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
15650: A. A. Waterman 40: clipless slip-cap black chased hard rubber twist-filler, 14.6 cm long, both #4 nib and barrel imprinted with the infamous court-ordered disclaimed, "Not connected with the L.E. Waterman Co." Moderate fading, barrel chasing and imprints strong but unfortunate longitudinal scratches (see details).
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: extra-fine semiflex • $185
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
15888: A. A. Waterman Modern Safety: unusual mottled hard rubber vest pocket twist-filler, 11.4 cm long, both barrel imprint and nib imprint with notorious "NOT CONNECTED WITH THE L. E. WATERMAN CO." disclaimer. Strong imprints, good color, noting stabilized cap lip crack; post cap carefully!.
DATE: c. 1912 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine stub flex • SOLD
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
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
15788: American Fountain Pen Co. sleeve-filler: rare and peculiar, black chased hard rubber, 12.6 cm long, to all external appearances a standard Moore safety, but instead the barrel sleeve must be unscrewed to reveal the opening in the barrel and the pressure bar. Bar is imprinted "LICENSED UNDER/PATENT 781.649" -- Robert A. Hamilton's US patent of 1905. Overall condition would be excellent plus, but for now-repaired cracks in both the sleeve and barrel, surely due to rough handling as they are not in locations normally subject to much stress..
DATE: c. 1914 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: extra-fine flex • $365
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
15295: Chilton Seth Sears Crocker: black pneumatic-filler, 13.1 cm long, gold filled trim, cap imprint for LaSalle and Koch (a Toledo, Ohio department store), hole-less end knob with inner valve, 1933 patent number on barrel, warranted nib is correct, has semistub tip one fin missing from feed; a scarce model from a breakaway Chilton family member.
DATE: c. 1938 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: fine flex • $385
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
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
15688: Eagle glass cartridge pen: black lacquered brass, 11.95 cm long, one of the earliest cartridge pens made; barrel imprinted "PATENTED", untipped plated brass nib is flexible but toothy. An historic relic, not currently in working condition, original glass cartridge damaged at mouth, rubber section seal is age-hardened.
DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: G* • NIB: extra-fine flex • $95
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
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
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
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
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
15698: John Holland 4: mottled hard rubber slip-cap eyedropper-filler, 13.65 cm long, fine color, good barrel imprints, scarce and unusual stenographic #14 nib is intact but tipping scant and irregular, tends to catch on rough paper. Split feed has good patent imprint, a couple of nicks to the underside, cap has scratches from a slip-on clip (see details).
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: fine flex • $325
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
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
15552: John Holland 72: long black chased hard rubber hatchet-filler with solid 14K gold cap band; 14.5 cm long, even wear and fading, slender #12 nib and narrow feed, chip missing from cap lip (see details) does not affect function, lip could readily be invisibly restored if desired.
DATE: c. 1916 • CONDITION: G-VG* • NIB: medium fine flex • $325
15276: John Holland 72: black chased hard rubber ringtop hatchet-filler, 11.4 cm long, gold filled cap crown; good clear imprints, Holland #12 nib is a good writer but has visibly been restraightened.
DATE: c. 1917 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: medium fine flex • $225
12602: John Holland 72: black chased hard rubber ringtop hatchet-filler, 11.9 cm long; gold filled ringtop fitting may be a post-factory addition. Strong imprints, Holland #12 nib.
DATE: c. 1918 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine semiflex • $205
15734: John Sheldon dip pen and pencil compendium in box: scarce and desirable Birmingham-made combination dip pen, pencil, coin gauge, toothpick, wax seal, and letter scale (British weights and rates, ounces and pence), 10.3 cm long closed, nickel silver, clean condition noting "SHELDON" imprint nearly polished away, though February 1842 patent date stamp strong and clear.
DATE: c. 1845 • CONDITION: fine • $600
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
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
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
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
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
15517: Moore Improved Non-Leakable: rare black chased hard rubber safety with double-function cap, screws on when nib is retracted, but acts as a slip-cap if put on when the nib is extended. 13.8 cm long, nib retracting sleeve covers barrel almost completely, thus has side cutouts to allow the barrel to be grasped firmly while turning the cap. Excellent imprints and chasing, even moderate fading, gold filled cap band, #2 nib is a sharp-edged factory italic.
DATE: c. 1912 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine italic semiflex • $495
15665: Moore Fingertip 96-B: striated golden pearl lever-filler, 12.8 cm long, gold filled trim, distinctive inlaid nib in stainless nose cone housing is a smooth and wet writer with a turned-up tip, perfect for writing at steep angles. Good imprint on barrel, personalized with name. Fingertips are uncommon, but examples in patterned celluloid are truly rare.
DATE: c. 1946 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: medium • $650
15603: Mordan three-color pencil: unusually large sterling silver ringtop, 10.2 cm long retracted, 11.9 cm extended, some minor bruises to colored enamel on sliders, nozzles marked "W", use 2.0 mm lead. Only blue nozzle propels lead properly, other two need attention to internal mechanisms. Overall condition otherwise fine or better.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: VG* • $465
15604: Mordan writing compendium: sterling silver, barleycorn pattern, 7.55 cm long closed, sliders extend dip pen, pencil, and silver paper knife. Pencil nozzle takes 1.5 mm VS lead, maker's mark on knife blade, an unusual form in notably clean condition.
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: fine-exc • $695
15605: Mordan three-color pencil: large sterling silver twist-pattern ringtop, 7.15 cm long closed, 9.4 cm extended. Most unusually, the maker's mark is placed under the red transparent enamel of one of the color-coded sliders. Nozzles marked "W", take 2.0 mm lead. One small ding towards the front of the barrel (see detail).
DATE: c. 1880 • CONDITION: fine • $450
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
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
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
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
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
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
15413: Parker Zaner-Bloser: rare black button-filler, 13.2 cm long, gold filled trim, specially shaped hourglass barrel and long section; these normally have a special large imprint on the cap, but in this case it appears to have been removed, as the cap is slightly out of round and has evidently been sanded and then polished.
DATE: c. 1935 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: fine semiflex • $985
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
15496: Parker VP holy water sprinkler in box: black with frosty Lustraloy cap, gold plated trim, made in USA, filling unit intact; scarce special production item, the first example we have seen in its original box.
DATE: c. 1962 • CONDITION: mint • $465
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
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
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
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
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
15576: Security Self-Filling: black chased hard rubber, #4 size, 14.8 cm long, gold filled trim, made by Greek immigrants Kritikson Brothers in Chicago; high quality with distinctive end knob actuated pressure bar filling system, check protector at top of cap (rotating blades were rolled over a signature, making any attempt at alteration immediately apparent since the ink would bleed along the cuts in the paper). Condition excellent but for fine scratches on nib.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: medium fine flex • $495
15862: Security Giant: oversize mottled hard rubber self-filler, 14.7 cm long, gold filled trim, made by Greek immigrants Kritikson Brothers in Chicago; high quality with distinctive end knob actuated pressure bar filling system, check protector at top of cap (rotating blades were rolled over a signature, making any attempt at alteration immediately apparent since the ink would bleed along the cuts in the paper). Name on barrel, overall condition would be excellent with strong imprints and only slight fading but for a tiny nick in the cap lip and an almost invisible repair to the end of the barrel (sealed crack with new aluminum liner -- see details). Unusual factory italic nib but tipping material rough; fully usable but drags on rougher paper.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: broad italic • $695
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
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
15757: Sterling sleeve-filler: black chased hard rubber, 13.6 cm long, made in Boston, good Davidson Rubber imprint with patent dates of 1899 and 1900, warranted nib is a high quality smooth writing replacement; raised barrel threads are an early feature, even moderate fading to hard rubber. Sterling is best known for their middle-joint dropper-filling pens, which this closely resembles when closed.
DATE: c. 1913 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: medium • $275
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
15487: Waterman Super: oversize black cartridge-filler, 13.9 cm long, gold filled trim, made in France, large #6 nib is 18K gold. Uses the largest ("Super") size of glass cartridge (one cartridge included, cleaned and modified with O-rings for a more secure seal, along with a pipet for filling).
DATE: c. 1952 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine semiflex • $175
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
15395: unmarked dip pen, pencil, and stamp compendium: nickel-plated brass, 11.1 cm long closed, made in Germany, clamp-style pencil nozzle takes standard 2 mm lead; self-inking reversing rubber stamp in end is spring-loaded.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: VG • $80
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 • $120
15581: unmarked novelty stylographic pen: large brown hard rubber eyedropper-filler in the form of an artillery shell, 10.95 cm long, sprung needle is intact, no sign of the pen ever having been filled. Tool marks to section, however, especially to the milled flange (see details). Red-brown color is original, not faded black, likely made in England.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: medium fine • $195
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
15872: unmarked novelty pencil: giant nickel-plated brass mechanical pencil, 20.7 cm long, marked only "GERMANY", uses 3 mm lead; hexagonal barrel, some age dulling to plating but no dings, perfect working order.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: fine • $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
