an old replacement, as also appears to be the case with the blind cap (which lacks a metal end cap).
DATE: c. 1937 • CONDITION:
fine-exc* • NIB: extra-fine stub flex • $385
7628: Chilton pneumatic-filler: black hard rubber ringtop, 11.6 cm long, gold filled trim with fancy triple banding at top of cap; barrel imprint worn but legible, replacement warranted nib; no brassing, typical chipping to edge of barrel end plug (see detail).
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: G-VG* • NIB: extra-fine
semiflex • $225
9415: Conklin 10 Special: black hard rubber #1-size slip-cap crescent-filler, 12.9 cm long, nickel plated trim, imprints clear and strong; a rare and elusive model, to our knowledge not documented in any surviving catalog or advertisement -- many Conklin collectors are not even aware that Conklin made a #1-size pen.
DATE: c. 1905
• CONDITION: fine • NIB: broad italic • $950
9635: Conklin 2: black hard rubber slip-cap crescent-filler, gold filled trefoil filigree overlay, 12.8 cm long; very clean early pen, narrow feed, teardrop vent hole in nib, unmarked crescent; only significant flaws are tool marks on the crescent and a crack in the hard rubber at the very top of the cap -- otherwise near mint.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: fine-exc* • NIB: extra-fine • $700
7815: Conklin 40P: black chased hard rubber flat-top vest-pocket crescent-filler, 11.25 cm long, gold filled trim, unusual single narrow cap band, has a #5 nib though should carry a #4; new old stock with price band, has not been resacked or otherwise restored, hard rubber crisp but sun-faded, pen appears to have been dipped, light scratch marks at end of barrel.
DATE: c. 1924 • CONDITION: exc-near mint* • NIB:
extra-fine semiflex • $350
7261: Conklin Endura: oversize woodgrain hard rubber flat-top lever-filler, 13.5 cm long, gold filled trim, big Endura nib; barrel imprint is worn but mostly legible, section is black hard rubber, not woodgrain -- probably an old replacement.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: medium fine firm
• $465
9416: Conklin Endura Senior set: oversize woodgrain hard rubber lever-filler, 13.45 cm long, gold filled trim, no brassing, barrel imprint worn but mostly legible; with matching but smaller (12.25 cm long) Endura pencil, uses 1.1 mm lead, both pen and pencil have same name on barrels, pencil shows more use.
DATE: c. 1926 •
CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine firm • $685
10104: Conway Stewart The Conway Pen: black chased celluloid lever-filler, 13 cm long, nickel plated trim, factory oblique #3 nib.
DATE: c. 1938 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: broad oblique
• $225
9190: Diamond Point (?) eyedropper-filler: black hard rubber slip-cap, 14.7 cm long, gold filled "lucky 8" pattern overlay; high quality manufacture, nice early style looping scrollwork, smooth and very flexible #3 warranted nib. Holes in cap from Waterman-style riveted clip, now absent, with hairline between holes (see detail), hard rubber has been professionally reblackened.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: fine* •
NIB: extra-fine flex • $425
8604: Esterbrook H: smaller "Dollar Pen", black lever-filler, 11.1 cm long, stainless steel trim; early #1550 nib unit with flat-bottomed feed, angled imprint, is usable but scratchy -- use a more recent, more common replacement nib if you want a user.
DATE: c. 1939 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB:
extra-fine • $90
10182: Eversharp Doric: black-veined green pearl lever-filler, 13.2 cm long, gold filled trim, Gold Seal, top-mounted roller clip, Personal Point screw-in nib unit, feed marked "N.P." (needlepoint), Gold Seal nib marked "FLEXIBLE". Some high point brassing on cap band, but facets of cap and barrel alike are nice and sharp, near mint but for area of increased transparency from celluloid deterioration at very end of barrel.
DATE: c. 1931 • CONDITION: exc* • NIB: extra-fine flex • $450
10196: Eversharp Doric: oversize black first-generation lever-filler, 14.7 cm long, gold filled trim, Gold Seal, roller clip, massive Gold Seal manifold nib, screw-in Personal Point nib assembly, feed marked "B" for broad; black is one of the less common Doric colors.
DATE: c. 1931 • CONDITION: fine
• NIB: medium broad • $1200
9705: Eversharp Bantam set: red pearl miniature bulb-filler, 9.7 cm long, gold plated trim, plated #0 nib, matching 1.1 mm pencil; very lightly used, pen retains its original crimped-on rubber bulb -- very uncommon. Pen not usable as is, since the bulb is partially hardened.
DATE: c. 1933 • CONDITION: near mint
• NIB: extra-fine • $160
10150: Eversharp Skyline "Command Performance" set in box: classic wartime lever-filler, 13.3 cm long, with matching 1.1 mm injector pencil, both in solid 14K gold; both are engraved but undinged, though pencil has a couple of extremely shallow fleabites if examined closely under reflecting light. Pen is unusual variant with blunt barrel end, deep finger recess at lever end -- weight is nearly 2 grams greater. Nib has a large tip, but behaves like a medium semi-stub. Box includes original price card; guarantee, oddly enough, is for a Fifth Avenue rather than a Skyline set. Asking price is less than $100 over current gold value.
DATE: c. 1943 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: broad flex • $1200
9255: Eversharp Symphony: black lever-filler, 14 cm long, polished stainless steel cap, gold filled trim, mint in box, pen in original cellophane sleeve, price sticker reads "Model/701/$5.00", nib grade sticker, "Manifold/Coarse"; sac has not been replaced, outer plain cardboard box lacks lid.
DATE: c. 1950 • CONDITION:
mint • NIB: broad rigid • $150
10205: Mabie Todd Swan set in box: beautiful and solid New York-made lever-filler in 1/5 18K gold filled, 13.1 cm long, crisp rings chasing pattern (usually found on Edward Todd pens, but very uncommon for Mabie Todd). Matching 1.1 mm Fyne Poynt pencil, both pieces bear a neatly engraved 1928-dated inscription on their indicias. Nib is set tight, so writes a very fine line, but the tip is large enough that it could be adjusted to a medium fine if opened up. Set is like new with attractive age toning, no brassing but usual Mabie Todd seam lines visible where end caps soldered on pen.
DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION: near
mint • NIB: extra-fine semiflex • $685
9064: Mabie Todd Swan Self-Filling: rare and unusual black celluloid clipless lever-filler in the form of a turn of the century desk pen, 15.6 cm long, gold filled trim, imprinted "POSTING" next to the lever. A small number of similar pens were made by Mabie Todd earlier as hard rubber screw-cap eyedropper-fillers for a Pittsburgh stationer as a special order. This pen is also New York production and also not catalogued -- and at least as uncommon as the Pittsburgh pens. Like new condition, with minor shop wear.
DATE:
c. 1932 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • NIB: extra-fine rigid • $525
9063: Mabie Todd Swan Self-Filling: rare and unusual black celluloid lever-filler in the form of a turn of the century desk pen, 15.3 cm long, gold filled trim. A small number of similar pens were made by Mabie Todd earlier as hard rubber screw-cap eyedropper-fillers for a Pittsburgh stationer as a special order. This pen is also New York production and also not catalogued -- and at least as uncommon as the Pittsburgh pens..
DATE: c. 1932 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine rigid • $500
9409: Maywood lever-filler: large red hard rubber flat-top, 13.8 cm long, gold filled trim, solidly-made second-tier pen, minimal wear, fine stable cap lip hairline and rim flea bite (see detail); although the original nib was certainly warranted, the present warranted #4 nib -- smooth and of excellent quality -- is a replacement; cap can be posted without causing the lip hairline to open.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine-exc*
• NIB: medium broad semiflex • $250
9628: Moore Non-Leakable Inktab: black chased hard rubber safety, 13.2 cm long, rare "trench pen" model with detachable ink tablet compartment with glass window on cap; crisp and glossy, responsive Moore nib, an outstanding example of a hard to find WW1-era pen.
DATE: c. 1918 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB:
extra-fine flex • $850
8551: Moore L-96: large black flat-top lever-filler, 14.2 cm long, gold filled trim, red dot on cap top; crisp imprints, trim excellent, almost imperceptible cap shrinkage around inner cap; #6 Moore nib has been retipped by Greg Minuskin, partial hairline at base affects only upper laminate, does not go all the way through, appears stable.
DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION: fine-exc* • NIB: broad stub •
$365
9095: Parker 47 in box: iconic black hard rubber "Pregnant Parker" eyedropper-filler, 13.3 cm long, gold filled trim, nicely colored pearl slabs, #3 Lucky Curve keyhole-vent nib; 1910-dated inscription on cap indicia, box is well worn, with ink stains and spots of wear-through on the cloth exterior. Pen itself is very clean, with no brassing and unfaded hard rubber, noting some scratches on the barrel end, probably from posting the cap. Fresh to the market -- from our personal collection, bought out of an estate over 15 years ago.
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $10000
9996: Parker 70: rare gold filled telescoping ringtop, 10.6 cm long, extends to 12.3 cm (excluding cap, which is not designed to post onto the barrel); overlay is crisp and unbrassed, name engraved very lightly on the cap indicia, the inevitable two dings to the side of the bulbous barrel end. Intact Lucky Curve feed with notably smooth and calligraphic #3 Lucky Curve nib.
DATE: c. 1912 • CONDITION:
fine-exc • NIB: broad stub superflex • $2500
10028: Parker Duofold Senior: black button-filler, 14.1 cm long, gold filled trim, rare and desirable original broad oblique Duofold nib; underside of tip is more rounded than sharp-edged italic in profile, but plenty of tipping material present for regrinding if desired.
DATE: c. 1926 • CONDITION:
fine • NIB: broad oblique • $685
10126: Parker Lady Duofold Deluxe: orange ringtop button-filler, 11.9 cm long, gold filled trim, wide cap band with engraved initials, good milling on ends, strong imprint.
DATE: c. 1927 •
CONDITION: fine • NIB: extra-fine firm • $125
10144: Parker Duofold Senior: oversize button-filler, 14 cm long, gold filled trim, less common but no less elegant in basic black; nice clean example, would appear at first glance to date to c. 1928-29, but nib imprint with serial number and clip without patent date suggest a factory assembly date in the 1930s. Big Duofold nib has just enough spring to give a bit of shading.
DATE: c. 1929 • CONDITION: exc
• NIB: extra-fine • $560
9570: Parker Vacuum Filler: rare proto-Vacumatic, silver pearl laminate, 12.3 cm long, white gold filled trim, striped jewels, metal lockdown filler, barrel imprint much stronger than usual, plating on two-tone turn-up nib nearly perfect, early arrow on nib with single center line on feathers; unusually, the section and the barrel are not made from one piece of stock, but from two -- although they appear to have been permanently welded together. Sac has been removed to preserve color, can be installed upon request at no charge.
DATE: c. 1932 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine • $625
7322: Parker Vacuum Filler set: rare uncatalogued full-size model in red pearl laminate with extra-wide stripes in translucent blue; pen is 12.8 cm long, matching cone-actuated pencil (even harder to find), 12.55 cm; both bear good strong imprints, along with pantographed names -- commonly found on these pens, for some reason, along with flaking plating on the clips. The two-way turnup nib is two-tone and bears the early arrow with a single-line central rib; the pen barrel is transparent (this model is also found with the barrel opaque). Pencil slightly bent, material on both pieces sound, with no sign of the deterioration typically found on the pen cap. Too rare to have been a production item, this model -- sometimes dubbed the "Ripley" Vacumatic, after the only known contemporary illustration in print in a "Ripley's Believe It or Not" cartoon -- appears to have been made as a market test, and is also known with Vacumatic imprints..
DATE: c. 1932 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: fine/extra-fine •
$1650
9467: Parker Vacuum Filler: rare uncatalogued full-size model, 12.8 cm long, with extra-wide stripes of red pearl and translucent blue, barrel laminate is red pearl and transparent, with fine transparency. Some roughness to cap bands, but plating of clip is excellent -- unusual for this model. The two-way turnup nib is two-tone and bears the early arrow with a single-line central rib; good barrel imprints, name on barrel as well. Too rare to have been a production item, this model -- sometimes dubbed the "Ripley" Vacumatic, after the only known contemporary illustration in print in a "Ripley's Believe It or Not" cartoon -- appears to have been made as a market test, and is also known with Vacumatic imprints..
DATE: c. 1932 •
CONDITION: fine • NIB: extra-fine • $1250
10236: Parker Golden Arrow (?): very early red pearl laminate lockdown-filler, 12.2 cm long, gold filled trim, two cap bands, one-piece section-barrel construction, two-tone nib with single central rib on arrow; rare barrel imprint with no mention of model name, no date code. Only a handful of these pens are known, and it seems most likely that they either predate the original Golden Arrow or immediately postdate it, prior to its renaming as the Vacuum Filler (discussion here). Condition is mixed, with hardly any wear and crisp imprints, but with a couple of cap lip cracks and a partial circumferential hairline under the clip where two laminations appear to have separated due to age shrinkage over the inner cap (see details). Notable super-broad factory italic nib, name engraved on barrel. Sac has been removed to preserve color.
DATE: c. 1932 • CONDITION: VG-fine* •
NIB: broad italic • $950
8251: Parker Vest Pocket Duofold Deluxe: black veined pearl miniature ringtop button-filler, 9 cm long, gold filled trim, excellent color and imprints, Duofold Deluxe nib; silicone sac has been installed to preserve color.
DATE: c. 1934 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: extra-fine • $465
6906: Parker Duofold Senior Deluxe set: black lined pearl button-filler with matching 1.1 mm pencil, gold filled trim, triple bands, pen is 13 cm long with big firm Duofold Deluxe nib, comb feed is a slightly later (later '30s on) upgrade; both pen and pencil bear a personalized inscription with 1934 date, color is notably good, pen has been equipped with a silicone sac to preserve color.
DATE: c. 1934 • CONDITION: fine-exc
• NIB: extra-fine firm • $685
10108: Parker Duofold Junior: streamlined button-filler in Burgundy (red pearl and black), 12 cm long, gold filled trim; name on barrel, posting mark and gouge (see details), short barrel threads hairline has been sealed. Still an attractive classic pen, and a good user.
DATE: c. 1935 • CONDITION: G-VG*
• NIB: extra-fine • $125
10139: Parker Vacumatic Junior: grey pearl marbled, 12.2 cm long, chrome plated trim, fine barrel transparency, bold imprint with 3rd quarter date code; nib has a later date code, but what a nib! Smooth and sharp-edged, with dramatic and effortless line width variation.
DATE: 1935 • CONDITION: exc
• NIB: broad italic semiflex • $350
10197: Parker Vacumatic: silver pearl laminate, 12.9 cm long, chrome plated trim, good barrel transparency, clearly legible 1st quarter date code, excellent plating on two-tone turnup nib; as advertised, writes a fine line when used upside-down.
DATE: 1935 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: broad
semiflex • $325
9462: Parker Duofold Junior set: burgundy (red and black marbled) pearl button-filler, 12 cm long, gold filled trim, with matching 1.1 mm pencil; pencil more worn than pen, pen has minimal wear, but scoring and nicks around the imprint (see detail) -- and a truly fantastic Duofold nib, sharp-edged but smooth, bearing a 1st quarter 1936 date code.
DATE: c. 1936 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: extra-broad italic
semiflex • $345
10199: Parker Vacumatic Oversize: green pearl laminate, 13.6 cm long, gold filled trim, good transparency, strong barrel imprint with 4th quarter date code, big two-tone nib with minimal plating wear, striped section and jewels, lockdown filler.
DATE: 1936 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • NIB: extra-fine • SOLD
10215: Parker Vacumatic: silver pearl laminate, 12.7 cm long, chrome plated trim, striped jewels and section, lockdown filler, very rare special order nib denoted by two gold stars on either side; two-tone nib is very fine-tipped, with tight-sprung action, feed is also unusual, with "B" mark and unusually widely-spaced fins. Good barrel transparency, typical plating roughness, corrosion to filler plunger (works fine), barrel imprint strong but without date code; date code on nib "16"; slight shrinkage to cap over threads can be felt more than seen.
DATE: c. 1936 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: extra-fine
flex • $425
5580: Parker Vacumatic Junior: small grey pearl marbled, 12 cm long, chrome plated trim, outstanding barrel transparency, roughness to cap band plating, bold imprint with 4th quarter date code, lockdown filler, 1946 date code on Arrow nib.
DATE: 1937 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine semiflex •
$245
7872: Parker Imperial Ensign Vacumatic: extremely rare, only a handful known, black with solid 14K trim and two-tone "Empire" 14K cap; 13.3 cm long, fine barrel transparency, cap like new, Canadian production (cap marked "MADE IN U.S.A.", as it appears Empire caps were only made in Parker's US factory), initials "G.W.C." professionally and discreetly engraved at top back of cap.
DATE: 1943 • CONDITION: exc-near mint
• NIB: extra-fine • $8000
9156: Parker Vacumatic Debutante: small green pearl laminate, 12 cm long, gold filled trim, Blue Diamond clip, geometric pattern cap band, strong imprint with 1st quarter date code, excellent barrel transparency, aluminum Speedline filler (not uncommon on early 1942 single-jewel pens).
DATE: c. 1945 • CONDITION: exc
• NIB: extra-fine • $200
9153: Parker Vacumatic Sub-Debutante: unusual green pearl laminate, 11.9 cm long, nonstandard chrome plated trim, barrel imprint worn but partially legible, fine barrel transparency. Green Vacs normally came with gold filled trim.
DATE: c. 1945 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: extra-fine • $200
10137: Parker Vacumatic: uncommon black Canadian model, 13.3 cm long, gold filled trim, like a long Major, but with non-Blue-Diamond clip of typically Canadian form. Good imprint with large date code, fine barrel transparency, very fine nib has slightly later (or earlier?) date code, good for writers with a light touch.
DATE: 1946 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: extra-fine • $165
10265: Parker 61: black capillary-filler, 13.4 cm long, Lustraloy cap, chrome plated trim; a smooth writer, very clean condition, noting one small flake to the barrel next to the tassie ring.
DATE: c. 1960 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine • SOLD
9968: Parker 75 Ambassador: sterling silver, made in USA, uncommon and desirable parallel lines pattern; French-made 14K nib, early thick squeeze converter, appears unused new old stock.
DATE: c. 1975
• CONDITION: near mint • NIB: extra-fine • $800
7552: Parker 180 Flighter: stainless steel cap and barrel, gold plated trim, US-made, includes Aerometric-style slender convertor, 14K gold two-way triangular nib (offers two nib grades in one, with a thinner line when the nib is used inverted); new old stock with original clip tag, several available, please specify desired nib grade(s).
DATE: c. 1980 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium/extra-fine or
broad/fine • $135
9973: Parker 35 Guirland: gold plated, 12.6 cm long, one of the less common patterns, made in France, 18K French-hallmarked nib; a slightly smaller and much less common sibling of the 75, made only in France, for the European market; uses standard Parker refills or converter (not included).
DATE: c. 1980
• CONDITION: mint • NIB: extra-fine • $325
7594: Parker 180 Imperial: gold plated cap, barrel, and trim, grouped parallel lines pattern; US-made, includes Aerometric-style slender convertor, 14K gold two-way triangular nib (offers two nib grades in one, with a thinner line when the nib is used inverted); new old stock with original clip tag, several available.
DATE: c.
1982 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: broad/fine • $150
7357: Parker 180 Guirland: gold-plated, made in France, two-way flat gold nib, feed marked "X/M"; one of the less common patterns of one of Parker's lower-production pens; new old stock, includes convertor.
DATE: c.
1982 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: extra-fine/medium • $350
8288: Parker 180 Guirland: gold-plated, made in France, two-way flat gold nib, feed marked "X/M"; one of the less common patterns of one of Parker's lower-production pens; new old stock, includes convertor.
DATE: c.
1982 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: extra-fine/medium • $350
8445: Parker 75 Florence: two-tone vermeil, gold over solid sterling silver; made in France, 18K French-hallmarked nib, old-style metal convertor, appears to be new old stock; one of the most attractive and elegant 75 patterns.
DATE: c. 1983 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: broad • $895
7580: Parker 180: silver-plated basketweave pattern, made in France, two-way flat gold nib, feed marked "X/M"; one of the less common patterns of one of Parker's lower-production pens; new old stock, includes convertor, hang tag on clip.
DATE: c. 1985 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: extra-fine/medium •
$285
9718: Rover safety: black hard rubber with gold filled overlay, 10.9 cm long, milled ends, translucent red inlay in cap crown; most Rover pens appear to have been made by other makers, and this example seems to be a Montegrappa product. Seals have been replaced, a good writer, in clean condition aside from some plating wear.
DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: extra-fine • $450
8324: Salz (?) Tiny: miniature black hard rubber ringtop eyedropper-filler, 6.3 cm long, wide gold filled cap band has pinprick blistering, only marking "TINY" on the 14K gold nib; crack in cap lip.
DATE: c. 1920
• CONDITION: G* • NIB: extra-fine • $50
8149: Sheaffer Balance 5-30 combination: black lever-filler, 15.5 cm long, gold filled trim, 5-30 nib, pencil end uses 1.1 mm lead; mechanically sound, some plating wear, one tight and stable cap lip hairline which does not reach the cap band; an attractive and unusual user.
DATE: c. 1937 • CONDITION: G-VG* •
NIB: fine firm • $125
9239: Sheaffer Lifetime Triumph Masterpiece set in box: lever-filler with solid 14K gold cap and barrel, 13.2 cm long, with matching .9 mm pencil; pen has a smooth-writing two-tone Triumph conical nib, section with transparent ink window with excellent transparency; presentation inscription on both pen and pencil, "FROM JOHN MABEE/TO MY GOOD FRIEND ART", overall condition excellent but for typical end dings on both pen and pencil (see photos).
DATE: c. 1945 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine firm • $950
7153: Sheaffer Imperial: sterling silver cartridge-filler, 13.1 cm long, gold plated trim, White Dot, unusual zigzag diamond engine turning; only slightest bumps to edges of ends, smooth wet writing inlaid 14K gold nib.
DATE:
c. 1975 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: broad semiflex • $350
8667: Soennecken safety: unusual black chased hard rubber clipless model, 12.7 cm long, with a ventless Hicks New York 18K gold nib with French hallmarks; condition is like new, but the original barrel imprint of this French-market pen appears to have been polished away -- most likely out of WW1-era anti-German sentiment. Early production Soenneckens often carried New York-made nibs, but most were from A. Morton.
DATE: c.
1913 • CONDITION: exc-near mint* • NIB: extra-fine flex • $325
10054: Wahl-Eversharp lever-filler set in box: "all metal barrel" small ringtop, 8.3 cm long, with matching 1.1 mm pencil; "Checkerboard" pattern, very uncommon version is white gold filled, and fully marked to that effect.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: extra-fine flex
• $295
9470: Wahl-Eversharp Equi-Poised: solid orange celluloid lever-filler, 13.2 cm long, gold filled trim, Gold Seal, roller clip, 18K Gold Seal Signature nib. This color -- "Danish red" -- was made only for export to Denmark and is rarely seen, with most surviving pens in deplorable condition. Cap is very clean, easily excellent to near mint, barrel shows wear at the end (apparently from polishing), crack in barrel threads has been skilfully repaired (raking light photo greatly exaggerates the repair's visibility).
DATE: c. 1931
• CONDITION: fine* • NIB: medium broad stub flex • $1500
9860: Waterman 0502: gold filled "Chased" pattern eyedropper-filler, 13.1 cm long, posting end somewhat faded, but number and "WATERMAN" present and legible; spoon feed with patent imprints and long internal tail, scratch on underside, a couple of digs to the section flange; metalwork excellent, fancy monogram engraved on indicia, nice early #2 nib is a smooth writer, enough flex for an elegantly shaded line.
DATE:
c. 1902 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: extra-fine semiflex • $1100
9137: Waterman 12: black hard rubber eyedropper-filler with London-hallmarked sterling silver overlay, bloodstone seal cap top, 13.2 cm long; seal-top Watermans are rare, and most often found in England and France, but this is an uncatalogued pattern never before seen -- though the hallmarks leave no doubt about it being factory-original. Canadian-made #2 nib, patent imprints on feed, some tool marks to lower barrel overlay; note that "WATERMAN" imprint on cap lip is upside-down -- perhaps to reflect usage of the cap as a seal?.
DATE: c. 1907 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: broad italic semiflex • $6000
9134: Waterman 402: black hard rubber straight-cap eyedropper-filler with enameled sterling silver overlay, 14.1 cm long; English-retailed, with the posting end marked "CALLOW OF MOUNT ST. MAYFAIR". Very clean, with no dings, or any tool marks to the posting end, though there are losses to the original inlaid white enamel stripes which have been restored with what appears to be cold enamel of a darker color -- losses which involve only the frontmost part of the barrel overlay, but the better part of the cap (condition otherwise would be excellent). Factory-made Waterman overlays with enamel work are extraordinarily rare, and appear to have been made only for a handful of ultra-luxe European retailers. This is only the second example we have seen in over 20 years of collecting.
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: VG-fine* •
NIB: extra-fine flex • $6500
9110: Waterman 504 Wreath: black hard rubber straight-cap eyedropper-filler with solid 14K gold overlay, 13.5 cm long, crisp imprints and engraving, extraordinary condition with original "Roman" matte finish entirely intact, only a few tiny marks to the cap and some nicks on the barrel next to the "wreath" (see details). Patent imprints on spoon feed, elegantly engraved monogram on indicia.
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: exc
• NIB: extra-fine flex • $3500
6130: Waterman 14: black hard rubber eyedropper-filler with fluted gold filled overlay and bloodstone cap top seal; 13.3 cm long, a rare but fully catalogued factory model most often found in France and England (a version appears on p. 53 of Waterman's 1908 USA catalog under "Special Mountings" as Emerald End Special Fluted, priced at $50 -- more than three times the cost of a full sterling silver Snake); French hallmarks, no dings, but one small test mark on the seal bezel, imprints on posting end worn but mostly legible; toothy #4 New York nib, spoon feed with patent date imprints.
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB:
extra-fine flex • $2650
8982: Waterman 12P: rare black chased hard rubber pump-filler, 14.4 cm long, nickel plated clip, hard rubber faded but sound, with nice sharp imprints and good chasing -- a fully functional example of one of Waterman's earliest and least common self-fillers.
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: extra-fine
flex • $685
8616: Waterman 420: giant black hard rubber eyedropper-filler with full sterling silver Filigree overlay; 17.5 cm long closed, 23 cm open -- truly enormous. A very early example, with especially rounded ends, very clean oversize #10 nib. Few of these pens are known, and they seldom come to market.
DATE: c. 1909 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: extra-fine semiflex • Full details on request
3779: Waterman 12P: rare black chased hard rubber pump-filler, 14.8 cm long, good imprints with 1897 and 1900 patent dates; moderate, even fading, a nice clean example of one of Waterman's earliest and least successful self-fillers.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: extra-fine flex • $675
9861: Waterman 14: smooth black hard rubber slip-cap eyedropper-filler, 13.4 cm long, well-worn, evenly faded, scratches to cap; used by as well as made by Waterman -- barrel bears an "EMPLOYEE" imprint. #4 New York nib is marked "ACCOUNT", perhaps a bookkeeper's pen. Number imprint at barrel end worn away, clip is marked "GERMAN SILVER".
DATE: c. 1912 • CONDITION: G • NIB: extra-fine rigid • $275
9964: Waterman 415 Filigree: large black hard rubber eyedropper-filler, sterling silver overlay, 13.7 cm long, slight fading to hard rubber, posting end has been polished down but end number still legible; elegantly engraved monogram in indicia, amazingly smooth and paintbrushlike #5 New York nib.
DATE: c.
1915 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: broad superflex • $1000
9874: Waterman 0552: black hard rubber lever-filler, 13.8 cm long, gold filled "Gothic" pattern overlay, earlier production with 18K gold filled mark on clip, globe emblem on metal filler piece in lever head recess; nice smooth responsive #2 New York nib, not great line width variation. End number worn off, though imprint on side of posting end quite strong. Nicely engraved monogram on indicia, metalwork crisp, only a couple of dots of brassing.
DATE: c. 1918 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine
flex • $565
9758: Waterman 0554 LEC Gothic: black hard rubber lever-filler, 14 cm long, checkerboard pattern gold filled overlay extending the full length of the barrel (though barrel end marked simply 0554, without the usual "LEC"). A large and solidly-built pen, some plating wear to posting end, but no dings, engine turning crisp, especially on the barrel. #4 nib is a very uncommon "BALLPOINT"-marked model, with a radically turned-up tip and considerable flexibility, allowing use at virtually any angle (this nib was marketed to left-handers, among others). The nib does have a hairline crack on its upper surface, but this does not appear to extend through the entire thickness of the metal.
DATE: c. 1923 • CONDITION: fine-exc*
• NIB: broad flex • $700
7403: Waterman 452 Filigree: black hard rubber lever-filler, sterling silver overlay, 13.7 cm long, firm "MANIFOLD" marked nib sold for making carbon copies; imprints on hard rubber end of barrel almost completely polished away, hard rubber showing through interstices of overlay professionally dye-reblackened.
DATE: c. 1927
• CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: medium fine firm • $485
8746: Waterman combination: Ripple hard rubber lever-filler, 14 cm long, gold filled trim, no brassing, excellent color, surface of cap slightly rippled; #2 nib very fine, toothy if pressed hard enough to open up significantly; outstanding specimen of a rare and uncatalogued model, from the estate of a former Waterman employee.
DATE: c. 1929 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $1250
4089: Waterman 42½V Ripple: clipless vest pocket red and black hard rubber safety, 9 cm long, has been recorked, barrel imprints strong, model number imprint on turning knob weak.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION:
fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine semiflex • $225
9677: Waterman 554 LEC Gothic set in box: black hard rubber lever-filler, 14K solid gold overlay, 13.8 cm long, with matching 1.1 mm pencil; both crisp with 1933 presentation inscriptions, pencil has some bumps to crown piece, pen has raised ridge on side of posting end, partially redone bead on barrel end (see details). Pen lever is post-globe style, but may be original -- it is fully 14K marked. #4 nib is a smooth and effortlessly elegant writer. Box has some internal staining; both pen and pencil have considerable heft -- there is over $400 worth of gold in the pen alone.
DATE: c. 1933 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: extra-fine
semiflex • $1650
8943: Waterman Ink-Vue: "Silver Ray" lever pump-filler, 12.85 cm long, chrome plated trim, rare first model with simple unjointed lever, metal globe emblems at both ends; excellent transparency, slight ruler wear to side of #5 "PURPLE" keyhole-vent nib, light scratching to underside of Tip-Fill feed (a later '30s replacement); this model appears to have been in production for only a few months.
DATE: c. 1935 •
CONDITION: fine • NIB: extra-fine firm • $600
10023: Waterman Ink-Vue Deluxe: black lever-pump filler, 13.5 cm long, gold filled trim, Art Deco design with stepped ends, geometrically-patterned transparent barrel; strong imprints, excellent transparency, "GREEN" marked keyhole-vent nib, "Tip-Fill" feed, excellent condition but for name on barrel, scratches above imprint.
DATE: c. 1936 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine firm • $385
7096: Waterman Lady Patricia Ink-Vue set in box: silver pearl compound lever pump-filler, 10.9 cm long, chrome plated trim, with matching pencil (uses 1.1 mm lead, mechanism propels and retracts); both bear price stickers and are in perfect condition, though the bands turn as is virtually always the case with this model (fully tightening such thickly patterned bands may have posed difficulties in original production); pen has never been filled, barrel transparency is perfect, original sac has not been replaced: though it is soft, it cannot be guaranteed for use! Nib bears color code imprint of Purple, gold is nicely age-toned, feed has Waterman imprint on central red stripe. Box is in unusually good condition, sound with only bumps and wear to corners and edges.
DATE: c. 1937 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: extra-fine firm
• $450
