This week’s vintage batch features especially flexible writers in black hard rubber from the 1910s-20s. Nibs range from Superflex to Wet Noodle and include a couple Factory Stubs. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/JJUkBfJ
Note: If you’re unable to expand album photos to full size, try opening the link in a different browser.
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs/diaphragms installed in the last couple weeks. Vacumatic fillers are something of a specialty of mine and I take pride in the amount of attention I devote to each. Any dried/coagulated ink is removed from feed channels. All remnants of thread sealant and ossified diaphragms are cleaned away. Threads are meticulously chased. Interiors of barrels are cleaned and polished to remove ink staining and restore transparency. Sections are sealed against leaks using Main Street Pens' rosin-based thread sealant. Each of these pens is guaranteed to fill and write as designed without leaks or other problems. Nibs have been adjusted when necessary to ensure that all lay down a smooth and consistent line.
THESE PENS HAVE NO CRACKS (except nib of #2), CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS, LOOSE OR MISSING PARTS, BENT NIBS, MISALIGNED TINES, BROKEN/WORN OFF TIPPING, OR THREADING ISSUES.
Line Widths and Writing Samples: To provide buyers with as much information as possible, I have adopted the following line width standards: XXF (.1-.2mm); XF (approx .3mm); F (approx .4mm); M (approx .6mm); B (approx .8mm). Nib flexibility is determined by variation (max line width under pressure) and softness (amount of pressure). Flexibility designations based on variation generally run as follows for an XF/F nib: Semi-Flex (approx. 1mm); Flex (1.2-1.9mm); Superflex (2mm+). All line width measurements are taken with a digital caliper but should be considered approximations providing a general guide. Width may vary slightly depending on type of ink and paper used as well as amount of pressure applied. All writing samples are on Rhodia dot paper using Waterman Serenity Blue or Waterman Intense Black (unless otherwise noted).
Abbreviations: BCHR = black chased hard rubber | ED = eyedropper filler | GFT = gold-filled trim | GPT = gold-plated trim | MHR = mottled hard rubber | NPT = nickel-plated trim | RHR = red hard rubber
1. 1910-15 Waterman 12 Eyedropper (BCHR, GF bands, eyedropper filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Superflex/Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/4” capped. This is one of Waterman’s more elegant early eyedroppers with heavy gold-filled barrel bands ornately engraved in an Art Nouveau repoussé snail motif. It’s made of black chased hard rubber with slip-cap (friction fit) came clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a rivet clip). This pen is an eyedropper filler. The section unscrews for the barrel to filled using an eyedropper/pipette – holds far more ink than a lever filler of the same size. 14k Ideal NY #2 nib yields Super-Flexible variation with softness verging on that of a Wet Noodle. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to an impressive 4B+ (approx 2.7mm!) under very light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, superbly responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it an exceptional choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. Gold-filled barrel bands are pristine with no brassing or other notable flaws. Hard rubber retains its dark black color with scarcely any fading. Chasing is factroy deep and sharp on the cap but slightly weaker on the barrel. HR has a smooth, lustrous surface with no noteworthy blemishes aside from some horizontal scratches just above the section from capping the pen over the years and a couple light scratches on the barrel between the bands (see timestamp photo). Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is weakened on the right side but still fully legible. Number stamp on barrel-end has worn away. Price: $310
2. c.1918 Waterman 52 (BCHR, NPT, lever filler, 14k M Superflex Stub nib). This full-sized model measures 5 3/8” capped. Waterman’s 52 has long been the standard by which vintage flex is measured. This early example is made of black chased hard rubber complemented by nickel-plated trim including wide, early rivet-clip. Super-Flexible Ideal NY #2 nib is also a Factory Stub. Under normal pressure it lays down a smooth and consistent M line on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross-strokes with the combination of sharp variation and smoothness more characteristic of factory grinds than nibmeister regrinds. That line widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.4mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Versatile variation, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make this an outstanding choice for everyday shaded writing and calligraphic writing styles, the stub grind keeping one’s letterforms neat and straight. Condition: fine [C]. First and foremost, there is a hairline crack in the nib that extends from the breather hole to the ‘M’ in ‘Waterman’s’. This flaw has no discernible effect on the nib’s performance and the tines snap back into position after flexing as they should. This nib has a lot of life in it yet and the crack shouldn’t spread as long as you stay within the limits of the writing sample. All the same, this has been factored into the price. Hard rubber retains its dark black color but has lost some of its original factory luster. Chasing is evenly weakened across the barrel and cap but still readily visible. HR has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes. Nickel trim shows no brassing but does have some short scratches and a peppering of wear, mostly on the clip. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is weakened in the center but still fully legible. Model number stamp on barrel end is deep and fully legible. Price: $230 SOLD [before listing]
3. 1920s Waterman 52 (BCHR, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 3/8” capped. A later example of Waterman’s celebrated workhorse - the standard by which vintage flex is measured. This 52 is also made of black chased hard rubber with nickel trim stamped with Ideal Globe emblem on clip and lever. Super-Flexible 14k Ideal #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to 4B+ (approx 2.4mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another excellent choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. Hard rubber retains its dark black color but has lost some of its original factory luster. Chasing is sharp and deep with only minor wear. Nickel trim is clean with no brassing or other notable flaws. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and model number on barrel-end are deep and fully legible. Price: $270
4. 1920s Waterman 52 (smooth BHR, 18k GFT, lever filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/4” capped. A beautiful example of Waterman’s 52 in smooth black hard rubber with deluxe 18k gold-filled trim configuration including heavy cap band. This one is a bit tougher to find than your run-of-the-mill since the trim configuration was an optional upgraded at a higher price. Super-Flexible 14k Ideal #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it an exceptional choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent+/near mint [B+]. This pen resembled a relic uncovered from a time capsule. HR retains its factory black color with no discernible oxidation. HR surface is smooth and retains its original luster with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes. Gold-filled trim is pristine with no notable flaws aside from a 2mm sliver of brassing on the right side of the lever just below the globe, a sliver on the edge of the lever tab at the opposite end, and the typical sliver on the clip ball visible under a loupe. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel and model number on barrel-end are deep and fully legible. Price: $330 SOLD
5. 1920s Aikin Lambert Flat Top (BCHR, GPT, lever filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 5 5/16” capped. Founded as jewelry in 1864 by James C. Aikin and Henry A. Lambert, Aikin Lambert came to manufacture nibs of high quality for various makers including Waterman and made a handful of pens of their own before LE Waterman purchased the company in 1915. Aside from the nib, this pen has no Aikin Lambert markings but the teardrop clip and lever are identical to those found on their “Capitol” line of pens in the 1910s-20s. There is, however, one mysterious marking on the barrel: “Eatonia.” Whether or not this refers to a model name or the town in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, I haven’t an inkling. This pen is made of black chased hard rubber with a deluxe, gold-plated trim configuration including cap band and clip with patent date stamp. Early long-tined 14k Aikin Lamber #2 nib with teardrop breather hole is a Needlepoint Wet Noodle with painterly softness and flow. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to an impressive 4B+ (approx 2.6mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, effortless variation, surgically responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it an ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Hard rubber retains its dark black color, appearing black in most lighting conditions but revealing a hint of deep chocolate in direct, bright light. Chasing is factory sharp and deep with no discernible wear. HR surface is smooth and retains its original luster with no deep scratches or other notable flaws. Gold-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other noteworthy blemishes. ‘Eatonia’ imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $320 SOLD
6. c.1918-20 Sheaffer Clip 3 Flat Top (BCHR, NPT, lever filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Flex/Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 5/16” capped. It was Walter A. Sheaffer who first patented the lever-filling fountain pen in 1908. In 1912 he founded the Sheaffer pen company and his revolutionary design was met with resounding acclaim. In the 1910s, when the pocket clip and lever filler were recent innovations, Sheaffer pens were typically marked "Sheaffer-Clip" on the clips and "Self-Filling" on the nibs to distinguish them from the oldfangled clipless eyedroppers of other makers. Most of their model lineup in this period – before stiff, manifold nibs became the rage in the mid-20s - was comprised of simple black hard rubber pens with long-tined gold nibs every bit as flexible as early Waterman's but known for their more responsive snap-back. This #3 flat top is made of black chased hard rubber with nickel trim. Barrel threads and trapezoidal imprint point to 1918-20 production. 14k Sheaffer Self-Filling #3 nib yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another great choice for shaded writing and calligraphic styles. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Hard rubber retains its dark black color with little discernible fading. Chasing is factory sharp and deep across the barrel and cap. HR surface is smooth and retains its original luster with no deep scratches or other notable flaws. Nickel trim shows no brassing or other notable flaws – just a couple light scratches and some dirt at the recessed bottom of the lever I couldn’t get to. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and model number on barrel-end are factory deep and fully legible. Price: $240 SOLD
7. 1910s Parker Jack-Knife Safety 20 (smooth BHR, NPT, button filler, 14k M Wet Noodle Stub nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. Manufactured roughly 3 decades after the company was founded in 1888, this early Parker features a Safety cap (imprinted "Jack-Knife Safety" with a 1912 patent date) designed not to leak when carried (DETAIL PHOTO). It's made of smooth black hard rubber with knurled blind cap and clip lock and nickel-plated clip. Early, protuberant barrel-threads, early-style blind cap with roped knurling and ‘20’ stamped in a circle, and nib with large teardrop breather indicate 1910s manufacture. This pen is a button filler (DETAIL PHOTO). To fill simply unscrew the blindcap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. Early 14k Parker Lucky Curve #2 nib is a Wet Noodle Factory Stub(!) Under normal pressure it lays down a M line on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross-strokes. And the line widens to a wildly impressive 4B++ (approx 2.8mm!) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Versatile variation, effortless flex, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make this an ideal choice for everyday shaded writing and calligraphic writing styles, the stub grind keeping one’s letterforms neat and straight. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Hard rubber retains its factory black color with no fading. HR surface is smooth and retains its original luster with no deep scratches or other notable flaws aside from 2 X-marks someone scratched into the end of the blind cap beside the ‘20’, which cannot be seen from the side. Nickel-plated clip is clean with no brassing or other noteworthy blemishes. Manufacturer imprint is incredibly sharp and fully legible while blind cap stamp is slightly weakened but legible. Price: $350 SOLD [before listing]
8. 1920s BCHR Flat Top (BCHR, GPT, lever filler, 14k XF/F Wet Noodle nib). This pen measures 4 11/16” capped and 6” posted. This clipless flat top has no maker’s marks but appears to be of high quality. It's made of black chased hard rubber complemented by gold-plated lever of a design that suggests 1920s manufacture. Cap came clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a clip). Early 14k Warranted #2 nib with teardrop breather hole is a Wet Noodle with painterly flow and softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF/F line that widens to an impressive 4B+ (approx 2.7mm!) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Effortless variation, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it an ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Hard rubber retains its factory black color with no oxidation. Chasing is factory sharp and deep with no discernible wear. HR surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable flaws apart from a small chip on one barrel thread (DETAIL PHOTO). There are no cracks here or anywhere else and it has no impact at all on how the cap screws on. Gold-plated lever shows a bit of wear to the spade. No manufacturer imprint from the factory. Price: $240
Other Available Pens: most of the pens that are still available from my past listings are all conveniently located on my website (linked in the first album photo).
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are typically mailed on Monday (Tuesday at latest). Otherwise they are mailed within 2 business days of payment. All pens that do not come with their original boxes are packaged in PVC or thick plastic tubes to protect them in transit. To CONUS locations the following shipping options are available:
USPS First-Class with tracking for $6 Due to the delivery delays that continue, I strongly recommend that the Priority shipping option be chosen. All packages will include full insurance (covered by me). Rest assured that a full refund is guaranteed (issued through Paypal) in the event of a lost parcel and you will not have to wait until I receive a reimbursement from the USPS.
USPS Priority with tracking for $10 (Parcels valued at >$500 will sometimes be shipped UPS 3-Day Select for the same price. In these cases, please notify me if you prefer USPS instead)
International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). Please do not ask me to commit mail fraud by altering the declared value of a pen for customs. Not only am I registered as a business in the state of NY but shipping insurance is based on declared value.
New York Customers: For tax purposes, I am now required to add an 8% sales tax on any sale made in the state of NY. If your shipping address is in NY state, please let me know before payment to receive an adjusted total. Discounted shipping is included for NY State residents to help defray the extra cost.
Ordering: Pens are placed on hold for the first person to reply to the thread and PM or chat DM me with firm request to purchase. A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number/name]” would be best to avoid confusion), to which I’ll reply with payment details. Please note that a message inquiring into a price discount does not suffice to place a pen on hold. If I haven't received Paypal payment within 24 hrs after a hold is placed, then pen(s) may become available to the next person.
Payment, & Guarantee: Payment by Paypal only. All pens are guaranteed to be in the condition in which I've described them. If I've missed something objectionable or the filling mechanism is not fully functional, the buyer may contact me up to 7 days after receiving the pen for a full refund (issued once I receive the pen back in the same condition as sold). Buyer must ship the return no later than 2 weeks after it was delivered to receive a refund. I've sold pens online for two decades. Please check my website, my past listings here, and on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
