13203: Paillard Semper 183: black chased hard rubber screw-cap eyedropper-filler, 13.6 cm long, marked "IMPORTE ETATS-UNIS" and with a French-hallmarked 18K nib marked "MADE IN U.S.A." Paillard was a French pen company, but like many European makers sourced nibs and whole pens from the United States.
DATE: c. 1919 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine flex • $225
14472: Parker Silver Dollar: very rare economy sub-brand black hard rubber eyedropper-filler, 14.6 cm long, stepped section, distinctive early feed, original ventless nib marked only "14K". Barrel imprint very light, barrel slightly out of round from what appears to have been the removal of a name. Cap is an accurate reproduction in original material.
DATE: c. 1897 • CONDITION: G* • NIB: medium fine flex • $465
16211: Parker 023: black hard rubber "Jointless" eyedropper-filler, 13.2 cm long, nib assembly plugs into end of barrel so as to leave no section joint exposed to the fingers in use; moderate fading, imprints good, intact early Lucky Curve feed, #3 Lucky Curve teardrop vent banner imprint nib is extraordinarily flexible. Nib carrier plug is an accurate modern reproduction in hard rubber, cap has no patent imprint, may be an old replacement.
DATE: c.1903 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: fine superflex • $425
11977: Parker 30: black hard rubber eyedropper-filler, 13.7 cm long, gold filled overlay with scrollwork and diamond pattern, one of Parker's most expensive gold filled pens at the time, catalogued at $10. Rare, short-lived Lucky Curve feed with side cutouts, responsive Lucky Curve nib; metalwork crisp, name on barrel, a few marks on the posting end, but much better than usually seen, tiny hairline in section mouth underneath nib (see detail).
DATE: c. 1904 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: fine flex • $1200
13552: Parker 018: rare black hard rubber "Jointless" eyedropper-filler, 13.9 cm long, spearhead Lucky Curve feed, barrel imprint heavily worn, no visible cap imprint, hairline from vent hole of teardrop-vent Lucky Curve nib should be repaired if pen is to be used extensively, otherwise usable as is.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: G* • NIB: medium fine stub flex • $250
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
15871: Parker 18 in box: classic smooth black hard rubber slip-cap eyedropper-filler, 13.9 cm long, Lucky Curve nib with semistub tip, no model number imprinted on barrel end. Part of original hardened dropper bulb is present.
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: medium fine flex • $350
15009: Parker 16 Jack-Knife Safety: baby "turban top" black hard rubber screw-cap ringtop eyedropper-filler with gold filled filigree overlay, 8.4 cm long, fully marked; early production, #3 keyhole-vent nib has been retipped and is highly flexible.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine flex • $765
16125: Parker 16 Jack-Knife Safety: small "turban top" black hard rubber screw-cap ringtop eyedropper-filler with gold filled filigree overlay; 9.65 cm long, fully marked, #2 teardrop-vent nib has minimal tipping yet is still a good writer, hard rubber good and dark, has not been reblackened.
DATE: c. 1913 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: medium flex • $750
12849: Parker 20: rare slip-cap button-filler with transparent Bakelite barrel, hard rubber cap; 14.1 cm long, good barrel imprint, no model number on blind cap, #2 keyhole-vent Lucky Curve nib has moderate flex. A transparent silicone sac has been installed.
DATE: c. 1914 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine flex • $485
9777: Parker 61 in box: black hard rubber eyedropper-filler with full overlay, 12.9 cm long, intact Lucky Curve feed, #3 Lucky Curve nib, very clean condition with strong imprints, no dings, initials "MS" engraved on cap. Described in Parker's 1914 catalog: "Barrel, cap and nozzle entirely covered with 18K gold. There is something about the plainness of this pen that makes it very pleasing to the eye." Cannot guarantee gold content, but no evidence of brassing. Much less common than more ornate contemporary models such as the 62. Box leatherette hinge partly cracked.
DATE: c. 1914 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: fine flex • $2250
16156: Parker 14 Jack-Knife Safety: black hard rubber ringtop button-filler, sterling silver filigree overlay, 11.6 cm long, earlier production with narrow knurled band at end of blind cap, #3 Lucky Curve nib with banner imprint, intact Lucky Curve feed, wide raised barrel threads, early riveted pressure bar with attached button. Only minor fading, number imprint on blind cap clean, nib writes hairline-thin with no to light pressure, opens wide with normal writing pressure , minimal fading, milling on blind cap sharp but no number imprint; #2 Lucky Curve nib is very flexible.
DATE: c. 1914 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: extra-fine flex • $695
15746: Parker 20 Jack-Knife Safety: clipless black hard rubber button-filler, 13.1 cm long, fine imprints on cap, barrel, and blind cap, with good milling at ends, raised barrel threads are an earlier feature, excellent overall appearance. Original Lucky Curve feed intact, #2 nib is a responsive writer but has hairline crack at its base -- fully usable, but will eventually need welding if to be used extensively.
DATE: c. 1915 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: medium fine flex • $200
15325: Parker 28 Jack-Knife Safety: oversize black hard rubber screw-cap eyedropper-filler with transparent Bakelite barrel, 13.5 cm long, nickel plated trim; in Parker's catalog, second only to the Black Giant in size, and the largest model offered with a Bakelite barrel; good cap imprint with 1912 patent date, barrel imprint clean, includes "BAKELITE" lower line; some minor scuffs to the cap, tool marks to sides of crown, big #8 Lucky Curve nib, intact Lucky Curve feed.
DATE: c. 1915 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: medium fine flex • $3250
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
15776: Parker 49 Jack-Knife Safety: black hard rubber ringtop button-filler, gold filled overlay, 11.4 cm long, teardrop-vent #2 Lucky Curve nib is notably long-tined and flexible, crack at base hidden inside section does not affect function; earlier production with prominent barrel threads, blind cap imprinted "102".
DATE: c. 1918 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine flex • $250
14314: Parker 16 Jack-Knife Safety: gold filled filigree over black hard rubber ringtop button-filler, 11.9 cm long, later production example, barrel is black celluloid and is likely an old replacement (the imprint shows under the barrel overlay); Lucky Curve feed is intact, #2 Lucky Curve nib is long-tined and a smooth writer with moderate flexibility.
DATE: c. 1918 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: medium flex • $325
15570: Parker 49 Jack-Knife Safety: black hard rubber ringtop screw-cap eyedropper-filler, gold filled overlay, intact Lucky Curve feed, #2 Lucky Curve nib has a stable crack right below the imprint and surface digs to the right of the slit but is too notable a writer to replace -- long-tined, smooth and springy. Initials handsomely engraved in barrel cartouche.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: medium fine flex • $285
15773: Parker 92 Jack-Knife Safety: rare full-length black hard rubber button-filler with full gold filled scroll-engraved overlay, 13.3 cm long; beautiful workmanship, elegant monogram in barrel cartouche, blind cap is a later replacement, #3 Lucky Curve nib has been retipped and is a smooth and responsive writer.
DATE: c. 1921 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: medium fine flex • $1100
15264: Parker Vacumatic Slender Maxima set in box: silver pearl laminate, 13.3 cm long, nickel plated trim, Blue Diamond clip, striped jewels and section; both pen and matching Non-Stop repeater pencil have extra-wide bands with matching monograms. Pencil uses 1.1 mm lead, has strong imprint with 2nd quarter 1939 date code, pen date code worn away but by features of close production date. Pen was serviced at some time during WW2, as its notably smooth and flexible two-tone Arrow nib is for a Major and has a 2nd quarter 1941 date code, while the filler unit is an all-plastic war-era replacement -- rarely seen in this larger size, as wartime production did not give priority to replacement parts for older models. Scarce and desirable streamline box has some warpage, though much less than typical.
DATE: c. 1939 • CONDITION: fine-exc* • NIB: fine flex • $695
15051: Pelikan 101N: classic German piston-filler, red ends, tortoiseshell celluloid cap and barrel sleeve (binde), 12.2 cm long, gold filled trim, acrylic barrel with synthetic piston seal; freshly serviced by Osman Sumer.
DATE: c. 1950 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $1400
15013: Pen-O-Pencil Twinpoint combo: white gold filled lever-filler, 13.7 cm long, grouped parallel lines pattern, #2 nib is very flexible; not much wear, but a couple of pinprick dings to the cap, barrel has bump on the side and dents all around behind the threads, initials engraved in cartouche. There is also a small split in the section overlay, which does not affect function. Pencil end uses 1.1 mm lead, high quality construction.
DATE: c. 1929 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: fine flex • $275
16264: Rip Van Winkle blow-filler: rare and unusual large black hard rubber taper-cap with glass barrel, 16.8 cm long, gold filled trim, strong imprint with 1911 patent date, hand-written advertisement on card stock mounted inside barrel. Excellent condition, noting replaced warranted nib and newly-made cap. Read more about the short-lived Van Winkle company here.
DATE: c. 1912 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: medium flex • $950
15995: Sanford & Bennett Automat: black chased hard rubber screw-cap sleeve-filler, 13.35 cm long, rotating hard rubber sleeve strongly imprinted with name and US patent number 698,859 issued 1902. Raised barrel threads, clean surfaces with only slightest fading, Aikin style narrow squared feed, tipping on #2 warranted nib is scant but functional.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: medium fine flex • $265
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
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
16126: Sheaffer Self-Filling: black hard rubber lever-filler with gold filled filigree overlay, 13.75 cm long, early production with raised barrel threads, narrow feed, narrow #2 Self Filling nib with heart-shaped vent hole. Monogram elegantly engraved in barrel cartouche, nib has a short crack in the middle of the imprint that does not extend to either the vent hole or the heel and does not affect usability.
DATE: c. 1914 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: fine flex • $895
15066: Sheaffer 3 Self-Filling: early black chased hard rubber lever-filler, 13.4 cm long, nickel plated trim, first block imprint, narrow feed, #3 Self Filling nib offers considerable line width variation, noting hairline beginning from vent hole. Hard rubber is evenly faded and worn.
DATE: c. 1919 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: fine flex • $145
14643: Sheaffer Univer: rare oversize lever-filler in green-tinted black and pearl, 13.4 cm long, gold filled trim but only gold wash (now missing) on clip, comb feed, correct #6 Sheaffer-made warranted nib has scant tipping but is still a fine writer. Sheaffer extended the color range of their Univer sub-brand by applying tinted celluloid lacquer over black and pearl. In this case, the original overtinting has worn thin due to usage and polishing, Most Univers are small; oversize examples are seldom seen. Toothmarks to ends, small pit next to cap band (see details).
DATE: c. 1934 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: fine flex • $385
16234: Stephens Leverfil No. 106: black chased hard rubber lever-filler, 12.85 cm long, gold filled trim, made in England, new old stock with original price band, mild fading and storage wear.
DATE: c. 1935 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • NIB: medium fine flex • SOLD
15873: Tiffany retracting dip pen and pencil combination: large gold filled holder, marked only with patent date of Feb 19, 1867 for US62227, assigned to Hicks, 8.4 cm long closed, 13.8 cm extended excluding #6 ventless gold Tiffany-marked nib. Taper is pulled to extend, twisted to extend pencil nozzle, uses 1.5 mm lead. The Hicks-Tiffany connection was long, continuing well into the 1900s.
DATE: c. 1875 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: fine flex • $600
15792: Tiffany dip pen: beautiful sterling silver holder, 16.7 cm long excluding nib, with finely-chased floral repousse decoration with acanthus-bordered rings; fully marked, top-quality work, not to be confused with run-of-the-mill Tiffany-marked pens made by lesser subcontractors. Nib is gold, an excellent Edward Todd #4 with great flexibility.
DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $1100
16000: Viala Valair: miniature French-made hard rubber safety, 8.2 cm long, hallmarked sterling silver line and dot pattern overlay, tiny 14K Viala nib opens easily and should be used with a light touch. Tight hairline to the hard rubber cap lip, dent and tool marks to cap overlay.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: G* • NIB: fine flex • $395
16051: Wahl Tempoint: black hard rubber ringtop eyedropper-filler, 9.75 cm long, full smooth 1/8 18K gold filled overlay, long-tined #2 Tempoint nib; very early production and largely identical to Boston version with same metal content marks and 1904 patent imprints. Dropper-filling Wahls were only made for a very short time after the Boston acquisition.
DATE: c. 1918 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: fine flex • $250
14921: Wahl Tempoint: early green gold filled lever-filler ringtop, 9.85 cm long, no Wahl marks on metal, only Boston Safety patent dates and "14 1/8"; crisp "Grecian Border" pattern, early Sheaffer-licensed sprung lever mechanism, #2 Tempoint nib; some loss of hard rubber liner at cap mouth, does not affect posting or function.
DATE: c. 1919 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine stub flex • $250
15089: Wahl lever-filler: early production black hard rubber ringtop, 9.5 cm long, full gold filled overlay, "Grecian Border' pattern, side of the lever is imprinted with the patent date for the sprung pressure bar used for a short time under licence from Sheaffer; overlay marked only "18 1/8" -- also an early feature held over from Boston and Tempoint manufacture -- nib grind slightly irregular on top of tip, still an excellent and responsive writer.
DATE: c. 1919 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: fine flex • $205
16257: Wahl lever-filler: green gold filled #4-size "all metal barrel", 11.9 cm long, "Grecian border" pattern, unusual model with "CINCINNATI/1924" emblem in cap top, notably flexible Signature nib.
DATE: 1924 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • NIB: fine flex • $295
15230: Wahl Signature: smooth red hard rubber lever-filler, 13.95 cm long, gold filled trim, roller clip, notable Signature nib; no brassing, no sign of ever having been filled, some handling marks and what appears to be a manufacturing defect in the form of a tiny nick to the end of the barrel (see detail). An uncommon model, and especially rare in red hard rubber.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • NIB: medium fine stub flex • $625
15861: Wahl-Eversharp Signature: oversize jade flat-top lever-filler, 14.15 cm long, gold filled trim, largest pre-Gold Seal model, the precursor to the oversize "Deco Band". Some discoloration to ends, polishing wear, both nib and clip appear to have been replaced in the Gold Seal era (both marked "Wahl Eversharp" rather than simply "Wahl", roller clip is longer than original).
DATE: c. 1926 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: extra-fine flex • $450
15615: Wahl-Eversharp Gold Seal set in box: full size lever-filler in Greek key chased black hard rubber, 13.6 cm long, gold filled trim with roller clip, section has screw-in Personal Point nib unit, nib is responsive and flexible. Pen as new, appears never to have been filled (see photo showing original sac found inside) matching pencil shows light usage, nick in top edge and bump to adjacent trim ring (see details). Uncommon material for this model, truly rare in such pristine condition.
DATE: c. 1929 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: medium fine flex • $850
16049: Waterman 12: black hard rubber clipless slip-cap eyedropper-filler, 13.6 cm long, well worn but mechanically sound, early nib and narrow feed, imprints on cap and barrel are present but barely legible, pre-globe barrel imprint and 1898 patent cap imprint.
DATE: c. 1898 • CONDITION: G • NIB: medium fine flex • $225
14151: Waterman 412 in box: black hard rubber eyedropper-filler, .999 fine silver Art Nouveau filigree overlay, 13.3 cm long, imprints on overlay present but hard to read, early filigree pattern with large flower. Scattered shallow marks to the silver, cap lip width uneven (see details), sound condition overall, #2 New York nib goes easily from a hairline to extra-broad.
DATE: c. 1903 • CONDITION: G-VG • NIB: extra-fine flex • $825
9133: Waterman 322 Commercial: black hard rubber taper-cap eyedropper-filler, solid 9K English-hallmarked barrel overlay, 14.6 cm long; pre-Globe cap imprint worn but fully legible, seam split at front of overlay rewelded (see details); long-tail feed with patent imprints, early slender #2 New York nib.
DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: exc* • NIB: medium flex • $950
15556: Waterman 0514 Chased Filigree: black hard rubber eyedropper-filler, 13.5 cm long, gold filled relief work scroll pattern barrel overlay, #4 New York nib, feed with patent date imprint. Overlay is in outstanding condition, elegantly engraved presentation inscription on cartouche, unusual 1898 patent imprint on cap rim. Hard rubber shows even moderate fading, slight surface dullness under overlay from "deoxidizing" treatment.
DATE: c. 1906 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: fine flex • $1250
15527: Waterman 612: black hard rubber slip cap eyedropper-filler with pearl slabs on barrel, 13.4 cm long, smooth gold filled barrel bands, one of which is engraved with a monogram; imprint on cap is worn but fully legible, patent imprint on feed, early #2 New York nib is soft and flexible. Pearl-slab Watermans are not common, and nearly all are taper-caps.
DATE: c. 1907 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: medium fine flex • $895
10952: Waterman 612: black hard rubber slip cap eyedropper-filler with pearl slabs on barrel, smooth gold filled barrel bands; 13.5 cm long, moderate even fading to hard rubber, #2 New York nib opens up easily with minimal pressure.
DATE: c. 1907 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine flex • $950
14389: Waterman 514: black hard rubber eyedropper-filler with solid 14K gold "Filigree" overlay; 13.45 cm long, #4 New York nib, feed with patent imprints, initials engraved on barrel cartouche. Clip is not solid gold, but 18K gold filled (Waterman would install clips on older clipless pens and this was a popular retrofit; the original owner may have balked at paying $2 for a 14K clip when a gold filled clip could be had for $1).
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: fine-exc* • NIB: fine flex • $865
11729: Waterman Remex Self-Filler No. 101: rare early sleeve-filler, 14 cm long, all-aluminum construction with a hard rubber section assembly, sleeve rotates rather than slides to expose filler bar; originally made with the pressure bar tied to the sac, this specimen uses a more conventional attachment as found in other Waterman sleeve-fillers. Patent date imprint refers to William Ferris's patent 799,897 of 1905 (Ferris' patent 950,817 of 1910 is the one covering the usual Waterman sleeve-filler design), narrow feed, Remex nib; scattered nicks and shallow dings to the cap and rotating sleeve.
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: fine flex • $950
13631: Waterman 0502: gold filled "Chased" pattern eyedropper-filler, 13.3 cm long, posting end has usual scratches from cap but "WATERMAN" imprint clearly legible; spoon feed with patent imprints and long internal tail, tail end chipped, section front edge as well (does not affect function), "Vivian" engraved in barrel cartouche.
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: fine flex • $825
6130: Waterman 14: black hard rubber eyedropper-filler with fluted gold filled overlay and hardstone cap top seal; 13.3 cm long, a rare but fully catalogued factory model most often found in France and England (a version appears on p. 53 of Waterman's 1908 USA catalog under "Special Mountings" as Emerald End Special Fluted, priced at $50 -- more than three times the cost of a full sterling silver Snake); French hallmarks, no dings, but one small test mark on the seal bezel, imprints on posting end worn but mostly legible; #4 New York nib, spoon feed with patent date imprints.
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: extra-fine flex • $1450
9687: Waterman 12: English-market black hard rubber half-overlay eyedropper-filler, 13.2 cm long, 9K solid gold barrel overlay, London-hallmarked with Waterman factory maker's mark; pattern is a combination of twist and deeply hand-chased floral scrollwork -- uncatalogued, and hitherto unknown. Barrel cartouche is monogrammed, gold has been polished down, so that the date letter cannot be read..
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: fine flex • $2850
15751: Waterman 402: slender black hard rubber straight-cap eyedropper-filler with uncommon "Golph" or "Golpheresque" pattern (catalogued under both names) sterling silver overlay, 13.4 cm long; monogram on barrel, some scratching to posting end, but the silver is otherwise extraordinarily well preserved, with strong imprints and chasing work sharp to the touch. Narrow long-tailed feed with patent marks, narrow #2 nib is somewhat later, one sealed stress line at mouth of section cannot be distinguished from a very light scratch even under magnification.
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: fine-exc* • NIB: medium fine flex • $1600
10974: Waterman 412 SF: black hard rubber clipless sleeve-filler with sterling silver "Filigree" overlay, 13.3 cm long, #2 New York nib is smooth and lively, number at end of barrel is worn away, sleeve overlay bears initials and date.
DATE: c. 1911 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: fine flex • $1200
14475: Waterman 14: rare black hard rubber eyedropper-filler, with 18K solid gold fluted overlay, French-hallmarked, with bloodstone seal at end of cap with applied crowned monogram in gold; 13.6 cm long, scattered light dings, mostly to the cap, one small chip in the bloodstone seal.
DATE: c. 1912 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: extra-fine flex • $2250
16150: Waterman 414 PSF: extremely rare black hard rubber coin-filler with sterling silver filigree overlay; 13.4 cm long, all markings clear, a few light bumps to the cap crown, clip solidly attached but a bit loose side to side; very flexible #4 nib. Waterman made coin-fillers for a brief time and few survive. We originally sold this pen nearly 16 years ago, fresh from an estate.
DATE: c. 1913 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine flex • $2650
10506: Waterman 0512½ PSF: early black hard rubber clipless lever-filler with rose gold filled "Gothic" pattern overlay, 13.5 cm long; one of Waterman's first lever-fillers, with narrow raised barrel threads and two-piece sprung pressure bar. Imprints on hard rubber posting end are mostly worn away, commensurate wear to overlay, initials on barrel. Long-tined New York #2 nib is a wet writer and very soft, should be used with a light hand.
DATE: c. 1915 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: medium fine flex • $595
15877: Waterman 52½V: black chased hard rubber vest pocket lever-filler, 10.95 cm long, nickel plated trim, unusual configuration with clip. Early production with patent dates on lever, 1910 patent date wide clip with large rivets, New York imprint on nib. Even wear and fading, long-tined nib is a responsive writer with plenty of flexibility but with some waviness from restraightening towards the tip.
DATE: c. 1918 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: medium fine flex • $165
12440: Waterman 0512 Filigree: black hard rubber slip-cap eyedropper-filler, gold filled overlay, 13.6 cm long, initials "A.G.C." engraved on barrel, lively and responsive #2 New York nib, cap dome is more yellowish in tone than the rest of the overlay.
DATE: c. 1919 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: medium fine flex • $425
8907: Waterman 472: uncommon black hard rubber screw-cap eyedropper-filler with smooth sterling silver overlay; 13.1 cm long, London hallmarks, number at barrel end is simply "72" with no hundreds column digit, as is typical for English-market Watermans; 1925-dated presentation inscription, nice stub #2 nib has an incipient hairline from the vent hole, but should be stable if used without excessive writing pressure; even wear, light marks to metal, one tiny stress crack where barrel overlay crimped in place (see detail; for some reason these are extremely common in English-market Waterman overlays).
DATE: 1920 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: medium italic flex • $485
14878: Waterman 552½: black hard rubber lever-filler with smooth solid 14K gold overlay and trim, 13.6 cm long, #2 nib has a semistub tip, responsive flex with great line width variation. Number on barrel end missing, shallow irregularities to overlay, fine overall appearance.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: medium fine flex • $685
15118: Waterman 442½V: black hard rubber ringtop safety with sterling silver "Filigree" overlay, 9.4 cm long, slight fading, even wear, turning knob model imprint without the 4 in the hundreds position, Waterman #2 nib is an old replacement, likely c. 1940.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine flex • $295
15772: Waterman 0542½ Etched in box: black hard rubber retracting-nib safety with full 18K gold filled hand-engraved overlay, 13 cm long; long-tined New York #2 nib is smooth and flexible, overall appearance is excellent noting dents in packing housing overlay and rim bumps to cap crown. The "Etched" pattern is one of Waterman's most attractive, but normally only found on smaller ringtop models.
DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine flex • $785
13162: Waterman 552V LEC: rare and uncatalogued black hard rubber lever-filler with smooth solid 18K gold USA factory overlay, 11.15 cm long. 18K marks on cap, barrel, clip, lever, and nib; no French hallmarks, but tiny Jules Fagard stamp is on heel of nib and back of lever end. Pinprick marks to cap, bumps and polishing wear to milling at end of barrel. Barrel end bears no number, cap is longer than usual for a "V" size pen. The only example of its kind known to date.
DATE: c. 1924 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: fine flex • $1875
15173: Waterman 0552½ LEC Sheraton: gold filled lever-filler, 13 cm long, grouped parallel lines pattern, initials "HLR" on barrel, shallow ding to side of barrel end (see detail), notable nib offers extraordinary control, line width from hairline thin to broad.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: extra-fine flex • $485
15280: Waterman 0554 Pansy Panel: black hard rubber clipless lever-filler with rose gold filled overlay, 13.8 cm long, anomalous configuration with narrow raised barrel threads characteristic of early PSF production. Initials engraved on cap, #4 nib has nice flex though with limited line width range, excellent snapback.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine flex • $650
10678: Waterman 552½ LEC: black hard rubber lever-filler with solid 14K green gold overlay in Sheraton (grouped parallel lines) pattern; 13 cm long, light bumps to ends, barrel engraving has been covered with a matching solid gold plate; nib has a very fine tip, opens up to a considerable degree with slight pressure.
DATE: c. 1925 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: extra-fine flex • $895
13310: Waterman 554 LEC: black hard rubber lever-filler, 14K solid gold overlay in "Sheraton" pattern, 13.75 cm long, classic Waterman signature-style #4 nib, metal crisp but for a couple of small and shallow bumps, initials engraved in barrel cartouche over previous filled monogram; a large pen of considerable heft and presence.
DATE: c. 1926 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: medium-fine flex • $1250
16100: Waterman 52½V: black chased hard rubber ringtop lever-filler, 11.35 cm long, nickel plated trim, moderate fading more pronounced on the cap, good imprints; nib has a semistub tip, opens easily with much line variation, good spring. Crack in end of sac nipple does not affect function, PVC sac has been installed for maximum durability.
DATE: c. 1927 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine flex • $145
15878: Waterman 52½V: black chased hard rubber ringtop lever-filler, 11.4 cm long, bright nickel plated trim, hard rubber black and glossy with crisp imprints and chasing; nib is a smooth and wet writer, opens easily for dramatic line width variation.
DATE: c. 1927 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • NIB: medium stub flex • $220
16128: Waterman 0552 Filigree: black hard rubber lever-filler with 18K green gold filled overlay, 13.85 cm long, #2 Ideal nib is a smooth calligraphic writer.
DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine flex • $565
16032: Waterman Lady Patricia: rare black hard rubber lever-filler with "Cable Twist"sterling silver overlay, 11.1 cm long; unusually clean condition for this model, only tiny nicks to ends (see details).
DATE: c. 1936 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine flex • $1250
16025: Waterman desk set: rare full sterling silver ensemble, #2-size lever-filler pen in hard rubber with full smooth barrel overlay, base has woodgrain Bakelite center block with sterling silver frame, clamping thumbscrews for a notepad (not included). Base measures 4 3/16 x 7 inches (10.6 x 17.6 cm), engraved initials, fully marked Black, Starr & Gorham.
DATE: c. 1940 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: medium fine flex • $1200
15930: Waterman Skywriter in box: black celluloid lever-filler, 12.75 cm long, nickel plated trim, Canadian-made subbrand model by Waterman's subsidiary Alco (Aikin Lambert Co.). Wartime pen, great nib but cap bands irregularly crimped, slight swelling of barrel over lever pivot. From the Hopkins collection, dispersed at Bonhams some thirty years ago. Hopkins was a British Army officer, meticulous about recording the circumstances of each purchase, retaining and annotating receipts, instructions, and boxes to an almost obsessive degree.
DATE: c. 1943 • CONDITION: fine-exc* • NIB: fine stub flex • $175
16050: Weidlich Simplofiller: black chased hard rubber slip-cap matchstick-filler, 14.75 cm long, gold filled cap band; well used with chasing worn smooth, barrel imprint still legible, crack in cap lip (see detail). A fully functional example of an unusual early self-filler, Weidlich & Simpson #1 nib is smooth and very flexible.
DATE: c. 1908 • CONDITION: G* • NIB: medium fine flex • $120
15067: Williamson eyedropper-filler: black hard rubber with fluted mother of pearl slabs on the barrel, gold filled filigree overlay on the cap, 13.45 cm long, Williamson #3 nib has an unusual deliberate downwards angle at the tip, "AUTO" imprint on patented feed; pen is not otherwise marked, which is typical, other than nib and feed, it is nearly identical to a Parker 15 (Parker and Williamson were closely connected, with overlapping ownership and management). A lovely pen, pearl shows much more color than appears in the photos, only a few tiny chips to the narrow raised ridges, "Lucile" engraved on cap.
DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine flex • $1450
10574: Williamson button-filler: Vacumatic-style burgundy pearl laminate, 11.9 cm long, gold filled trim, made in Italy, very flexible long-tined Williamson nib, cap jewel appears to be a replacement (more rounded than usual conical profile).
DATE: c. 1946 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: fine flex • $500
16160: Wirt eyedropper-filler: slender black chased hard rubber taper-cap, 14.4 cm long, gold filled trim, Wirt two-piece overfeed, two-line imprint with 1882 and 1885 patent dates; even fading and wear, some digs to the lower part of the cap but no cracks or damage, intact and functional, nib is a smooth writer with a semistub tip.
DATE: c. 1888 • CONDITION: G-VG • NIB: medium fine flex • $265
More pens with flexible nibs: A to C - D to O - unmarked
