Other pens with unusual features:
A.A. Waterman (twist-fillers, middle-joint eyedroppers), Chilton (pneumatic-fillers), Conklin
(crescent-fillers), and John Holland (hatchet & pull-fillers)
14254: A. A. Waterman twist-filler: black hard rubber slip-cap, rare and desirable hand-chased high-relief gold filled overlay, 14.25 cm long; #3 Modern New York nib has lost its tipping and has the beginning of a stress hairline extending from the right side of the vent hole. Condition is otherwise excellent -- a spectacular pen, with patent dates of 1899 and 1903.
DATE: c. 1903 • CONDITION: exc* • NIB: medium fine • $2450
11926: A. A. Waterman twist-filler: gold filled filigree slip-cap, 14.6 cm long, hard rubber glossy and unfaded with strong imprints, only slight posting scratches, metal crisp and unbrassed, monogram skilfully engraved in indicia; #2 nib with distinctive three-lobed vent hole.
DATE: c. 1912 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • NIB: fine flex • $850
13641: A. A. Waterman 70: rare oversize black chased hard rubber slip-cap twist-filler, 15 cm long, nickel plated trim, #7 Modern nib with characteristic trefoil vent hole, opens wide with minimal pressure. Good chasing and strong imprints, including the infamous "NOT CONNECTED WITH/THE L. E. WATERMAN CO." disclaimer. Hard rubber has been professionally dye-reblackened.
DATE: c. 1913 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine stub flex • $695
12182: A. A. Waterman twist-filler: large gold filled filigree slip-cap, 15 cm long, clean metalwork, hard rubber lightly and evenly faded, noting marks and wear to the filler knob. Replacement warranted nib is a good writer.
DATE: c. 1915 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: medium fine semiflex • $500
14101: Aikin Lambert sleeve-filler: black hard rubber self-filler, gold filled hand engraved overlay, 13.8 cm long, barrel sleeve rotates to provide access to pressure bar (Waterman's first sleeve-filler patent of 1905, but used only on subbrand pens and Aikin Lamberts, after Waterman's takeover of Aikin Lambert c. 1907); #3 nib is responsive and smooth, one ding to the sleeve (see detail), condition otherwise fine; a high quality pen with an unusual filling mechanism and excellent overall appearance.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: fine flex • $950
15096: Aikin Lambert sleeve-filler: black hard rubber self-filler, gold filled overlay, 13.6 cm long, barrel sleeve rotates to provide access to pressure bar (Waterman's first sleeve-filler patent of 1905, but used only on subbrand pens and Aikin Lamberts, after Waterman's takeover of Aikin Lambert c. 1907); #3 nib is very flexible, noting the beginnings of a stress crack from the vent hole (see detail). Elegantly engraved monogram on sleeve, very clean with only trace brassing at the edge of the cap top, a high quality pen with an unusual filling mechanism and excellent overall appearance, especially uncommon with a plain smooth overlay.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine flex • $865
12335: American Pencil Co. No. 19 "Midget" dip pen: giant novelty pen, 29.5 cm long including nib, plated brass ferrule, usual cracquelure to swirled lacquer finish, nib has a bit of superficial rust but is overall quite clean, fragments of decal next to ferrule identify pen as souvenir from Lookout Mountain.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine semiflex • $105
10508: Arnold Fountain Safety Razor: patented portable razor in the form of an oversized black chased hard rubber pen, complete with gold filled cap band; 15 cm long, crisp chasing and imprints, moderate fading; blade holder unscrews to allow blades (not included) to be replaced.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: exc • $120
10790: Autofiller twist-filler: oversize black chased hard rubber slip-cap, 15.7 cm long, crisp and glossy, bold imprints, big #8 Autofiller nib is toothy, much like a Victorian dip pen, wide double-vented feed, twist knob is a replacement copy in hard rubber to original dimensions.
DATE: c. 1914 • CONDITION: near mint* • NIB: extra-fine semiflex • $595
8659: Autopoint tab-filler: black and pearl, 13.9 cm long, gold filled trim, excellent color and like new but for slight plating wear to lower cap band; an extremely rare fountain pen, of the highest quality, made by the Autopoint company of Chicago, primarily a pencil company; big smooth #6 Autopoint nib, filler mechanism similar to that of contemporary Auroras.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: medium • $575
13072: B. B. Stylo stylographic pen: black chased hard rubber with unusual "swing-filler" (the lever pivots sideways), apparently invented by Julius Held (read more here); 13.2 cm long, nickel plated trim. New old stock, but a stress marks from the clip hole, heat distortion to the cap, fading to hard rubber with shadow from now-missing original price band on cap.
DATE: c. 1921 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: fine • $110
13074: B. B. Stylo stylographic pen: black chased hard rubber with unusual "swing-filler" (the lever pivots sideways), apparently invented by Julius Held (read more here); 11.2 cm long, gold filled trim. New old stock, but slight swelling to cap above clip, end of barrel out of round.
DATE: c. 1921 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine • $105
13071: B. B. Stylo stylographic pen: black chased hard rubber with unusual "swing-filler" (the lever pivots sideways), apparently invented by Julius Held (read more here); 13.2 cm long, nickel plated trim. New old stock, but a couple of stress marks from the clip hole, some pitting to clip, fading to hard rubber with shadow from now-missing original price band on cap.
DATE: c. 1921 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: fine • $110
13068: B. B. Stylo stylographic pen: black chased hard rubber ringtop with unusual "swing-filler" (the lever pivots sideways), apparently invented by Julius Held (read more here); 11.7 cm long, gold filled trim. New old stock, but moderate fading to hard rubber.
DATE: c. 1921 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine • $75
13065: B. B. Stylo stylographic pen: black chased hard rubber with unusual "swing-filler" (the lever pivots sideways), apparently invented by Julius Held (read more here); 11.2 cm long, nickel plated trim. New old stock, but slight heat distortion to cap, fading to hard rubber with shadow from now-missing original price band on cap, nick to surface right below.
DATE: c. 1921 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine • $90
13064: B. B. Stylo stylographic pen: black chased hard rubber with unusual "swing-filler" (the lever pivots sideways), apparently invented by Julius Held (read more here); 11.1 cm long, nickel plated trim. New old stock, but heat distortion to cap, end of barrel slightly out of round, fading to hard rubber with shadow from now-missing original price band on cap, stress mark from clip hole.
DATE: c. 1921 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: fine • $70
13554: Brown & Bigelow dip pen: aluminum, 16 cm long excluding plated nib, an advertising item marked for the Hotel Sutter in San Francisco. Brown & Bigelow were later known as the makers of the Redipoint mechanical pencil, but they had previously had a long history of making aluminum promotional items of all sorts.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $80
14569: Byers & Hayes Pencil-Quill: scarce and unusual black chased hard rubber lever-filler with triangular nib, over and underfeed; 13.1 cm long, gold filled trim, hard rubber is crisp and glossy with sharp imprints, clip can wiggle from side to side, which appears to be a function of the small size of the inner cap.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: medium • $275
13284: Camel ink-pellet button-filler: green-veined pearl with black ends, 12.6 cm long, gold filled trim; classic barrel imprint with two camels drinking logo, same design on the nib, with second later imprint on other side of barrel. The ink pellet compartment has been sealed shut with wax to keep it ink-tight for use as a regular button-filler; to open for use with ink pellets, section should be removed to give full access to the filling mechanism. Some staining to the cap, but barrel color is excellent.
DATE: c. 1938 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: medium fine semiflex • $325
14662: Cattaraugus knife pencil: black celluloid body, chrome plated trim, 13.6 cm long, one cutting blade and one nail file, good snap to both; tool marks on nose cone, mechanism is propel-only, appears to have been converted to use 1.4 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1935 • CONDITION: fine* • $105
13475: Cattaraugus knife pencil: red-veined cream celluloid body, chrome plated trim, 12.8 cm long, uses 1.1 mm lead; one cutting blade and one nail file, good snap to both, plating losses to nose cone,celluloid is excellent with beautiful color.
DATE: c. 1935 • CONDITION: fine • $250
14773: Chilton pneumatic-filler: black hard rubber ringtop, 11.4 cm long, gold filled trim, Boston-era production, even wear and moderate fading, stress line at base of nib is stable and does not go all the way through.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: extra-fine firm • $145
14553: Chilton pneumatic filler: jade green Boston-made ringtop, 11.4 cm long, gold filled trim, strong imprints, fine color, long-tined nib is responsive but requires some pressure to flex.
DATE: c. 1927 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: medium fine flex • $275
12056: Crocker blow-filler: black chased hard rubber slip-cap, 13.1 cm long, early and unusual example with New York imprint, narrow keel feed, hole in cap top so pen can be filled with cap posted; crisp and glossy, bold imprints and chasing, nib imprinted "THE/CROCKER/N.Y." with scrolling flourishes, has tipping but hairline from vent into imprint.
DATE: c. 1901 • CONDITION: exc* • NIB: medium fine semiflex • $350
14173: Cushman and Denison CADO Flo-Master Fountnbrush in box: all-metal marker pen, 14.6 cm long, black anodized cap, complete with two spare felt tips, ink bottle, and instructions. Can be cleaned out and used as a distinctive felt-tip or highlighter. Esterbrook acquired rights to the Flo-Master in 1964, after this example was made.
DATE: c. 1960 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: extra-broad • $60
14182: Cushman and Denison CADO Flo-Master Fountnbrush: all-metal marker pen, 14.3 cm long, black anodized cap, can be used as a distinctive felt-tip or highlighter. Esterbrook acquired rights to the Flo-Master in 1964, after this example was made. Unused, with unstained felt tip.
DATE: c. 1960 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: broad • $45
12827: De La Rue bottle stylo: black hard rubber novelty pen, 7.4 cm long, eyedropper-filler, imprinted "FROM/ALDERMAN A. BYRNE.T.D./DUBLIN" -- famous Irish politician Alfie Byrne, later Lord Mayor of Dublin. "TD" stands for Teachta Dála, a member of the lower chamber of the Irish Parliament.
DATE: c. 1923 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine • $165
11210: Dunhill Twopen: English-market version of the legendary Zerollo double-nibbed pen; helically-chased black hard rubber, 13.1 cm long, gold filled trim. Crisp imprints, fully marked, both nibs very soft and flexible.
DATE: c. 1935 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: medium fine flex • $3850
15097: Eagle glass cartridge pen: black lacquered brass, 12 cm long, one of the earliest cartridge pens made; barrel is fully imprinted, stating "PATENTED" but unlike later examples no citation of patent date of 1890; untipped brass nib has perfect plating and shows no sign of use, glass cartridge is fully intact with original cork plug still in place. Rubber section seal is hardened, could be used with a cut off Sheaffer plastic cartridge if desired. A rare unused example, noting handling and storage wear to exterior surfaces.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • NIB: fine flex • $165
11839: Eagle pull-filler: large black chased hard rubber screw-cap, 14.8 cm long, gold filled trim, unusual filling system is like a reverse button-filler, end knob is pulled to flatten sac (US patent 680117 of 1901). Excellent quality, pen is unusually big, equivalent to a Waterman #6-size, nib has Eagle shield imprint, Masonic imprint on barrel for Martha Washington Lodge; cap more worn than barrel, two small stable hairlines in lip (see detail), front portion of barrel from barrel band forward has been restored.
DATE: c. 1903 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: extra-fine semiflex • $400
15108: Eagle Snap Shot: rare all-metal thumb-filler, 14.3 cm long, black lacquered and nickel-plated brass, untipped plated nib; end knob is turned to reveal pressure bar with target design (US patent 1051670, issued Jan 28, 1913). This example is marked "PAT. APPL'D FOR".
DATE: c. 1912 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine semiflex • $265
14857: Eagle combination: rare late-production example of one of the first mass-produced combos, in woodgrain celluloid rather than the usual hard rubber, but retaining the original eyedropper-filler design; 15.5 cm long, nickel plated trim, hard rubber pencil nozzle uses 2 mm lead, Eagle nib is a precise and responsive writer.
DATE: c. 1927 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $450
11199: Eagle (?) Pepsi-Cola advertising pen: colorful lever-filler, 12.4 cm long, gold plated trim, typical paint loss to metal clip in form of Pepsi bottle, plated steel nib.
DATE: c. 1939 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: medium fine • $120
13629: Edward Todd telescoping ruler pencil: sterling silver ringtop, 11.3 cm long, square body ruled to 3 5/8 inches, extends to 32.5 cm to measure a full 12 inches; hand-engraved numbers, 1897 patent date, uses standard 2 mm thick lead. Early production, unusual size, only example we have handled that is three-draw, rather than two. Ringtop attachment appears to have been resoldered in the past (see detail).
DATE: c. 1898 • CONDITION: fine* • $350
10417: Edward Todd dip pen and pencil combination: sterling silver, 16.1 cm long excluding nongold nib, end of taper twists to extend 2.0 mm lead. Nice substantial proportions, sharp scroll relief decoration, fully marked on ferrule, with engraved name "EMILY".
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: fine • $425
14898: Edward Todd telescoping ruler pencil: sterling silver, 13.15 cm long, extends to 32.3 cm; square body ruled to 4 1/2 inches, 12 inches extended. Older production version has hand-engraved numbers, full imprints with maker's mark and 1897 patent date, uses standard 2 mm lead, mechanism propels only, does not retract lead. Name engraved on side, some light marks, nozzle tip somewhat out of round, stress line does not affect function (see details).
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • $250
13563: Eversharp CA ballpoint demonstrator: transparent barrel, brushed stainless steel cap and barrel end cap, gold filled clip, 13.1 cm long, maroon nose cone, original refill is intact but nonfunctional.
DATE: c. 1946 • CONDITION: exc • $225
14821: Hicks figural pencil: gold filled ringtop, 5 cm long retracted, in the form of a cannon; back end turns to extend pencil, mechanism good, scattered dings, uses 1.4mm lead. Not marked, but known through identical marked examples. A scarce American-made novelty pencil.
DATE: c. 1885 • CONDITION: G • $225
12365: Houston eyedropper-filler: distinctive full-length mottled hard rubber ringtop, 14.9 cm long, gold filled trim, barrel imprint well worn and only barely legible, #2 nib is intact but center of imprint polished away ("MINN. U.S.A." on second line), tipping scant; original suspension chain and fitting attached.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: G • NIB: extra-fine • $275
11762: Ingersoll twist-filler: oversize flat-top, 14.1 cm long, gold filled trim, an unusually fine pen for a company best known for economy models -- the same company behind the one-dollar pocket watch. Knob under blind cap is twisted to empty out sac, released to allow sac to fill. Nib is small but solid 14K gold, and a good writer.
DATE: c. 1927 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine semiflex • $175
14701: Ingersoll twist-filler: oversize black celluloid, 14.35 cm long, gold filled trim, white trim band at cap top, short-lived higher quality mogel with blind cap over filling knob, 14K nib is small but flexible.
DATE: c. 1927 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine flex • $175
14702: Ingersoll twist-filler: black Bakelite, 13.4 cm long, gold filled trim, original price band with filling instructions, barrel has a brass liner, so hairline in Bakelite from age shrinkage at front of barrel does not affect structural integrity (see detail); 14K nib is small but flexible with some tooth.
DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION: fine-exc* • NIB: fine flex • $150
12819: John Holland 71: black hard rubber hatchet-filler, hand-engraved gold filled overlay, 13.7 cm long, add-on Holland clip, #12 nib is a responsive semiflex capable of a nicely shaded line. 1915 patent date imprint on barrel overlay, monogram engraved in barrel cartouche, metal clean, no brassing.
DATE: c. 1916 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: medium fine semiflex • $895
13572: John Holland 73: large black chased hard rubber hatchet-filler, 14.9 cm long, nickel plated trim; good imprints and chasing, responsive #3 nib writes an elegant line, moderate even fading, unusual size.
DATE: c. 1916 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine semiflex • $385
12691: John Holland 75: uncommon oversized black chased hard rubber hatchet-filler, 15 cm long, nickel plated hatchet, wide gold filled cap band; originally clipless, came to us with a 1910-patent slip-on clip, included. Even fading and wear, imprints all legible, Holland #15 nib takes deliberate pressure to open up, more of a semiflex for ordinary use.
DATE: c. 1916 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: medium fine flex • $395
12602: John Holland 72: black chased hard rubber ringtop hatchet-filler, 11.9 cm long; gold filled ringtop filling may be a post-factory addition. Strong imprints, Holland #12 nib.
DATE: c. 1918 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine semiflex • $225
13916: LeBoeuf Holy Water Sprinkler in box: black sleeve-filler,12.5 cm long, gold filled trim, new old stock, size of #8 pen, usual slight age shrinkage around barrel end plug (see detail).
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: exc • $650
13894: LeBoeuf Holy Water Sprinkler in box: black sleeve-filler,12.6 cm long, gold filled trim, new old stock, size of #8 pen, usual slight age shrinkage around barrel end plug (see detail).
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: exc • $650
15111: Mabie Todd Swan 2 Self Filler: rare black chased hard rubber slip-cap bulb-filler, 13.6 cm long, New York production, calligraphic #2 nib is very flexible, with gold overfeed. This short-lived design was Mabie Todd's first self-filling fountain pen, and incorporates an internal check valve inside the filler housing (a full discussion of this design can be found here).
DATE: c. 1914 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: medium stub flex • $450
15182: Mabie Todd Swan Military Safety: rare screw-cap black chased hard rubber ink-tablet eyedropper-filler, 14 cm long, full sterling silver overlay. New York production, imprints on hard rubber worn but legible, noteworthy #2 nib goes from extra-fine to extra-broad with minimal pressure. Dings to sides of cap, hard rubber surfaces show fine age alligatoring, overall condition sound and original. Plain black hard rubber Swan Militaries are scarce enough -- those with overlays are much less common.
DATE: c. 1918 • CONDITION: G-VG • NIB: fine stub superflex • $865
13813: Mabie Todd Swan Military Safety: uncommon screw-cap black chased hard rubber ink-tablet eyedropper-filler, 14.5 cm long, nickel plated trim, New York production but bearing retail imprint on cap top of Mark Cross of London; even fading, imprints legible, marked "PAT. APPL'D FOR", typical flakes off very end of ink compartment knob (see detail).
DATE: c. 1918 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: medium broad stub flex • $495
10461: Mabie Todd Swan Military Safety: rare screw-cap black hard rubber ink-tablet eyedropper-filler, 14.2 cm long, gold filled overlay. New York production, imprints and chasing crisp, some erosion around cap vent holes, feed shows signs of having been overheated during nib setting, but the pen is otherwise like new -- was found as part of a group of mostly new old stock Swans. Plain black hard rubber Swan Militaries are uncommon; examples with overlays are rare.
DATE: c. 1918 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $1450
15119: Mabie Todd Swan Self-Filling cutaway demonstrator barrel: black chased hard rubber lever-filler, 9.3 cm long, nickel plated trim, New York production, shows classic Swan locking lever action.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: exc • $95
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 • $465
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 • $450
10544: Manos Ajano: smooth black celluloid piston-filler, 13.7 cm long, made in Austria, steel dip pen nib, piston mechanism turns but not guaranteed ink-tight or functional; slight barrel warpage and swelling. These pens were widely exported in the early 20th century and are found under various brand names, but are nearly impossible to repair.
DATE: c. 1912 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: medium • $40
12606: Montblanc 432: rare piston-filler stylographic pen, 12.8 cm long, gold filled trim, in scarce and desirable "platinum" celluloid; weighted needle is intact, ink window transparency is excellent, new cork seal has been installed.
DATE: c. 1937 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: fine • $950
14841: Mordan three-color pencil: large sterling silver ringtop, 8.4 cm long retracted, colored transparent enamel bands denote which barrel section is to be twisted to extend the matching nozzle; marked only "PATENT", top quality construction, uses 1.5 mm "VS" lead.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $465
14858: Mordan (?) pencil bracelet: sterling silver, pencil is 4.2 cm long retracted, twist-action to extend nozzle, uses 1 mm lead, bracelet is 6.1 cm across. Unmarked, but very similar Mordan-marked examples are known.
DATE: c. 1900 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $450
13117: Namiki Pilot Nomikomi-shiki in box: rare "easy-drink" filler in orange pearl and black celluloid, 12.2 cm long, gold filled trim, 14K gold export nib, original price band on cap. New old stock, fills by inserting pen into special inkwell (not included), inverting inkwell and pen together. Transparent celluloid internal reservoir tube has split with age (see detail), but a replacement could readily be made; outer barrel fully intact, original factory grease still present at section joint. In original box with instructions. From the Oakland Japantown hoard.
DATE: c. 1940 • CONDITION: mint* • NIB: fine • $645
13473: Namiki Pilot Nomikomi-shiki in box: rare "easy-drink" filler in black celluloid, 12.3 cm long, gold filled trim, 14K gold export nib, original paper band on cap with hand-written price ($3.25). New old stock, fills by inserting pen into special inkwell (not included), inverting inkwell and pen together. Transparent celluloid internal reservoir tube intact, characteristic long-tailed feed visible through barrel ink window. Instructions in box are for a plunger-filler.
DATE: c. 1940 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: extra-fine • $525
14456: Norma 104 four-color pencil in box: chrome-plated brass, engine turned, 14.4 cm long with tips retracted, uses 1.1 mm lead, made in USA; as new, small scrape on barrel by red slot (see detail) may be a factory finish defect.
DATE: c. 1956 • CONDITION: near mint • $120
11633: Parker 020: rare black hard rubber "Jointless" eyedropper-filler, 13.9 cm long, barrel imprint worn but legible, early Lucky Curve feed with side cuts only at tip. Slight cap shrinkage two-thirds from top, probably from heat-fitting of cap, cap lip has been trimmed 1 mm, retaining original lip profile. Teardrop-vent Lucky Curve #2 writes an effortless shaded line, opens up easily.
DATE: c. 1903 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: fine flex • $425
14268: Parker 25 Click-Filler: extremely rare oversize hard rubber slip-cap self-filler, Parker's first (patent number 791,466); 15.3 cm long, good barrel imprint, #5 Lucky Curve nib has been retipped and is a wet and flexible writer, cap is an excellent replacement, an exact copy of an original example and indistinguishable without internal inspection. To fill, push front of nickel plated pressure bar with fingernail to unlock while depressing rear protrusion to flatten sac; pull same protrusion back to allow sac to reinflate and to relock the pressure bar with a "click". #5 was the largest size sold, and rarely seen.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: medium-broad flex • $1500
12238: Parker 20: rare slip-cap button-filler with transparent Bakelite barrel, hard rubber cap; 14.1 cm long, nice clean imprints on both barrel and blind cap. No sac, can be installed upon request at no additional cost.
DATE: c. 1915 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine semiflex • $485
14785: Parker Jack-Knife Safety 20½ Trench Pen: an iconic rarity -- black chased hard rubber screw-cap ink-pellet eyedropper-filler, 11.8 cm long, chasing and imprints are strong save for some wear to the right side of the barrel imprint; intact Lucky Curve feed, #2 nib is very flexible with a semistub tip. Overall condition fine or better but for tool marks to ends, extra-long end cap imprinted with model number, conical recess carved into barrel end, perhaps to increase ink pellet capacity.
DATE: c. 1917 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: medium fine flex • $1200
8772: Parker 70: rare gold filled telescoping ringtop, 10.8 cm long, extends to 12.7 cm (with cap off, which is not designed to post onto the barrel); fully and crisply marked, typical dings to bulbous barrel end, intact Lucky Curve feed with #3 Lucky Curve nib; note short axial hairline from vent hole.
DATE: c. 1917 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine semiflex • $875
11536: Parker 70: rare gold filled telescoping ringtop, 10.5 cm long, extends to 12.75 cm; intact Lucky Curve feed, #3 Lucky Curve nib has been retipped, usual multiple shallow dings to the bulbous barrel end.
DATE: c. 1917 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: medium fine flex • $965
14842: Parker Pencopen: red-spotted grey pearl bulb-filler, 11 cm long, gold plated trim, steel nib with most of original two-tone gold wash plating worn off, imprint with 2nd quarter date code, ink window with excellent transparency, sharp barrel imprint. Penco was a house brand of J.C. Penney; this is a most unusual filling system for Parker.
DATE: 1936 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine • $165
8370: Parker Jotter saccharine dispenser: hard to find pocketable sweetener carrier, 11.4 cm long, transparent barrel, brushed steel cap, chrome 45-style clip; new old stock.
DATE: c. 1965 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • $65
12386: Pen-O-Pencil Twinpoint combo: gold pearl and black marbled lever-filler, 14.9 cm long, gold filled trim, casein color band on barrel, nice strong imprint with "PAT. APP. FOR", pencil uses 1.1 mm lead, #4 Twinpoint nib is a responsive writer; a hairline crack in the cap lip has been repaired nearly invisibly, the only trace being a line resembling a faint scratch (see detail).
DATE: c. 1926 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine semiflex • $150
12887: Ruxton Multi-Vider Executive slide rule pencil: black bakelite with gold-filled trim, 16.1 cm long, uses 1.1 mm lead; unlike on most Multi-Viders, the crown pulls straight off with no bayonet-style twist lock, nozzle is two-part and lead is extended by turning the base part, and counterclockwise. As new with minimal storage wear, clip rivet holes drilled but no sign of clip ever having been installed -- purchased by us as part of a group of factory experimental pieces. Instructions and further info here. Three available.
DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION: near mint* • $200
15206: Ruxton Multi-Vider slide rule pencil: black bakelite with sterling silver-filled trim, 16.4 cm long, uses 1.1 mm lead, bayonet-mount crown, twist and pull to reveal eraser and lead compartment. A nice clean example, name on barrel. Instructions and further info here.
DATE: c. 1929 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $165
13555: Ruxton Multi-Vider slide rule pencil: black bakelite with silver-filled trim, 16.5 cm long, uses 1.1 mm lead, lead reservoir revealed by sliding open the body; some plating wear, used but not abused, fully functional. Instructions and further info here..
DATE: c. 1929 • CONDITION: VG • $145
14735: Ruxton Multi-Vider slide rule pencil: black bakelite with silver-filled trim, 16.5 cm long, uses 1.1 mm lead, lead reservoir revealed by sliding open the body, eraser cover locks in place with a partial twist. Instructions and further info here..
DATE: c. 1929 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $165
12935: S. Eto Vanco double-lead two-color pencil in box: made in Osaka, Japan, 11 cm long, chrome plated trim, uses 1.1 mm lead; turn the crown one direction to extend the black lead, the other direction to extend the red. Grey pearl and black celluloid resembles a color used on Sheaffer's subbrand pens of the 1930s, but lower quality with a few areas where shrinkage has left small depressions in the surface. New old stock with instructions, some age dulling of plating.
DATE: c. 1955 • CONDITION: near mint • $125
14875: Salz Army and Navy: WW1-era black hard rubber screw-cap eyedropper-filler in the form of a .30-06 US service rifle cartridge, 10 cm long; good imprint, warranted 14K nib.
DATE: c. 1918 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: fine flex • $265
14641: Seth Crocker pneumatic-filler: red snakeskin, 12.1 cm long, gold filled trim, cap imprint for Capwell's, hole-less end knob with inner valve, patent number on barrel, correct warranted nib; scarce and desirable Chilton family offshoot, most of these were made for sale at various large department stores and are marked accordingly; plunger operates smoothly and seal feels sound, original sac has not been replaced so pen not functional as sold..
DATE: c. 1936 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: medium flex • $850
10588: Sheaffer Craig: rare full length black chased hard rubber coin-filler, 13.4 cm long, warranted #3 nib, narrow keel feed, mechanically sound, evenly faded, more wear to barrel but imprint clear; the coin-filling system was never used by Sheaffer for its own-brand pens, and is seldom seen in their Craig sub-brand either.
DATE: c. 1914 • CONDITION: G • NIB: medium flex • $175
12405: Sheaffer Craig: rare full length black chased hard rubber coin-filler, 13.7 cm long, warranted #3 nib, narrow keel feed, crisp and glossy, condition like new but nib is cracked at the heel and is not suitable for use as is. The coin-filling system was never used by Sheaffer for its own-brand pens, and is seldom seen in their Craig sub-brand either.
DATE: c. 1914 • CONDITION: exc* • NIB: fine • $265
14985: Spors crescent-filler: Japanese-made, brown and white mottled celluloid, black ends, 12.4 cm long, nickel-plated trim; chip to tip of glass nib has been polished out, nib is functional but writes quite a wide line.
DATE: c. 1939 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: broad • $95
11211: Unic Duocolor: French-market version of Zerollo's famous two-nibbed fountain pen, boldly patterned red and black hard rubber, 13 cm long, gold filled trim, bold imprints with patent number and both Unic and Zerollo names, crisp knurling at cap top. Condition is like new, noting a tiny nick to the cap lip (see detail; very common on these pens). Unusually, the nibs are different in tip width, one being more calligraphic and the other more suitable for note-taking.
DATE: c. 1935 • CONDITION: near mint* • NIB: medium stub flex/fine semiflex • $5685
13299: Waterman combination: rare model, not catalogued or advertised, based upon the 32, black celluloid lever-filler, 14.7 cm long, chrome plated trim, barrel threaded at both ends, fully imprinted, pencil mechanism uses 1.1 mm lead, nib is a classic Waterman semistub, smooth and responsive. Overall appearance excellent, but clip slightly loose.
DATE: c. 1932 • CONDITION: fine-exc* • NIB: medium semiflex • $950
12946: Waterman Hundred Year set in box: very rare white Lucite doctor's pen with matching pencil and thermometer case, lever-filler, 13 cm long, gold filled trim; pencil uses .9 mm lead, thermometer holder lacks thermometer, has depression in barrel right below bands. Pen has stress marks in cap threads and at top of cap, very typical for this material. In original box with papers and gift card (the spelling of the recipient's name appears to have been a bit off, as there is a partial effort to scratch away an extra "S" on both pencil and thermometer case.
DATE: c. 1941 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: medium fine semiflex • $800
13532: Webster Four Star: striated silver-grey pearl twist-filler, 13 cm long, gold filled trim, section with transparent ink window, Four Star nib with turnup tip, over the top military clip; a true twist-filler directly descended from A. A. Waterman, here made for retail by Sears as an own-brand pen of excellent quality.
DATE: c. 1940 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine stub semiflex • $145
14007: Weidlich Simplofiller: black hard rubber slip-cap matchstick-filler, 15.2 cm long, gold filled scroll pattern overlay, #4 Weidlich nib.
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: medium fine semiflex • $895
11209: Zerollo Duo Color in box: legendary two-nibbed Italian pen in smooth black hard rubber, 13.1 cm long, gold filled trim, good strong cap imprint, clean original box.
DATE: c. 1933 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine semiflex • $3650
11815: unmarked magic pencil: a rare and desirable American-made ringtop figural novelty pencil in the form of an owl, 3.3 cm long retracted, 6.1 cm extended, gold filled trim, lapis blue celluloid body, red (ruby?) eyes; excellent detail and workmanship, probably Fairchild or Aikin Lambert, uses standard 1.1 mm lead. Action is a bit sticky but mechanism fully functional, usual age shrinkage to body has led to the side seam opening on one side and partially opening on the other (see details).
DATE: c. 1885 • CONDITION: VG* • $565
14769: unmarked dip pen, pencil, and stamp compendium: nickel-plated brass, 11.7 cm long closed, clamp-style pencil nozzle takes standard 2 mm lead; reversing rubber stamp in end is self-inking..
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: VG • $125
7189: unmarked dummy display pen: heavy solid rubber, 13.9 cm long, looks like slip-cap eyedropper-filler but does not open.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: exc • $75
13474: unmarked novelty pencil: giant nickel-plated brass mechanical pencil, 20.5 cm long, probably German-made, uses 3 mm lead; hexagonal barrel, some plating wear but no dings, perfect working order.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: VG • $85
10602: unmarked novelty pencil: nickel plated brass, 9.6 cm long, in the form of a large screw; the head turns to extend and retract the lead. Uses standard 2.0 mm drafting lead, Cross made similar pencils, but could also be English.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $85
14856: unmarked magic pencil: small figural novelty ringtop in the form of an Egyptian obelisk, blue enamel decoration on what appears to be gold-plated silver; 3.8 cm long closed, 6.4 cm extended, German made, uses standard 1.1 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • $150
14188: unmarked mummy and obelisk magic pencils: silver (?) with multicolored enamel, mummy is 6.1 cm long closed, obelisk 6 cm; mechanisms work smoothly, traces of gold wash visible on mummy. These are larger than typical examples, especially the obelisk. Mummy uses 1.5 to 1.7 mm lead, obelisk 1.1 mm.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • $495
14220: unmarked novelty pencil: German-made figural in the form of a champagne bottle, label reads "Souvenir/From/Canada", 5.9 cm long, nickel-plated brass, suspension fitting in base, top twists to extend and retract standard 2.0 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: VG-fine • $85
10951: unmarked Graf Zeppelin dip pen: rare figural holder, made to commemorate the Graf Zeppelin's visit to Estonia in 1930; .875 fine silver, Estonian hallmarks, 14.8 cm long excluding nib, nicely detailed, excellent quality; discreet engraving on top, fine example lacking the usual deep nicks and dings.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $695
