Waterman Hard Rubber Self-Fillers
Waterman Pen Profiles: Early Self-Fillers - Lever-Fillers - Overlay Patterns
For more, see Waterman eyedropper-fillers & Watermans in plastic, c. 1929 to date
6520: Waterman Remex Self-Filler No. 101: one of Waterman's earliest self-fillers, and so rare that most advanced collectors have never seen a complete example; construction is all-aluminum, with a hard rubber press-fit section assembly, sleeve rotates rather than slides to expose filler bar; this example is new old stock, and the hardened sac is preserved with the pressure bar laced in place exactly according to the William Ferris patent 799,897 of 1905 (Ferris' patent 950,817 of 1910 is the one covering the usual Waterman sleeve-filler design); 14 cm long, superficial shop wear, "PAT. APPL'D FOR" imprint.
DATE: c. 1905 •
CONDITION: near mint • NIB: fine flex • $1650 
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
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
9689: Waterman 12 SF: black chased hard rubber sleeve-filler, 14.15 cm long, nickel plated trim, used but sound; original riveted clip was pulled out, leaving a crack in the cap which has been sealed, and which is now covered by an old Waterman slip-on clip; #2 nib opens up with the lightest pressure, is slightly wavy from restraightening.
DATE: c. 1912 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: fine superflex
• $250
7777: Waterman 12 PSF coin-filler: black hard rubber, nickel plated clip, 13.5 cm long, worn and faded with some blotchiness, imprints worn but fully legible, overall well-used but sound -- a good example of one of Waterman's shortest-lived and scarcest filling systems.
DATE: c. 1914 • CONDITION: G • NIB: medium flex
• $500
7392: Waterman 0512½ VPSF Pansy Panel: unusual early production black hard rubber vest pocket lever-filler, 9.4 cm long, no ringtop fitting or clip, two-piece spring-loaded pressure bar, Ideal globe logo appears on both lever end and underneath on overlay lever end cover, "PAT. APLD. FOR" on side of lever. Wear largely restricted to end of barrel and front edge of barrel overlay (see details), New York #2 nib slightly wavy from restraightening, but a great writer permitting wide line variation.
DATE: c. 1915
• CONDITION: VG • NIB: medium flex • $200
9382: Waterman 0512 SF: black hard rubber sleeve-filler with gold filled "Filigree" overlay, 14 cm long, nice clean example with outstandingly flexible paintbrushlike nib, early feed with patent imprints; fancy monogram engraved on indicia, areas of brassing on cap have been left as found, but can be made much less obtrusive by careful spot-polishing; hard rubber under overlay has been professionally and unobtrusively reblackened.
DATE: c. 1915 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine superflex
• $1850
9204: Waterman 12½ PSF: black hard rubber clipless lever-filler, 13.4 cm long, with solid 18K gold French-hallmarked engine turned overlay; unusual early model with raised threads, slight fading to hard rubber but metal crisp with only one small bump to rim of cap crown.
DATE: c. 1917 • CONDITION: fine-exc •
NIB: medium flex • $1250
8439: Waterman Remex sleeve-filler: black chased hard rubber, 14.1 cm long, unusual Canadian-made subbrand version of Waterman's pre-lever self-filler, apparently assembled out of obsolete parts; no imprints, feed is square-sectioned Aikin Lambert style, nib is typical Canadian Remex, with "14 KT./R" in a diamond, "2" below, even the globe logo on the pressure bar has been effaced; originally clipless, comes with a contemporary nickel plated slip-on clip (easily removed, if desired).
DATE: c. 1918 • CONDITION: fine
• NIB: fine stub flex • $300
9698: Waterman 52: crisp and glossy black chased hard rubber lever-filler, 13.7 cm long, nickel plated trim, slight fading to cap top, typical waviness to side bars of lever box; early production wide clip with patent dates, thick rivets, feed with patent imprint, #2 New York nib is slightly toothy, flexible and responsive, giving wide line variation.
DATE: c. 1919 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: extra-fine flex •
$175
9234: Waterman 0552 Gothic: black hard rubber lever-filler, 13.9 cm long, 18K gold filled checkerboard overlay; moderate fading to hard rubber, imprint on side of posting end mostly illegible, metal quite clean, one shallow bump to side of cap crown. Earlier production, with wide clip with thick rivets. Heavy #2 Manifold nib is smooth and rigid.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: medium fine rigid •
$495
9580: Waterman pencil: black chased hard rubber ringtop, 10 cm long, gold filled trim, "PAT. APL'D FOR" imprint, sharp chasing, only slight fading, uses 1.1 mm lead, matches 52 1/2 V or 42 1/2 V pen.
DATE: c. 1921
• CONDITION: fine-exc • $55
4243: Waterman pencil: black chased hard rubber with a most unusual left-handed mechanism; 13.2 cm long, gold filled trim, clip with large rivets, marked "18KT FILLED"; hard rubber chasing worn, but no brassing to metal, imprints all strong.
DATE: c. 1921 • CONDITION: fine • $300
8622: Waterman pencil: black chased hard rubber ringtop, 9.9 cm long, gold filled trim, crisp and glossy, "PAT. APL'D FOR" imprint, uses 1.1 mm lead; matches 52 1/2 V or 42 1/2 V pen, comes with spring-retracting pin-on chain.
DATE: c. 1923 • CONDITION: near mint • $65
9545: Waterman 554 in box: black hard rubber lever-filler, 13.75 cm long, solid 14K gold overlay with unusual hand-engraved bands of vines and flowers; engraving is old, but probably not factory work, elegant monogram on back of cap, several light dings to cap crown, small shallow marks to sides; hard rubber is black and crisp with bold imprints, though there is no trace of a number at the end; in a scarce and desirable plush deluxe box (outer leatherette hinge separated).
DATE: c. 1923 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine
• $1250
7027: Waterman 452 Filigree: black hard rubber lever-filler, sterling silver overlay, 13.7 cm long, worn but sound, light bumps to rim of cap crown, cap threads engage for only a half-turn, though are still quite secure; smooth and responsive #2 nib.
DATE: c. 1923 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: extra-fine stub flex •
$500
8645: Waterman pencil: black chased hard rubber ringtop, 9.9 cm long, gold filled trim, crisp and dark, scratch through "PAT. APL'D FOR" imprint, uses 1.1 mm lead; matches 52 1/2 V or 42 1/2 V pen.
DATE: c. 1923 •
CONDITION: fine • $45
8644: Waterman pencil: black smooth hard rubber ringtop, 9.9 cm long, gold filled trim, imprint with 1924 patent date, uses 1.1 mm lead; matches 52 1/2 V or 42 1/2 V pen, slight fading to hard rubber.
DATE: c. 1923 •
CONDITION: VG • $45
6383: Waterman 552½ LEC: hand-engraved solid 14K gold over black hard rubber lever-filler, 13.1 cm long; only minimal bumps to ends, cap crown nearly perfect, Ideal globe appears on both lever end and on plate below; for some reason, no "LEC" on barrel end; indicia engraved with extra, post-factory, scrollwork in order to cover over a monogram (see detail), clip ball has been resoldered back in place (noticeable only under magnification); notable New York #2 nib, responsive and offering a very wide range of line variation.
DATE: c. 1923 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine stub flex • $1100
9597: Waterman 552½ LEC: black hard rubber lever-filler with solid 14K green gold overlay in Sheraton (grouped parallel lines) pattern; 13.1 cm long, interesting 1925-dated presentation inscription, scattered dings to ends, fantastic sharp-cut #2 italic nib.
DATE: c. 1924 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: medium
italic flex • $1000
9598: Waterman 0552½ LEC: black hard rubber lever-filler with crisp gold filled overlay in Sheraton (grouped parallel lines) pattern; 12.8 cm long, metal is like new but for corrosion around cap breather holes and tiny spot of blistering next to clip (see details); #2 nib is smooth, opens with pressure, but more for general writing with restrained but elegant line variation.
DATE: c. 1924 • CONDITION: exc* •
NIB: fine flex • $565
4861: Waterman pencil: black hard rubber with gold filled "Sheraton" pattern overlay, 9.9 cm long, uses 1.1 mm lead, matches 0552½V or 0542½V pen; crisp chasing, one tiny ding above indicia.
DATE: c. 1925 •
CONDITION: fine-exc • $65
7190: Waterman 52½V woodgrain pencil: gold filled trim ringtop, 10.3 cm long, clear sharp imprint, 9K English-hallmarked solid gold barrel band, uses 1.1 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • $60
7199: Waterman cigar cutter: celluloid body warped and markings badly worn, blade well-used; rare piece also bears Rotary emblem. Only one of these is known with its original box, which bears a presentation imprint from Frank D. Waterman. Given this evidence and the tiny number of these cutters known, it has been suggested that they were made exclusively for FDW to give as gifts to his fellow Rotarians.
DATE: c. 1925 •
CONDITION: fair • $150
7329: Waterman pencil: black hard rubber, 13.15 cm long, uses 1.1 mm lead, gold filled trim, crisp imprints with 1924 patent date, no eraser, propel only mechanism, "18K FILLED" on clip; matches 52 or 52« pen.
DATE: c. 1925
• CONDITION: exc-near mint • $75
2632: Waterman atlas book cover: from a series intended for distribution in schools, this covers the United States; 33 x 48 cm (13 x 19 inches), reverse has map of USA w facts & figures about cities & states; new old stock, minor age spots.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • $45
9173: Waterman 54: black hard rubber clipless lever-filler, 13.65 cm long, 18K solid gold French-hallmarked overlay, gold filled lever. Condition is like new, noting initials engraved on indicia and possible past barrel replacement (some chasing visible towards the posting end); overlay engine turning is deep and crisp, and the pen has considerable heft. 18K New York nib is smooth and yielding, more soft than springy.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: exc-near mint* • NIB: fine flex • $950
9405: Waterman 452 Filigree: black hard rubber lever-filler, sterling silver overlay, 13.75 cm long, a couple of tiny marks to the side of the cap top rim, hard rubber imprints good, name engraved on indicia; responsive #2 nib writes an elegant line, can be made to open up with pressure.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine-exc
• NIB: fine semiflex • $525
9333: Waterman 552½ LEC set: black hard rubber lever-filler with solid 14K gold overlay in "Hand Engraved Vine" pattern, 13.2 cm long, with matching 1.1 mm pencil; handsome set, a few small dings at ends of pen (see details), reportedly once belonged to the publisher of one of New York City's leading Yiddish-language newspapers.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: extra-fine superflex • $1800
8455: Waterman cigar cutter: blade and metal fittings have patches of pitting, but the imitation ivory celluloid body is clean with only slight rubbing at the top right corner on the Rotary emblem. Only one of these to date has been found in its original box, which bears a presentation imprint from Frank D. Waterman. Given this evidence and the tiny number of these cutters known, it has been suggested that they were made exclusively for FDW to give as gifts to his fellow Rotarians.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: VG-fine •
$385
2631: Waterman store sign: baked enamel on steel, 76 x 20 cm (30 x 8 inches); chips to the enamel & rusty patches; the perfect wall decoration for a pen room; shipping weight 4 lbs.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: G*
• $425
8623: Waterman pencil: black hard rubber ringtop, 10 cm long, green gold filled "Filigree" overlay, matches 0552«V or 0542«V pen; slight fading to hard rubber, uses 1.1 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: VG-fine
• $75
8621: Waterman pencil: black hard rubber ringtop, 9.9 cm long, green gold filled "Pansey Panel" overlay, matches 0552«V or 0542«V pen, uses 1.1 mm lead; some tool marks on crown piece, monogram "M. T. C." on indicia (perfect for a Swan collector!).
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: VG • $60
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
9406: Waterman pencil: large smooth black hard rubber, 14.1 cm long, gold filled trim, matches 55 or 56 pen; uses 1.1 mm lead, 1924 patent imprint; clean, only slight fading to hard rubber, some tool marks to nose cone.
DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION: fine • $95
5943: Waterman pencil: green gold filled ringtop, grouped parallel lines ("Sheraton") pattern, 10 cm long, uses 1.1 mm lead, crisp and unbrassed, but scattered light nicks; matches 0552½V or 0542½V pen.
DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION: fine • $50
8641: Waterman pencil: black chased hard rubber ringtop, 9.9 cm long, gold filled trim, hard rubber crisp, minor wear to metal cap; uses 1.1 mm lead; matches 52 1/2 V or 42 1/2 V pen.
DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION:
fine-exc • $50
8640: Waterman pencil: black smooth hard rubber ringtop, 9.8 cm long, gold filled trim, minor wear and marks to metal cap; uses 1.1 mm lead; matches 52 1/2 V or 42 1/2 V pen.
DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION: fine •
$50
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
6690: Waterman 51V Ripple: hard to find USA-made export model with #1 nib, 10.8 cm long, nickel plated trim, full bold imprints, fine color, nib is flexible and toothy, slight straightening marks; box quite worn, comes with original instructions in Dutch.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine flex •
$325
6604: Waterman pencil: gold filled "Gothic" pattern over black hard rubber ringtop, 10.6 cm long, uses 1.1 mm lead, mechanism propels and retracts; matches 0552½V or 0542½V pen.
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION:
fine-exc • $60
8548: Waterman 51V Ripple: rare USA-made export model with #1 nib, 10.7+ cm long, nickel plated trim, deep strong imprints, excellent color; 18K French-hallmarked nib is very flexible but should be used only with care, for there are two small hairlines starting to develop from the vent hole (can be welded if desired).
DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: exc* • NIB: fine stub flex • $275
9630: Waterman 94 Ripple pencil: Olive Ripple hard rubber, 12.65 cm long, excellent color, strong imprint, unusual with nickel plated clip; uses 1.1 mm lead.
DATE: c. 1932 • CONDITION: exc • $145
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
9675: Waterman Lady Patricia Ink-Vue: red pearl "Sunset" compound lever pump-filler, 10.85 cm long, chrome plated trim, fancy patterned transparent barrel, bold imprints, as usual cap band slightly loose, turns but will not come off; to fill, lever is opened and pressed several times (similar to a Vacumatic); two-tone red and black hard rubber feed, fine barrel transparency, name lightly imprinted on bbl.
DATE: c. 1935 •
CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine semiflex • $225
4696: Waterman 52 combination: rare hard rubber lever-filler with 9K solid gold factory overlay incorporating a retracting propelling pencil in the end of the barrel; 13.7 cm long, barrel end twists to extend Mordan-mechanism pencil (uses VS lead); full London hallmarks, crisp fine barleycorn finish, only minor marks to metal, initials "S.J.M." on indicia, #2 Canada nib, cap thread engagement short but solid.
DATE: c. 1939
• CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: medium flex • $2950
