Flexible Nibs: D-O

13285: De La Rue Onoto: uncommon New York-made black hard rubber plunger-filler, 14.4 cm long, gold filled trefoil filigree overlay, over and under feed. Fully marked including 1906 USA patent date on section flange, barrel overlay is mounted on a chased and imprinted barrel. Onotos were made in the USA for only a short time, c. 1909-1912.

DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine flex • $1100

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15540: De La Rue Onoto set in box: fully covered gold filled lever-filler, 12.3 cm long, matching twist-action pencil uses 1.1 mm lead. Notably calligraphic nib.

DATE: c. 1937 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: medium stub flex • $485

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16074: Eagle glass cartridge pen: black lacquered brass, 12 cm long, one of the earliest cartridge pens made; barrel is fully imprinted, stating "PATENTED" but unlike later examples no citation of patent date of 1890; untipped brass nib has been restraightened, top surfaces a little wavy, but still a fine writer. Original glass cartridge is intact and stuck onto section nipple. Sold as an historical relic, would need minor work to be put in working condition.

DATE: c. 1890 • CONDITION: G* • NIB: extra-fine flex • $105

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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

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15967: Eagle glass cartridge pen: black lacquered brass, hexagonal, 12.1 cm long, one of the earliest cartridge pens made; cap is fully imprinted with patent date of 1890; untipped plated brass nib is smooth and responsive but feed tip is missing so best used as a dip pen or kept as a display item. Original glass cartridge is intact, will not fit on now-hardened section nipple.

DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: fine flex • $95

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15975: Eagle Flash No. 25: clipless black hard rubber screw-cap, 14.5 cm long, unusual "Flash" filler (end knob pulls to flatten sac); crisp and glossy, as with many Eagle nibs there is a lot of paper feel but a finely shaded line like from a flexible dip pen nib.

DATE: c. 1910 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $265

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16421: Eagle combination: black hard rubber eyedropper-filler, 15.7 cm long, pencil end uses standard 2mm drafting lead; introduced no later than 1913, this appears to have been the first mass-produced pen-pencil combo. Barrel imprint clean,"Klymax" marked clip, nib is smooth and responsive, lively flexibility.

DATE: c. 1915 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: extra-fine flex • $275

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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

ORDER

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16258: Eagle (?) pen-pencil combination: black chased hard rubber eyedropper-filler, 15.3 cm long, pencil end uses 2 mm lead, warranted #2 nib is notably flexible; cap fits perfectly but is evidently a replacement, as the chasing pattern is slightly different. No maker's mark, barrel imprinted for the Philadelphia investment banking firm of Montgomery, Clothier and Tyler (Theodore Roosevelt Jr. became a partner after graduating from Harvard in 1909, so would have been with the firm at the time of this combo's manufacture).

DATE: c. 1912 • CONDITION: fine-exc* • NIB: medium fine flex • $175

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16073: Edward Todd Paragon: smooth black hard rubber eyedropper-filler, 12.5 cm long, imprinted only "PARAGON"; simple overfeed, nib marked "14K" underneath, came to us with an old slip-on clip with patent date of 1910. Nib tipping is scant, still quite usable.

DATE: c. 1901 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: medium fine flex • $165

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16233: Edward Todd eyedropper-filler: black chased hard rubber slip-cap, 13.45 cm long, early narrow feed, long-tined #2 nib writes well but slit badly cut (see detail). This appears to be an interesting example of second-quality parts being utilitized for a retailer-branded model, here for the New York stationer Alfred Gumbinner, whose "MODEL" trademark was registered in 1913.

DATE: c. 1913 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: fine flex • $105

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15931: Eversharp Bantam set in box: green swirled pearl miniature bulb-filler, 9.8 cm long, gold filled cap band, gold plated clip, translucent barrel, 14K gold "0" size nib, matching twist-action pencil uses 1.1 mm lead. Pen has original price sticker on cap, only traces of sticker on pencil barrel. Fancy patterned foil box has pencil dedication on inside of lid.

DATE: c. 1932 • CONDITION: near mint • NIB: extra-fine flex • $165

ORDER

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16282: Eversharp Doric: uncommon small model, black facetted plunger-filler, 11.6 cm long, gold filled trim, Gold Seal, "FLEXIBLE" marked nib, ink shutoff valve seal has been restored and is fully functional.

DATE: c. 1938 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $385

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14892: Fairchild Unique: very early black chased hard rubber straight-cap eyedropper-filler, 12.85 cm long, patent date of 1885 but advertised into the early 1890s; distinctive flat nib with slight dihedral, advertised as 16K gold. Hard rubber surface is rough and pitted from harsh cleaning, imprints worn but legible. A rare and historically significant model from one of the most prominent gold nib makers of the dip pen era, and the first supplier of gold nibs to Waterman.

DATE: c. 1888 • CONDITION: G • NIB: fine flex • $325

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15833: Fisher dip pen: unmarked gold filled holder with removable wooden taper, 14.7 cm long excluding nib; unusual imprint of two crossed quills and letters standing for "Paragon Gold Quill-Pens", trademarked on Nov 11, 1873.

DATE: c. 1875 • CONDITION: VG • NIB: extra-fine flex • $225

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16204: General Manufacturing Co. Snap-Fil: black chased hard rubber ringtop, 14.1 cm long, unusual filling mechanism with reverse jointed lever, hinged tab is extended to depress internal pressure bar when lever is pushed; imprints worn but mostly legible with 1911 and 1918 patent dates, nickel plating worn off brass lever. Distinctive ribbed feed, warranted #3 nib is a high quality contemporary replacement, the gold nicely toned.

DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: medium flex • $180

ORDER

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16118: H. M. Smith dip pen: sterling silver twist pattern holder marked only "STERLING" (likely Mabie Todd manufacture), 18 cm long including #3 ventless gold nib.

DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $265

ORDER

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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

ORDER

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16056: John Hancock cartridge-filler: jade green ringtop, 11.1 cm long, gold filled trim, olive green casein trim band, long-tined nib is a notable writer. Original color has faded as is common with early green celluloids, material is sound. Comes with a refillable original blue lacquered copper cartridge restored with an added hard rubber reinforcing end plug and an O-ring seal (screws in; handle with care, as the copper walls are thin). Original black suspension ribbon and fittings included.

DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION: fine • NIB: extra-fine flex • $225

ORDER

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15874: John Holland dip pen: gold filled holder, fully marked, extending ebonized wood taper, 14.5 cm long overall open, 7.2 cm closed, #5 Holland ventless gold nib writes like a high-flexibility steel nib.

DATE: c. 1875 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $275

ORDER

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15370: John Holland eyedropper-filler: black chased hard rubber taper-cap, 14.8 cm long, crisp chasing and imprints, hard rubber glossy and unfaded, appears never to have been filled, though there is a stress crack in the cap (from being squeezed, most likely, since it is in the middle and not at the mouth). Came to us without a nib, we have added a period-correct #4 Holland nib. Nib tipping is scant, worn away on one side, nib is still entirely usable though somewhat toothy with pressure.

DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: fine flex • $350

ORDER

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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

ORDER

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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

ORDER

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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

ORDER

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16406: Jura button-filler in box: small black-veined green pearl ringtop, 9.45 cm long, gold filled trim, a close copy of Parker's vest-pocket Duofold Deluxe; probably either German or Swiss manufacture, excellent quality, instructions in German, French, Dutch, and English. Warranted 14K nib is a European replacement of the same era.

DATE: c. 1935 • CONDITION: exc-near mint • NIB: fine flex • $165

ORDER

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15100: Kaweco safety in box: black hard rubber with gold filled overlay, German made, retracting nib, 11 cm long, dents to cap, seal replaced, warranted nib opens with slightest pressure, to be used with a light touch, incipient stress line from vent hole (see detail). In retailer box from the Netherlands.

DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: medium fine superflex • $565

ORDER

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15841: Mabie Todd dip pen and pencil set: sterling silver and gold filled two-tone twist pattern with pearl taper, 11.7 cm long excluding #4 Mabie Todd ventless gold nib; matching desk pencil accepts standard 2.0 mm lead though originally designed for .076".

DATE: c. 1895 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: fine flex • $425

ORDER

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11132: Mabie Todd Swan: hard rubber straight-cap eyedropper-filler with extremely rare Fleur-de-lys pattern gold filled high relief overlay; 13.5 cm long, full Mabie Todd & Bard imprint on barrel with 1880s patent dates, classic over and under feed with twisted silver wire "tail". Initial on cap, name on barrel, only a handful of examples of this design are currently known, with a silver specimen selling for over $11,000 on eBay in November 2013.

DATE: c. 1905 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: medium stub flex • $4500

ORDER

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15996: Mabie Todd Swan 2 Self Filler: black chased hard rubber lever-filler, 13.9 cm long, nickel plated trim, New York production, scarce early "split" lever. Clean glossy surfaces with good chasing and imprints, two fins missing from feed (does not affect function).

DATE: c. 1916 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: medium fine flex • $225

ORDER

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16648: Mabie Todd Swan 4 Stenograph Self-Filler: black chased hard rubber clipless lever-filler, 13.8 cm long, nickel plated trim, New York production, scarce early "split" lever, slip-on clip is Swan-marked, English made, silver plating patchy; notable long-tined #4 nib, "STENOGRAPHY" imprint on barrel.

DATE: c. 1916 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $295

ORDER

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16747: Mabie Todd Swan 2 Self Filler: black chased hard rubber vest pocket lever-filler, 11.25 cm long, nickel plated trim, New York production, scarce early "split" lever. Clean glossy surfaces with sharp chasing and bold imprints, unusual thick and stubby configuration.

DATE: c. 1916 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: fine flex • SOLD

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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

ORDER

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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

ORDER

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16202: Mabie Todd Swan: black chased hard rubber lever-filler, 13.9 cm long, nickel plated trim, New York imprints, scarce Toronto-marked nib. Even fading, all imprints clear, nib has cracks (see detail) and should eventually be repaired, but is usable as is.

DATE: c. 1923 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: fine flex • $175

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16476: Merkurit (?) Hanseat: black chased hard rubber safety, 10,45 cm long, white casein cap dome, German manufacture; English-made replacement nib is an excellent writer.

DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: VG* • NIB: extra-fine flex • $250

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16251: Montblanc Monte Rosa: miniature black hard rubber safety, 8.4 cm long, engine turned silver overlay with partial 900 mark, red casein cap crown, warranted 14K semistub nib has a crack from the vent hole but is completely usable; unmarked, but clearly of Montblanc manufacture.

DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: medium flex • $1200

ORDER

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16722: Montblanc Reflex: black hard rubber safety, 13.5 cm long, subbrand model of distinctive design, small nib with "0" in a diamond imprint, extremely fine and flexible, characteristic notched feed; turning knob is marked "OF", "FÜRSTENBRUNN" imprinted on cap (likely a retail stationer).

DATE: c. 1930 • CONDITION: fine-exc • NIB: extra-fine flex • $450

ORDER

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13632: Montegrappa The Elmo Pen: early production black hard rubber safety, 12.75 cm long, smooth gold filled overlay, #2 Elmo nib, Moore-style one-piece shaft and feed; cap has engraved monogram, dings to crown, cap lip has been replaced. Nib has a crack from the vent hole, usable with a light hand. The Elmo Pen was one of Montegrappa's very first models, and an overlay example is unheard of.

DATE: c. 1922 • CONDITION: VG-fine* • NIB: fine stub flex • $650

ORDER

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13425: Moore Non-Leakable: black hard rubber retracting-nib safety with smooth gold filled overlay, 12.1 cm long, Moore #2 nib; one shallow ding and some pinprick marks to the cap, small patch of corrosion at front of barrel overlay (see details), safety post inside cap is absent.

DATE: c. 1920 • CONDITION: VG-fine • NIB: fine stub flex • $650

ORDER

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15962: Moore L-93: long slender "Tuscan" red-brown celluloid lever-filler, 13.85 cm long, gold filled trim, responsive Maniflex nib, sharp imprints.

DATE: c. 1928 • CONDITION: exc • NIB: fine flex • $295

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14698: Omas Milord T2 in box: full-size facetted piston-filler, 13.5 cm long, rhodium-plated trim, cap and barrel machined from solid titanium, elegant matte finish, responsive titanium nib has been professionally smoothed and tuned; short-lived model of the highest quality and refinement, with all original packaging and instructions.

DATE: 2000 • CONDITION: mint • NIB: medium fine flex • $1250

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16252: Osmia safety: miniature in smooth black hard rubber, 8.5 cm long, warranted semistub nib, cap imprinted "CUTINO CO./GERMANY"; excellent condition but for chip and crack to cap crown emblem (see detail).

DATE: c. 1923 • CONDITION: fine* • NIB: medium flex • $600

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