So I've always felt somewhat atypical from the average person.
Had a hard time in early school. didn't grasp math or linguistics. trouble maker. Spent many recesses writing repeat cursive sentences. Eventually met other weirdos. You get the gist.
Was in CA up north at a beach, on a bluff, overlooking the crowd. Was working with my dad, away from home, no friends to hang out with. Having the internal monologue " I wonder if anybody is like me, can notice, or would say hi to me"
Some guy around my age literally walks up a trail to me, and immeadietely extends his hand, looks me dead in the eyes, and gives me his name. I can't recall it, but it was extremely odd. Not a normal name, it reminded me of an angel name, or something from a very different age. He asks me if I want to take a walk, and I agree. He suggests we scale down this cliff, and I said sure.
I am deathly afraid of heights. would absolutely normally never agree to this... but for some reason, I wasn't scared this time. I go first, and he follows. He almost slips at one point, and I had this weird sensation that he took the slip I should have taken. We got to an isolated area. We both pulled out some herb, and started smoking. I unfortunately got too high ( happens a lot lol) , and he started asking very deep questions. " What do you see when you look out at the water"? and other deep things. I wasn't as metaphysically aware as I am now, and too stoned, so probably gave some mundane answers.
We eventually walk back up, and I just felt like he wasn't a normal human. I straight up asked him " are you an elf"?
I shit you not, he gets this alarmed look, and shoots back, almost too defensively " Huh, I'm a human, just like you"....But my intuition said something else, and I didn't quite believe him.
We walk back to the beach, and a local beach bro hands him a beer. He walks back to me and gives me the beer, saying he doesn't drink. He bids me farewell, and takes off. The beach bro walks back to me and says" how weird was that guy", and laughs.
All I could think about was how much more I was like that guy, than the beach bro, or anyone else around...
Often think about this encounter, and that individual. Quite the odd experience.
I know sometimes we feel very alone, but don't worry too much.... chances are, someone just like you is closer than you think.
blessings fam!
​

I was wondering if anyone could help me identify the maker of this watch - there's a name inscribed in fancy cursive below the 12 on the dial, it looks like it might begin with an L, but I can't make it out. There's also text that looks like it reads 'STURDYVALUE' on the watchband, which is a stretchy type.
This belonged to my great-grandmother. Based on the initials on the back, it must be mid-1920s, as she got married and changed her surname to one that didn't start with an 'R' in 1927 or 28. It could be from either Finland or Canada, as she emigrated to Canada in 1923.
There was a seconds-hand on that bottom dial at one point, but it's been missing - as has the crystal - for a long time. I haven't been able to figure out how to get the backing off to see the mechanism inside, unfortunately.
Our family did not have a lot of money - mostly miners and farmers - so I expect any references to this would be in an old Eatons' catalogue or something similar, but I haven't been able to find anything on an early search.
I'd appreciate any leads, even if it's just a link to a catalogue of watch manufacturers from the period so I can try and figure out what the brand name is.
​
https://preview.redd.it/ncotfwrbozic1.jpg?width=1350&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eaf1834125374027009bdb9fa8a926f66a8cded5
https://preview.redd.it/jgvobvrbozic1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ae7c60a48dbda76527f9f4df20118d28f7060c71
https://preview.redd.it/ofg4k4sbozic1.jpg?width=2571&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=09ec2e0b95a5411314cf69d07f520afadf687c2b

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Now why i bother writing on this language? ¿No debería estar escribiendo en mi lengua materna? (shouldn't i be writing in my mother tongue?)
Well for me there is something interesting in writing in a foreign language, it adds extra seriousness when i chose to write that way since normally in my everyday i mostly write/speak in spanish, sounds silly i know.
Similar like writing in cursive, but in this case you don't have to witness my "meme doctor" quality writing, its not that horrible, but it isn't pretty lets just leave it at that.
My current english level is C1 according to the test, and even worked as customer support for a call center. My love/desire to learn english came from video/board games(probably a topic on its own,idk) and music
i recall when being in primaria(trying to convert mexico's education levels are a nightmare, but if I'm correct is elementary school, im just translating this once, the rest will be on spanish) my mother and i often walked to the flea market down the street on our house and just watching, living on the boarder with the US means that most of the stuff is in you guessed, english.
while most electronic toys you can trial and error you way into understand them (like a neopets game that came with small figurines and a red dragon only remains from that one ), that usually doesn't happen with board games. I recall my mother buying me a version SORRY!(the Pokémon one) and being unable to comprehend how it worked(and still to this day im clueless, i haven't own another SORRY since then).
At some point my parents gave me a couple of burned DVD's(yeah that's right! since early childhood, i was sailing the 7 seas) of "El mundo de ingles de Disney (Disney's English world)" while it was entertaining (writing this unlocked Pluto's Song in my head) it wasn't enough.
Enter.... Guitar Hero?.
Yep besides radically changing the music i listen to (another topic into itself), looking subtitles for al the songs i heard gave me a gateway into learning more stuff, i remember clearly looking in youtube what the lyrics of "Rise Against - Savior" meant in spanish and it was the classic windows movie maker video.
In primaria you don't get english education, its only secundaria and up and i DEVOURED the knowledge, getting to the point that i started resolving the exercises of my english book from the end.
I can confidently say that like 90% of the content i watch nowadays is in english (books may be the exception currently, its more that i haven't picked up any books recently), be Videogames, Music, UI of programs, web search, youtube tutorials, cardgames.
The downside is that sometimes i forget how to express things in spanish or use phrases like "not my cup of tea" in spanish that just sound....weird.
While grammar it's still a tad off and im still missing stuff(Trying to describe clothes is a nightmare to me, in either language tbh), i love speaking and writing in english and has allowed to talk with people around the world
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This week’s vintage batch features my collection of FPs from Thomas De La Rue, the London maker behind Onoto who vies with Conway Stewart and Mabie Todd for top honors in vintage English pendom. These pens are not easy to find Stateside, let alone in this condition. They are the culmination of 2 decades of hunting the cleanest examples I could find with white metal trim. Two come with their original factory boxes and one is uninked and stickered. Nibs are in the Flex to Superflex range. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/vrr5rR1
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs/seals installed in the last year. 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, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS (except #3), 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 started to adopt 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.
 
 
1. 1920s NOS De La Rue Everybody’s Pen 500/73 w/ Sticker (BCHR, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Flexible nib). This rather long, early model measures 5 3/8” capped. At its inception in 1821, the British De La Rue company specialized in printing and stationary. By the late 19th century they entered the fountain pen business, manufacturing some of the most striking and finely engineered pens in the UK. The pens garnered deserved success owing to the excellent quality of the materials used and the superior design of their filling systems. In the beginning the Onoto name was reserved for their plunger-filling models, introduced in 1905 – though this would subsequently change. Introduced in 1924, their lever fillers assumed many names indeed, including this “Everybody’s Pen. At 5 3/8” capped, it’s a rather long model. It’s made of black chased hard rubber complemented by nickel-plated lever and clip with 1922 patent date. I don’t own a copy of Steve Hull's book and the info isn’t available online, so I haven’t been able to decode the 500/73 stamp on the barrel. This one is New Old Stock. Not only does it show no traces of being filled with ink, it retains its original sticker band that reads: “Everybody’s / 5 [£] / Medium.” For sake of preservation, I’ve resacced this pen but never filled it with ink. 14k De La Rue nib appears to be a Flexible F according to the standards above. With that said, I can offer to ink the pen and to test the nib, making any necessary adjustments, on buyer’s request after purchase (though it should be fine considering DLR’s impeccable finishing). Condition: near mint [B+]. Like a relic of a time capsule, this pen appears to have been carefully laid by for a century; it’s incredibly well preserved. Nickel-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other notable flaws. Black hard rubber retains its dark black color with just a hint of oxidation. Chasing is factory deep and crisp with no discernible wear. Hard rubber has a smooth and lustrous finish with no notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint and number code on the barrel are factory deep and fully legible. Price sticker is firmly affixed and has just one little piece missing between the ‘5’ and the ‘M’ (see timestamp photo). Price: $380 $350
 
2. 1920s De La Rue The New Swift Set in Box (MHR, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 4 7/8” capped. For more on the history of De La Rue/Onoto, see description of #1 above. “The New Swift” was another lever-filling model of the 1920s. This FP and MP set comes in its original factory box, a well-crafted piece with working brass clasp, velvet-lined interior, and exterior lined with a material resembling alligator skin: BOX 1 BOX 2. The set is made of mottled red and black hard rubber complemented by nickel plated trim including smart, spooned lever. Super-Flexible 14k De La Rue #22 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. Mottled red and black hard rubber retains its factory color with no discernible fading. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or notable flaws aside from a couple pin-sized marks on the lever. Hard rubber has a smooth and lustrous finish with no notable blemishes. I believe the MP is fully functional, propelling lead when the orange top is turned. I don’t think it was designed to retract lead unless one applies pressure to the lead while turning. Manufacturer imprints on barrels are factory deep and fully legible. Price: $440 SOLD
 
3. 1920s-30s The De La Rue Pen in Box (Lapis Blue, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Flex nib). This full-sized model measures 4 7/8” capped. Sharing many of the design features of “Everybody’s Pen” and “The New Swift,” the name chosen for DLR’s first celluloid lever-fillers was simply “The De La Rue Pen.” This example also comes in its original factory box: BOX 1 BOX 2. It is a particularly uncommon model made of celluloid in the desirable Lapis blue on blue color pattern complemented by nickel-plated trim. The clawed lever is an interesting detail, distinctive to DLR and only used for a couple years. Flexible 14k De La Rue #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.6mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for shaded writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. These are pretty tough to find in any condition, but when you do they almost inevitably have darkened barrels from the outgassing of the sac as it ossifies over the years. The color of this pen, however, is superb, showing no discoloration. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or other notable flaws aside from a couple spots on the clip that have lost some of their original luster. Note that I didn’t notice the dirt on one side of the lever box until inspecting the photos – this has since been cleaned off. Celluloid has a smooth and lustrous finish with no notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $440 SOLD
 
4. 1930s De La Rue Onoto Minor (3D grey brick, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k F LF Oblique Flex nib). This full-sized model measures 4 3/4” capped. Having weathered the Depression, De La Rue developed a new method for laminating transparent and opaque celluloids in the 1930s. This pen's brickwork pattern, comprised of strands of black and grey woven over a transparent base, is a remarkable product of these efforts. It has an astonishing depth, giving it a 3-dimensional appearance ion person.Nickel-plated trim including clip with DLR logo. In these years, De La Rue used the Onoto designation for their top-tier models. Unlike most Onotos of this period, which were complex plunger fillers that require expensive restoration, this pen is a button filler (DETAIL PHOTO). It’s filled by unscrewing the blind cap, submersing the nib, and depressing the brass button once. Flexible 14k De La Rue Onoto #3 nib is probably a period-correct upgrade since these usually came with a #2. It’s cut as a left-foot Oblique (shaped like one’s left foot viewed from above). But the grind is so conservative that it performs smoothly and consistently when written with at a normal angle. It lays down a smooth and consistent F line on the cross-strokes and XF line on the down-strokes under normal pressure. And the line widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.4mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). A versatile nib with reliable flow over its full range of flex, well suited for all sorts of expressive writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Nickel-plated trim is clean aside from a sliver of brassing around the bottom edge of the lower cap band and the typical spot on the clip ball. off. Celluloid has a smooth and lustrous finish with no notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint and “patent applied for” stamp on barrel are factory deep and fully legible. Price: $290 SOLD
 
5. De La Rue Onoto 6233/97 (grey shell, celluloid, NPT, plungevacuum filler, 14k XXF/XF Flex nib). These pens came in sizes ranging from 2 to 7 (the Onoto Magna). This slightly oversized, 3-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. Introduced in 1905, De La Rue’s Onoto pen was the original plunger-filler - long before Sheaffer’s and Eversharp’s version in the 1930s. And it remained in production for 50 years. I tend to think of these as the English Dorics. Like the Dorics, they hold a lot of ink. Here’s what this pen looks like with the plunger fully extended: DETAIL PHOTO. As David Nishimura explains: “Onotos fill on the downstroke; the plunger piston creates a vacuum behind itself as it travels down the barrel, which at the bottom of the stroke is released, sucking in the ink. In most Onotos, this mechanism also incorporates a shutoff valve: when the plunger knob is screwed down, the end of the plunger piston closes off the ink reservoir. In order to write, the knob must be unscrewed part of a turn” (CITATION). This pen incorporates that shutoff-feature. To fill simply unscrew the knob, extend the plunger, submerse the nib, and drive the plunger home. Leave the blind cap unscrewed just a tad to when writing; screw it down till it stops to prevent ink from ever leaking into the cap – even in planes or summersaults! This Onoto 6233/97 is made of a truly beautiful celluloid: grey shell against a transparent background. Both barrel and cap have this transparency: BARREL CAP. Nickel-plated trim including double cap bands and the deluxe waterfall clip reserved for their flagship models. Flexible 14k De La Rue Onoto #3 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XXF/XF line that widens to a 3B+ just shy of Superflex (approx 1.8mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for shaded writing styles. Condition: excellent/near mint [B+]. There is one obvious cosmetic issue with this pen, so let me get that out of the way. I restored this pen myself with seals and replacement parts from the UK. The pen fills to factory capacity with strong vacuum pressure and no leaks. However, the replacement plunger rod I received was about 2mm longer than the original. As a result, there is a 2mm gap between the blind cap and the barrel when the blind cap is screwed down. This has absolutely no effect on the functionality or ink-tightness of the pen. The blind cap still screws onto the threads, the ink shutoff valve still works when one screws it all the way down, and because the back-end seals are located inside the end of the barrel, the barrel remains ink tight with no leaks from the back or ink-bombs/seeping from the nib-side. So again, this issue is merely cosmetic. These are quite painstaking to restore and I just haven't had the heart to disassemble the pen again when it works perfectly fine as is. Aside from that, this pen is pretty much flawless. Nickel-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other notable wear. Color and transparency are both superb with ink level readily visible when the pen is full (see BARREL and CAP photos above). Celluloid has a smooth and lustrous finish with no notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is factory deep while number stamp on blind cap is weakened but still fully legible. Price: $420 $380 WITHDRAWN FROM SALE [decided to keep this one]
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. 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 $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, 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 $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). 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 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 me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” 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 over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS:

• Budget Vintage Superflex
  
• Parker Depression Pen Vacumatic Maxima
  
• Blue Conklin Endura Sr Eversharp Stenograph (thin “Doric”) Waterman Taperite Citation
  
• Superflex Waterman Thorobred
  
• Waterman 12 Fine Silver Overlay
  
• Swan Minor NM Esterbrook Relief Oblique
  
• British Mentmore
  
• Striped Vac Duofold Sr
  
• Blue Carter’s
  
• Aurora 88 Demo LE w/ Mottishaw Cursive Italic
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac
  

EDIT: Both pens are sold.
Greetings, Pen Swappers! I’ve got two beautiful dragon themed custom pens for sale, and both are priced at nearly half of what they would cost direct from their respective makers. Just trying to trim down to my most used three pens, and find homes for everything else. I’ve only got a handful left, and I felt as though these two were unique enough to deserve their own post.
F3 Pens Desert Ironwood / Brooks Golden Rule Asking Price $265 SOLD This one is made by F3 pens, formerly Fisher of Pens. It was specially designed and commissioned by myself, and made to very exact specifications. Utilizing Desert Ironwood and Jonathan Brooks Golden Rule material, with a gold plated dragon roll stop. It also includes a matching gold pin set recessed into the body of the pen. The nib is a 14k Platinum #3776 broad, with a .65mm cursive italic grind by Kirk Speer of PenRealm. It’s a fantastic writer, with buttery smooth cross strokes. The nib is set in a custom housing, and utilizes a threaded converter, modified to hold nearly a full extra ml of ink in the section. It was used briefly, and never left the safety of my writing desk, so it shows no signs of use. It’s an amazing pen, truly a one of a kind custom. You’ll never see another one like it. It will include a small pen rest, also made by F3 pens.
Newton Shinobi Medium Black Dragon Juma Asking Price $265 SOLD This is another one of a kind creation from the legendary hand of Shawn Newton. Made from Black Dragon Juma material, is also features a hammered sterling silver band. The nib is a Bock #6 titanium fine with a Mark Bacas CSI grind. One of the finest you’ll ever write with. It has been used sparingly, and has always been stored in a plush pen roll, so it shows no real signs of use. Another true one of a kind pen that you’ll be unlikely to ever see another duplicate of. The Shinobi will ship in a handmade Newton pen sleeve.
VERIFICATION
Transactions to be handled via PayPal Goods and Services, per the rules. Prices above include all fees, as well as USPS Priority 2-3 Day Shipping to CONUS only. Please comment below prior to sending chat or PM. Not currently interested in any trades. Combine both pens for $500 shipped.
As always, thanks for looking!

This week’s vintage batch features affordably priced celluloid Flat Tops from the 1920s-30s with unusually flexible nibs. Most are in the Superflex range. Highlights include a rather uncommon Diamond Point in the Moss Agate color and an Aikin Lambert bulb filler with perfect barrel clarity. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/ANvJNSB
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sac/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, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS (except #3), 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 started to adopt 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.
 
 
1. 1930s Moore Faceted Ring Top (black, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). Measures 4 3/8” capped and 5 1/2” capped. Moore was an early first-tier pen company out of Boston that never managed to garner the popular acclaim of the Big Four brands. In spite of this, their quality of construction was on a par with those makers. In addition to this, their innovative lever filler design and expressive, long-tined nibs have made them sought after by a loyal following of writers and collectors. Until this pen came in, I’d never seen a Moore with a faceted construction like a Doric’s (DETAIL PHOTO). Because it’s black and it’s been cloudy here, it’s been hard to capture it well in photos. But its barrel and cap boast 10 facets. Also unusual is the deluxe, gold-plated cap band with geometric cutouts – another detail perhaps inspired by the Eversharp Doric. Ring top on the cap for attaching to a chatelaine or pocket chain. All this makes it a seemingly experimental design for Moore and an interesting addition their later catalogues. Super-Flexible 14k Moore #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 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 an excellent choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent+/near mint [B+]. Gold-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other notable flaws. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes - scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is weakened at the top but still fully legible. Price: $170 SOLD
 
2. 1920s-30s Diamond Point Flat Top (black, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. The Diamond Point pen company made first rate pens in an array of exciting colors and configurations. Over the past decade, collectors have begun to catch on and flagship flat tops like this one, especially, have gained quite a following. Founded some time before 1892, the company came into its own in the 1910s, when it began making pens of its own. This example in black celluloid sports a wide cap band and decorative crown band that situate it near the top of DP’s lineup (top tier models had extra trimmings). Earlier DP pens came with Warranted nibs before the company began to manufacture its own later on. The 14k Warranted #2 nib in this one is a Super-Flexible writer, laying down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) 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. Condition: excellent [B]. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from slivers of brassing on the bottom edge of the cap band on the sides of the cap, the typical sliver on the clip ball, and one ding on the top of the decorative crown band (see timestamp photo). Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes - scarcely even any microscratches. Price: $180 SOLD
 
3. 1930s Diamond Point (Moss Agate, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Flex/Superflex). This full-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. For more on Diamond Point, see description of pen #2 above. The tapered ends and trim configuration of this unusual model indicates it was made quite late in DP’s span of production, just before their quality started to taper off in the 1940s. A last hurrah of sorts, this pen features nickel-plated trim with double cap bands, matching decorative crown bands, and a smart Art Deco clip with the DP logo. This pen comes from my own collection, the focus of which was pens with white metal trim. It is the result - the only result, in fact - of a longstanding search to find a pen in Moss Agate celluloid with nickel-plated trim – the same celluloid famously used by Waterman for their Patrician. The green and bronze pearl color pattern of this pen is particularly stunning in person, having astonishing depth and chatoyance. As mentioned above, the lion’s share of DP pens were equipped with Warranted nibs from the factory. But at some point, the company began to make their own. This pen is equipped with a 14k DP #2 nib that yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) under moderate 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. Condition: excellent [B]. Comparatively delicate nickel-plated trim is far cleaner than on most you’ll find, retaining much of its original luster. No patches of brassing, just some scattered points of wear on the clip and one notable scratch on the lever. Color is superb with no discernible darkening or dulling of its original pearlescence. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes - scarcely even any microscratches. Price: $240 $220 SOLD
 
4. 1930s Salz Flat Top (black and red, celluloid, NPT + GPT, lever filler, 14k XXF/XF Superflex). This full-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. Based in New York City, Salz Brothers began as a quality pen manufacturer that thrived from the late teens until sometime in the 50s. This Salz flat top is made of black celluloid with red cap on the cap crown. Nickel-plated lever and clip with gold-plated fastener in the center. Super-Flexible 14k Warranted #4 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XXF/XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Close to needlepoint hairlines, exceptionally responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another excellent choice for calligraphic writing styles. This one is particularly snappy! Condition: excellent- [B-]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no notable brassing or other flaws aside for some wear to the lever, which appears more silver in person than in some of the photos. Clip is securely attached and snaps back as it should but does have about 1/4” of lateral play when the ball is pressed to the side with a finger (still tight enough to prevent gravity from making this happen). Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes - scarcely even any microscratches. Price: $160 SOLD
 
5. 1930s Pierce Flat Top (red and black, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k M Superflex/Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/4” capped. According to my research, the Pierce pen company remains something of a mystery to collectors. Based on the arrow trademark (as on this pen’s clip), there was some speculation about a connection to the Pierce Arrow car company. But it seems more likely that the name and arrow logo on these pens were an effort to capitalize on the carmaker's success. Whatever its origins, this is a quality pen with a 14k nib. It’s made of red celluloid with a deluxe combination of double cap bands and decorative black rings on the ends. 14k Warranted nib yields Super-Flexible variation with softness verging on a Wet Noodle. It’s as soft as a dip pen but its relatively wide tipping size and small profile do limit the variation between its unflexed and flexed line widths on the page. It lays down a smooth and consistent M line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under very light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Less snappy/responsive than some of the others in this batch, its softness and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it best suited for expressive and calligraphic writing styles in a big, bold hand. Note that I switched to a wetter ink for the writing sample for better flow delivery, so some ink-experimentation among yours might be in order to see which performs best. Condition: Gold-plated trim is exceptionally clean aside from negligible wear on the side edges of the lever and the typical spot of brassing on the clip ball. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes - scarcely even any microscratches. Price: $180 $165 SOLD
 
6. 1930s Eclipse Flat Top (red and black mottled, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 3/8” capped. The Eclipse pen company of New York City divided their model lineup into different names, or sub-brands, of increasing quality and price. At the low end was Park Row, followed by Marxton, with Eclipse being the top of the line. This top of the line model is made of red and black mottled celluloid intended to resemble earlier, red and black mottled hard rubber pens. Gold-plated trim including patented Eclipse clip and lever with decorative wreath. Super-Flexible 14k Warranted nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) 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. I did have to slow down a bit to optimize flow with Waterman Serenity Blue, so some experimentation with wetter inks might be in order if you want to flex at speed. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Gold-plated trim is exceptionally clean with no brassing or other notable flaws. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes - scarcely even any microscratches. Price: $200 $180 SOLD
 
7. 1930s Aikin Lambert Skywriter by Waterman (black, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Flex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. Aikin Lambert manufactured nibs for various makers including Waterman and made a handful of pens of their own before LE Waterman purchased the company in 1915. This Skywriter (a popular Waterman model) is a result of that acquisition, having a barrel imprint that specifies it was made by L.E. Waterman. It’s made of black celluloid with nickel-plated trim with an Art Deco Flare. Flexible 14k Aikin Lambert nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.7mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for shaded writing. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. This pen comes from my own collection of pens with white metal trim. It’s not a particularly uncommon pen, but it is in uncommonly good condition. Most of these you’ll find have significant brassing and corrosion to the comparatively delicate nickel-plated trim. The trim of this example is nearly pristine, showing no brassing or other notable flaws apart from a couple spots of wear on the side clip-tabs where they meet the barrel (not visible from the front). Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes - scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $150 SOLD
 
8. 1930s Aikin Lambert Capitol Cabinet by Waterman (grey pearl marble with transparent barrel, celluloid, bulb filler, 14k Stubby F Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. Aikin Lambert’s "Capitol Cabinet" underwent considerable revisions over the years. Early on it was a lever filler resembling a BHR Waterman 52 and was devised as a competitor to that pen. This uncommon, later variant was made after Waterman acquired Aikin Lambert. It’s made of the same grey pearl celluloid Sheaffer used for the Balance and Parker for the Vacumatic Jr. What makes it uncommon and particularly interesting is that it’s a bulb filler with a partially transparent barrel (FILLER PHOTO BARREL PHOTO). Like Waterman’s Ink-Vue, it appears to be an attempt to vie with Parker’s bestselling Vacumatic. Bulb fillers hold a lot of ink directly in the barrel, far more than designs in which the sac stores ink. A bulb filler like this one utilizes a sac, but only at the end of the barrel to create the vacuum needed to fill. To do so, you simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the bulb between 2 fingers until the barrel is full (easy to see in the case of this pen given its transparency). Super-Flexible 14k Aikin Lambert nib lays down a stubby F line on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross-strokes under normal pressure. That line widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Versatile variation, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent+/near mint [B+]. Another pen from my personal collection, what stand out about this one is its virtually perfect barrel clarity (DETAIL PHOTO). The vast majority of pens in this celluloid have darkened and ambered such that they’re no longer even transparent. And I had one before this that was clear yet orange, which I thought was as good as it got until this one caught my radar. Not only is it crystal clear but there’s hardly even any yellowing! Color is superb – evenly grey. And nickel plated trim is virtually pristine, with no notable brassing or other blemishes - scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is factory deep and fully legible. An uncommon and uncommonly well preserved pen. Price: $280 SOLD
 
9. 1930s End of Day Pen (motley shell swirl, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF nib). This full-sized model measures 4 7/8" capped. Dubbed "End of Day" pens by collectors, these exotic creatures are rumored to have been made of celluloid scraps such as those left over at the end of the day after making other pens. This is perhaps the highest quality example of one of these I’ve seen, having generous, nickel-plated trim and stepped ends like a Waterman Ink-Vue. There are no maker’s marks apart from the ‘A’ on the clip and lever, which I haven’t been able to link to a specific manufacturer. The celluloid color pattern is a green and cream swirl with pearlescent portions having black and red accents that resemble broken shells in some places and in others the famous “screaming souls of purgatory” of WASP’s birdseye pens. It’s a wild looking pen! Weidlich of Ohio often made nibs for other makers. This pen is equipped with a 14k Weidlich #4. It lays down a firm yet smooth and consistent XF line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Nickel-plated trim is pristine aside from the typical spot of brassing on the clip ball. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes - scarcely even any microscratches. Price: $150 SOLD
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. 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 $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, 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 $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). 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 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 me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” 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 over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS:

• Parker Depression Pen Vacumatic Maxima
  
• Blue Conklin Endura Sr Eversharp Stenograph (thin “Doric”) Waterman Taperite Citation
  
• Waterman 12 Fine Silver Overlay
  
• Swan Minor NM Esterbrook Relief Oblique
  
• British Mentmore
  
• Striped Vac Duofold Sr
  
• Blue Carter’s
  
• Aurora 88 Demo LE w/ Mottishaw Cursive Italic
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac
  

This week’s vintage batch features Parkers from the 1930s-50s. There’s a little something for everyone here, from modestly priced Vacumatics and 51s to a NOS stickered Vacumatic and an exceedingly scarce 51 Demonstrator. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/ROklUd9
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sac/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, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS (except #3), 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 started to adopt 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.
 
 
1. 1930s Parker Depression Pen (golden pearl swirl, GPT, celluloid, button filler, 14k Semiflex/Flex M LF Oblique nib). This full-sized model measures 4 7/8” capped. During the Great Depression, sales of fountain pens dropped precipitously. Whereas many smaller makers closed up shop, the Big Four American makers were compelled to adapt to stay afloat. For Parker, this gave rise to a relatively undocumented series of pens in unusual colors that collectors have come to know simply as Depression or “Thrift Time” pens. This Depression pen resembles a smaller, streamlined Duofold down to the gold-plated washer clip and Lucky Curve X-mas tree feed. But it’s made of a fetching celluloid that Parker never used before or since: golden pearl marble/swirl against a black background. This pen is a button filler. To fill simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. Curiously, this pen came to me with a 14k English Parker nib. It appears to be period-correct but I suspect it to be a replacement given the ‘Made in USA’ barrel imprint. That nib is a Left Foot Oblique (shaped like the top of your left foot viewed from above) with Semiflex/Flexible softness and variation. It lays down a smooth and consistent M line on the cross-strokes and XF line on the down-strokes. That line widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.5mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). A versatile nib with reliable flow over its full range of flex. Suitable for shaded writing in a host of calligraphic writing styles. But because it’s likely a replacement, I can offer to swap this nib out for this 14k Firm XF nib at no extra charge on buyer’s request: ALT NIB. Again, documentation is scarce for these pens, but I believe this is the nib this pen would’ve come with from the factory. Condition: excellent [B]. Gold-plated trim is exceptionally clean with no brassing asaide from the typical sliver on the clip ball - no other notable wear. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. There is a nick on the top of one tine situated a few mm away from the tipping but this has no adverse affect on the nib’s performance or durability. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. An uncommon pen in an unusual Parker color. Price: $190 $170 SOLD
 
2. 1930s Parker Televisor (silver shell, NPT, button filler, 14k F/M Superflex Stub nib). This junior model measures 4 13/16” capped. Before WWII law prohibited certain goods from being exported directly from the US to Great Britain. Parker circumvented this by opening a factory in Canada. The Televisor was Parker's first pen to be manufactured exclusively in Canada and they're somewhat tough to find Stateside these days. The name was intended to capture some of the commercial aura of the television, a recent invention, and nominally refers to the transparent ink-view window in the barrel for checking the ink level. This Televisor is made of a fetching silver shell celluloid complemented by black hard rubber clip lock and blind cap as well as nickel-plated trim. It’s a button filler. To fill simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. Super-Flexible long-tined 14k British Parker nib is a real whopper of a Stub – just look at that tipping! Under normal pressure it lays down a F/M (approx .5mm) line on the down-stokes and XF line on the cross-strokes. And that line widens to an impressive 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). A versatile nib with strong snap-back and reliably wet flow under its full range of flex. Perfect for a range of calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian in a big, bold hand. Condition: near mint [B+]. Two problems plague the overwhelming majority of Televisors you’ll find in this color: discoloration and brassing to the comparatively less robust nickel-plating. This example has been spared these problems. Its color is evenly bright grey with no discernible darkening. And the trim shows no brassing or other notable flaws aside from the typical sliver on the clip ball. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. A wild writer in uncommonly good, collector-grade condition. Price: $230 SOLD
 
3. 1930s Webster Televisor by Parker (green shell, GPT, button filler, 14k F Semi-Flex/Flex nib). This full-sized model measures 5” capped. Founded in New York City c.1903, Webster was a house brand of the National Pen Products Company sold by Sears, Roebuck & Co. The company has been garnering interest in recent years for its collaboration with Parker in the 1930s, a partnership that spawned some unusual and unusually fetching pens made from Parker materials and parts (LINK). This pen is recognized as a product of that collaboration, being identical to a Parker Televisor in most respects. It's made of the same green shell celluloid complemented by black hard rubber crown and blind cap as well as gold-plated trim. Its signature difference from the Parker above is the clip, which is lined in Art Deco style. Like the Parker, this pen is a button filler. To fill simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the brass button once. Semi-Flexible 14k Webster nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.6mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it an excellent everyday writer with a bit of shading there when you need it. Condition fine [C] for personalization; otherwise excellent [B]. Webster offered personalizations for free with the purchase of a pen. And they did much to promote this ADVERT. For this reason, a considerable proportion of those that’ve survived are found with heatstamped personalizations on their barrels. This one, which once belonged to Earl Yohn, is no exception (DETAIL PHOTO). Gold-plated trim is exceptionally clean, having no brassing or other notable flaws apart from a sliver of wear along 1/4 of the lowest cap band’s bottom edge. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. An interesting curiosity for the Parker collector. Price: $190 SOLD
 
On Filling Vacumatics: Each of the 5 Vacumatic fillers below is filled by removing the blind cap, submering the nib, and depressing the plunger until the barrel is full.
 
4. 1942 Parker Vacumatic Junior (Silver Pearl, celluloid, NPT, Vacumatic filler, 14k F Semi-Flex nib). This full-sized 3rd gen model measures 5" capped. The Junior was basically a Major with a different trim configuration, its non-BD clip indicating that it did not carry Parker's lifetime guarantee, for which one paid a premium. This is a Junior in Silver Pearl with nickel-plated trim. Semi-Flex Vac Arrow nib lays down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a 3B or so (approx. 1.2mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). A nice nib for everyday writing with a little shading there if you need it. Condition: excellent/fine [B/C]. Nickel-plated trim is clean aside from some spots of brassing on the clip tassie on the back of the cap. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no notable blemishes aside from one scratch just under the imprint (see imprints photo). Color has darkened from age. But there is excellent barrel transparency with ink level visible when held to light (DETAIL PHOTO). Manufacturer imprint and date code on the barrel are deep and fully legible. A good candidate for a vintage EDC. Price: $120 SOLD
 
5. NOS 1946 Parker Vacumatic Major - Uninked w/ Stickers (Silver Pearl, celluloid, NPT, Vacumatic filler, 14k F/M nib). This full-sized 3rd gen model measures 5” capped. This pen is New Old Stock (NOS), apparently uninked, and stickered with original price ($8.75) and nib width (M) sticker as well. But it has been restored with a new diaphragm and filled with water for testing. Single black jewel on the cap and plastic plunger consistent with a 3rd generation Vac. 14k Parker Vac Arrow nib. Since I believe this pen has never been inked, I didn’t take a writing sample for sake of preservation. But a vintage Parker M usually corresponds to a modern F, which is what I designate as a F according to the standards above. If you’d like to buy this pen and don’t mind it being dipped, I’d be happy to test it out for you to confirm its smoothness and writing characteristics. But Parker’s nib-finishing dept was top notch and this one has been preserved as is from the factory. Condition: near mint [B+]. Nickel-plated trim is pristine aside from some negligible weathering on the clip – no brassing or dulling of its original luster. Color is perfect. Transparency is mint – as clear as they come with hardly even any yellowing in person (DETAIL PHOTO). Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint and date code on the barrel are factory deep and fully legible. Not easy to find a NOS Vac these days. Price: $350 SOLD
 
6. 1940 Canadian Vacumatic Maxima (Black, celluloid, Vacumatic Speedline filler, 14k B LF Oblique nib). This oversized 2nd/3rd-gen transitional model has a thick girth and measures 5 1/8” capped. Canadian Vacs are known for their anomalous details and this one is no exception. The single-jewel Maxima was a 3rd-generation Vac (1942-). And one would expect a US-made example to come with a Blue Diamond (split arrow) clip and Vacumatic filler with a plastic plunger. Yet this example has the feather-together clip and metal Speedline filler of a 2nd-generation pen (1937-41). What’s more, the blind cap not even made of celluloid; it’s black hard rubber! It is sometimes surmised that Parker used the smaller Canadian market as a testing ground for design changes before they were implemented in the US. If I were to guess, I’d say that’s what we’re dealing with here. Aside from the blind cap, this pen is made of black celluloid with gold-plated trim including wide chevron cap band. In characteristic Canadian fashion, the nib has an interesting grind. 14k Vac Maxima Arrow nib is a Left Foot Oblique (shaped like the top of your left foot viewed from above). It lays down a smooth and consistent B line on the cross-strokes and XF line on the down-strokes (see WRITING SAMPLE). An excellent choice for adding shading to everyday writing. Condition: excellent [B] apart from the nib. The nib performs as designed with no issues whatseoever. But it did come to me with some cosmetic flaws. There are some tool marks on the tines and the beginnings of a hairline crack emanating from the back of the breather hole (DETAIL PHOTO). Since this is not a flex nib, it won’t be under any pressure so I don’t expect this crack to ever get any worse than it is now. And I can offer a no questions refund if it does within a year. Alternatively, the spare two-tone 1940 Vac Maxima nib from this listing is still available, which I can swap into this pen at no extra charge on buyer’s request: ALT NIB. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from a little brassing around the top edge of the cap band. Decent transparency with ink level visible when held to light (DETAIL PHOTO). Smooth, lustrous surface with no noteworthy blemishes. Manufacturer imprint and date code on the barrel are weakened but still mostly legible under a loupe. Price: $380 [WITHDRAWN FROM SALE]
 
7. 1949 Parker 51 Flighter (stainless steel, GPT, Aerometric filler, 14k XF nib). This full-sized model measures 5 7/16” capped. Introduced in 1949, the Parker 51 Flighter is in many ways the ultimate vintage EDC. It combines the heft and durability of stainless steel with all the features that made the 51 the best-selling FP ever made. Engineered with the precision of a Swiss watch and built like a tank, the 51 introduced several innovations that continue to make it a favorite among writers, including convenient, clutch-activated cap and hooded nib that prevents it from drying out when left uncapped. This first-year example is made of stainless steel with gold-plated trim and grey pearlescent cap jewel. Its Aerometric filler holds approx. 1.1mL of ink and is among the most durable filling systems ever made, typically requiring nothing but a flush to get it working again after nearly 75 yrs. To fill simply unscrew the barrel from the hood, submerse the nib, and follow the directions on the filler by depressing the button 6 times. 14k 51 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Great flow and smoothness make it perfect quick note-taking and other everyday writing. Condition: excellent [B]. Stainless steel shows no dents, dings or other notable flaws apart from the typical dulling of the finish around the barrel near the clutch ring from capping the pen over the years. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from some high-point wear on the clip arrow. Manufacturer imprint and date code on barrel are factory deep and fully legible. Price: $300 SOLD
 
!8. 1948 Parker 51 Vac Demonstrator (transparent Lucite, Lustraloy cap, Vacumatic filler, 14k XF nib). I shot this pen separately on another occasion and those photos can be found here: 51 Vac Demo ALBUM. This full-sized model measures 5 3/8” capped. Like the other Big Four makers, Parker manufactured pens with transparent parts specifically designed to demonstrate their patented features. Such demonstrators were made available to dealers exclusively. They were never sold to customers, which makes them particularly tough to track down. That Parker 51 Vac demonstrator is perhaps Parker’s most celebrated since it demonstrates the inner workings of its complicated Vacumatic filler. This is a clean example with factory deep imprint and clear ‘8’ datecode. The Lustraloy cap is what one would expect from a 1948 model (Parker never made a transparent 51 cap). 14k 51 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Cap is clean with no dents, dings, or other notable flaws. Lucite has a smooth, lustrous surface with no noteworthy blemishes. Like all demonstrators, this one shows some non-value-affecting flaws on the interior of the pen that are likely quite prevalent among its opaque counterparts, even as they aren’t visible. In the case of this example, there appear to be some scratches, stress marks or crazing in the interior of the hood over the nib – similar to the imperfections one finds on the insides of Waterman HYP barrels. None of these reaches the surface. And you won’t find a Lucite pen with crystallization, so this doesn’t compromise the integrity of the plastic. What you're seeing in the area around the filler toward the back of the barrel is just lubricant applied to the diaphragm. Manufacturer imprint and date code on barrel are factory deep and fully legible. A clean example of an iconic Parker. Price: $550 SOLD
 
9. 1950s Parker 51 (Dove Grey, Lucite w/ Lustraloy cap, hoop filler, 14k XF/F nib). This model measures 5 1/16” capped. This one is a bit of an odd bird. It has the hoop filler that one expects to find on a 51 Special. But it has the 14k nib and grey pearl jewel of a standard 51. The length is also somewhat odd – measuring somewhere between the short, Demi model and a full-sized model. Research has revealed conflicting information about whether the Special received a gold nib later in its span of production or ever made a 51 Standard with a hoop filler. Whatever this is, it sure is a lovely writer! Made of Dove Grey Lucite with Lustraloy cap, it has a hoop filler that operates in the same way as an Aerometric filler but requires only 4 depressions to fill. 14k 51 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF/F line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent [B]. Lustraloy cap shows no dents or dings. But there are a couple small scratches on the right side of the clip near the top of the cap. The color of the barrel has lightened a little over the decades – only noticeable when you compare it to the portion covered by the cap. Lucite has a smooth, lustrous surface with no noteworthy blemishes. No manufacturer imprint or date code on barrel as these were phased out by the mid 1950s. Price: $90 SOLD
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. 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 $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, 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 $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). 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 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 me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” 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 over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS:

• Blue Conklin Endura Sr Eversharp Stenograph (thin “Doric”) Waterman Taperite Citation
  
• Superflex Waterman Thorobreds
  
• Waterman 12 Fine Silver Overlay
  
• Swan Minor NM Esterbrook Relief Oblique
  
• British Mentmore
  
• Striped Vac Duofold Sr
  
• Blue Carter’s
  
• Aurora 88 Demo LE w/ Mottishaw Cursive Italic
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac
  

This week’s vintage batch features overlong and otherwise oversized FPs from the 1920s-40s. Nibs range from Firm to Superflex with a couple Stubs thrown into the mix as well. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/apOFaTM
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs installed in the last couple weeks. 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, 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 started to adopt 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.
 
 
1. 1940s Waterman Taperite Citation (burgundy with transparent red barrel-end, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k Stubby Semi-Flex F nib). This full-sized model is a long pen, measuring 5 1/2” capped. When Parker’s 51 was introduced in 1941 and became an instant bestseller, the other Big Four makers scrambled to develop designs that would compete with the world’s most desirable pen. Waterman’s Taperite Citation was arguably the most successful. Like the 51, it features a clutch-activated cap for convenient (un)capping and a hooded nib that prevents the nib from drying out when the pen is left uncapped. Unlike the 51, these nibs were softer and more expressive – so you get the best of both worlds. In addition, the Taperite was made of celluloid. And some less common variants, like this one, featured a design feature carried over from the Hundred Year Pen: a fetching, transparent barrel-end matched to the color of the pen (DETAIL PHOTO). But it wasn’t only Parker from whom Waterman drew their inspiration. When the Taperite made its debut in 1945, two different models were available. The Stateleigh came with an all-metal gold-filled cap. Meanwhile, the Citation came with a celluloid cap having a wide, gold-plated cap band that bears a striking resemblance to the cap of Sheaffer’s Triumph. A smart combination of the most innovative designs of the decade together with Waterman’s signature aesthetic and workmanship, the Taperite Citation is in many ways the quintessential pen of the 1940s. This example in burgundy is equipped with a 14k Semi-Flexible Waterman nib that lays down a smooth, consistent, and somewhat stubby F line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Not a full-fledged Stub, mind you – just enough to keep your letterforms neat and straight. Under moderate pressure the line widens to a 2B or so (approx 1.0mm). A great nib for this pen, being perfect for quick note-taking yet more expressive than a 51 nib when you’d like to add some subtle shading. Condition: near mint [B+]. This pen is exceptionally well-preserved - like something plucked from a time-capsule. Like celluloid Hundred Year Pens, the vast majority of these crop up with crystallized barrel-ends. Odds of an intact end are about 1/50 in my experience. But the clear, red end of this pen is immaculate with no such flaws. Gold-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other notable. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint is factory deep and fully legible. One would be hard pressed to find a nicer example. Price: $260 $230
 
2. 1940 Parker Vacumatic Senior Maxima (Golden Pearl, celluloid, GPT, Vacumatic Speedline filler, 14k M Superflex Stub nib + spare 14k Two-Tone XF nib). This 2nd-generation oversized Vac has a thick girth and measures 5 1/4” capped. It’s made of Golden Pearl celluloid complemented by gold-plated trim including wide chevron cap band, tassies for its double black jewels, and blue diamond clip signifying Parker’s lifetime guarantee – all features one would expect to find on a 2nd-gen Vac. Also unique to 2nd-gen models is the longer bind cap with aluminum Speedline filler, an innovation over the lockdown fillers of the 1st generation. But what truly sets this pen apart is its 14k OS Vac Arrow nib, which is truly a monster! The overwhelming majority of Vacs came equipped with nibs that are impeccable writers yet decidedly firm. Not only is the nib in this pen Super-Flexible, but it also happens to be a Stub with a big glob of tipping. Under normal pressure it lays down a smooth and consistent M line on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross-strokes. Under light pressure the line widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.4mm) (see WRITING SAMPLE). Versatile variation, responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for a range of calligraphic writing styles including Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent- [B-]. The nib in this pen has a 3mm hairline extending from the back of the breather hole running parallel to the slit (see nibs photo). This currently has no adverse effect on the performance of the nib, which snaps back tight under full flex. Normally, I would downgrade my condition rating accordingly. But I’m including a spare two-tone XF Vac Maxima nib with a matching 1940 date code for the listed price. Gold-plated trim shows high point brassing on the clip arrow, some horizontal scratches on the cap band that don’t penetrate the plating, a couple pin-sized dings on the cap band indicia (see timestamp photo), and a close grouping of the same on one side of the blind cap tassie (DETAIL PHOTO). Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Barrel has excellent transparency with ink level visible when held to light DETAIL PHOTO). Manufacturer imprint and date code on barrel are deep and fully legible. Price $480 SOLD [on special request]
 
3. 1920s Conklin Endura Senior (Sapphire Blue, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k F nib). This oversized model has a thick girth and measures 5 1/4" capped. The Endura was Conklin's first earnest foray into colorful celluloid pens. These flat top models were offered in an array of color patterns, including the desirable Sapphire Blue, which bears some resemblance to the Lapis/Lazulitic Blues of Parkers and Wahls. The Endura Senior was the flagship, vying with the Parker Duofold's share of the market. Made of thick, robust materials, it has a substantial heft in the hand. This one features a wide cap band, patented rocker clip, and red annular rings on the cap and barrel. Crescent motif on the lever and nib hearken back to the Conklin Crescent-Filler: the pen that first put the company on the map. Commensurably oversized 14k Conklin Endura nib lays down a smooth and consistent F line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent- [B-]. Color is simply superb with none of the darkening commonly found on Sapphire Blue. Gold plated trim is clean aside from some wear to the top and bottom edges of the clip and brassing around 2/3 of the cap band along the bottom edge (see timestamp photo and DETAIL PHOTO). Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $450 $410 SOLD
 
4. c.1929 Schnell’s Penselpen (Black & Bronze, celluloid, GPT, shift (slide) filler), 14k XF Semi-Flex nib). This full-sized combination MP + FP measures a lengthy 5 13/16” capped. It doesn’t even fit into the tray, so I shot it with the pencil separated from the pen. Here’s what it looks like when everything is screwed together: DETAIL PHOTO1 DETAIL PHOTO2. Trained machinist, tool maker, and inventor Julius Schnell laid claim to having invented the fountain pen/mechanical pencil combo in 1890. Schnell worked for other companies including Weidlich, John Holland, and Edward Todd before founding his own operation c.1915 and manufacturing the first Schnell pen. It wasn’t until 1929 that Schnell introduced this combo, which he dubbed the Penselpen. Its rarity as well as its exceptionally high quality, innovative filling system and wildly unique clip design has earned the Penselpen a place in the pantheon of vintage icons highly sought after by collectors since the 1980s. The Penselpen is equipped with Schnell’s ingenious “shift” filler, which operates on the same principle as a lever filler. But instead of lifting the lever, one slides it forward once (parallel to the barrel) to fill the sac inside. But what makes the Penselpen most iconic is its famous “Airplane” clip, designed to commemorate Lindbergh’s 1927 transatlantic flight. To my knowledge, no other maker had the dashfire to fashion a clip this bold – only the sword clip of Parker’s Royal Challenger comes anywhere close. This example is made of a Black and pearlescent Bronze celluloid identical to that which Conklin used for the Endura. Semi-Flexible 14k Schnell’s Penselpen nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 2B or so (approx 1.0mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent [B]. This one comes from my personal collection. The term ‘rare’ is overused and abused for vintage pens. But I’d apply it to the Penselpen without hesitation. You could browse eBay and merchant websites for years without seeing another. And when they do crop up, once in a blue moon, they frequently exhibit replacement nibs and mangled clips (the wings and propellor were particularly susceptible to damage). The clip on this pen is pristine, showing no brassing or other notable blemishes. Ditto the lever. But there is a fine sliver of brassing around 1/3 of the cap band along the bottom edge (the 1st photo shows its vertical width). The only other noteworthy flaw to this combo is that the MP appears to be jammed; it no longer functions. The standard operating procedure here is to use a fine drill bit to remove the jammed lead, but I don’t have a bit small enough. All the same, considering its rarity, one would be hard pressed to find a nicer example. The state of the eraser shows how little use this pen saw. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $650 SOLD
 
5. 1930s Oversized Aurora/Conway Stewart Clone (grey pearl w/ red ribbons, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k M Superflex Stub nib). This oversized model has a thick girth and measures 5 5/16” capped. This high-quality, oversized pen exhibits no maker’s marks. But the same unusual and unusually eye-catching celluloid, consisting of grey pearl marble with pearlescent red ribbons throughout, was used by Conway Stewart on a couple of flagship models and by Aurora for their Selene (DETAIL PHOTO). In view of this pen’s design affinities with the Aurora, I suspect it’s of Italian origin – possibly even an Aurora sub-brand. The profile of the nickel-plated clip is particularly suggestive here. This pen is a button filler (see fillers photo). To fill, simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the brass button once. This pen came to me nibless, so I’ve outfitted it with a replacement nib befitting its fine quality and size: a 14k Waterman’s Ideal #4 Keyhold nib from England. That nib is a Stub with Super-Flexible softness and variation. Under normal pressure it lays down a smooth and consistent M line on the down-strokes and XF/F line on the cross-strokes. Under light pressure the line widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.4mm) (see WRITING SAMPLE). Versatile variation, responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for a range of calligraphic writing styles while the Stub grind keeps ones letterforms clean and straight. Condition: excellent [B]. Another pen from my personal collection. Nickel-plated trim shows specks of wear here and there but is generally clean and altogether free of brassing. The only notable flaw to this pen is some slight waviness to the cap bands on the right side of the cap (timestamp photo shows the worst of it). Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. A fetching pen and a lovely writer. Price: $330 SOLD
 
6. 1930s Imperiale “Doric” (grey and black marble, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This oversized model has a thick girth and measures 5 1/2” capped. This Italian pen comes from my 20 yr-old personal collection and I’ve never seen anything else like it. It’s a bit of an enigma, the only marking being “Imperiale” (the Italian word for imperial) stamped on the barrel. In many ways, it resembles a Wahl-Eversharp, having the same proportions and being faceted like a 1st-gen oversized Doric with the generous trim configuration including slender bands on the ends like a Deco Band. But facets of this pen are truly unique. Instead of running parallel to the body of the pen, they zig-zag, creating an effect that resembled roughly hewn marble from a quarry. The pen reflects light in so many directions, the effect is hard to capture on camera. But here’s a photo that exposes the shape of a single facet (DETAIL PHOTO). It must’ve required an astounding measure of time and effort to ensure that all the trim rings conformed to the facets. That trim is nickel-plated, a perfect complement to the black and shaggy grey pearl celluloid color pattern. This one came to me with a damaged Warranted Italian nib, which I’ve replaced with a 14k nib befitting this pen’s size and propinquity to the Doric. That nib is a Super-Flexible Wahl-Eversharp Gold Seal stamped ‘Flexible’ – the same one might find on a 1st-gen Doric. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE. Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: Nickel-plated trim has specks of wear, most of which are confined to the clip. But it’s generally clean. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $350 SOLD [on special request]
 
7. 1930s Eversharp Stenograph (Burma, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k XXF/XF nib). This model is unusually long and slender, measuring 5 1/2” capped. This uncommon pen was made specially for stenographers, who wrote quickly in shorthand. In many ways it resembles a Doric. It has a faceted cap and barrel, a faceted clip like the 2nd-gen Doric’s, and it’s made of the same black and pearl celluloid one finds listed as “Burma” in Eversharp adverts for the 1st-gen Doric. Unlike the Doric, however, this pen is a bulb-filler, a filling system uniquely suited to accommodating its slender size (see fillers photo). It stores ink directly in the barrel, thereby boasting greater ink capacity than a lever filler of the same size. It’s filled by unscrewing the bind cap, submersing the bib, and depressing the bulb until the barrel is full. In view of their specialized purpose, Stenograph nibs are universally firm but capable writers. The long, narrow 14k Eversharp nib in this pen is no exception. But it is somewhat unusual in having an upturned “Waverly-style” point to enhance smoothness (DETAIL PHOTO). That nib lays down a smooth and consistent XXF/XF line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Ideal for quickly jotting down notes or shorthand (does anyone still write in shorthand?). Condition: fine/fair [C/D]. This pen came to me with 3 tight hairline cracks in the cap lip extending from the opening to the cap bands. Using MEK and celluloid paste, I’ve solvent welded these cracks to restore much of the factory strength and durability of the cap – a method recommended by the top pen mechanics. The cracks are now all but invisible to the naked eye but can be made out under a loupe or in direct sunlight at very close proximity CLOSE-UP1 CLOSE-UP2 CLOSE-UP3. The surface has been finished to be smooth with no irregularities. And I’ll guarantee the repair for a year after the pen is purchased as long as the buyer promises not to jam the cap on the end of the barrel (posting with care is fine). Aside from that, this pen is quite well preserved. Nickel-plated trim is clean aside from spots of high point wear to the corners of the cap bands and brassing to the trim ring between the barrel and blind cap (assuming this ring was originally nickel-plated). Facets are sharp and celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes. These uncommon pens go for $500+ these days, but I’m offering a reduced the price in view of the repairs. **Price: $300 $270 SOLD
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. 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 $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, 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 $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). 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 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 me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” 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 over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS:

• Superflex Waterman 12 1/2 PSF
  
• Superflex Waterman Thorobreds
  
• Waterman 12 Fine Silver Overlay
  
• Swan Minor and NM Esterbrook Relief Oblique
  
• British Mentmore
  
• Striped Vac Duofold Sr
  
• Blue Carter’s
  
• Aurora 88 Demo LE w/ Mottishaw Cursive Italic
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac
  

This week’s vintage batch features early FPs from the Big Four American makers with exceptionally expressive nibs. The nibs range from Superflex to Wet Noodle and include a couple Factory Stubs and one custom dip-pen nib retrofit.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/t77NzCA
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs/seals installed in the last couple weeks. 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, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS (except #4 and #7), 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 started to adopt 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.
 
 
1. c.1917 Waterman 42 (BCHR, NPT, Safety filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This standard sized model has a thick girth (comparable to a 55’s) and measures 4 3/4” capped and 6 13/16” posted. First introduced in 1907 and manufactured into the 1930s, Waterman's Safety Pens feature retractable nibs much like the modern Montblanc Boheme's (see DETAIL PHOTO). The nib and feed are integrated into a spiral mechanism inside the barrel, which smoothly extends them for writing when the knob on the end of the barrel is turned clockwise. When fully extended, the feed creates an ink-tight seal at the mouth of the barrel to regulate flow. Turning the knob counter-clockwise retracts the nib into the barrel, which enables the barrel to be filled with an eyedroppepipette. Once the nib is retracted and the cap screwed on, the mouth of the barrel creates another ink-tight seal against a plug in the inner cap, preventing leaks into the cap when the pen is carried (hence the "Safety" moniker). This pen is made of black chased hard rubber. It came clipless from the factory but came to me with this French, nickel-plated Waterman’s Ideal accommodation clip. Super-Flexible 14k Ideal NY #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.4mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Fully disassembled and serviced, its cork seals replaced with more durable Nishimura’s o-rings, made specifically for these pens. Hard rubber is factory black with no discernible fading. Chasing is evenly sharp and deep with little discernible wear. Surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Nickel-plated clip is clean aside from a couple spots where its luster had dulled. Manufacturer imprints on the barrel and number stamp on barrel-end are deep and fully legible. Price: $290 SOLD
 
2. 1920s Wahl Pen (BCHR, Grecian Border pattern, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This standard-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. Before Wahl introduced its Gold Seal pens in the late 1920s, the company manufactured some stunning flat tops exemplified by this one. It's made of black hard rubber, chased in the geometric Art Deco design referred to by collectors as Greek Key or Grecian Border. Nickel-plated trim includes Wahl’s functional, patented roller-clip. I’ve seen models like this with ‘72’ stamped on the barrel-end but this one appears never to have had a number stamp. Super-Flexible 14k Wahl #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.4mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, highly responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another great choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: near mint [B+]. Hard rubber is factory black with no discernible fading. Chasing is factory sharp and deep with no discernible wear. Surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Nickel-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on cap is deep and fully legible. Price: $330 SOLD
 
3. 1910s Parker Jack-Knife (BCHR, NPT, button filler, 14k F/M Wet Noodle Factory Stub). This standard-sized model measures 5 1/4” capped. Manufactured roughly 3 decades after the company was founded in 1888, this early Parker features a Safety cap (marked "Jack-Knife Safety" with a 1912 patent date) designed not to leak when carried. Early, protuberant barrel-threads situate it’s manufacture shortly after that - 1916 patent clip could be a later upgrade. It's made of chased black hard rubber with nickel-plated clip. Lucky Curve X-mas Tree feed. One would expect to find a ‘3’ or ‘3 1/2’ or nothing stamped on the blindcap of this model since it has a #3 nib (the only difference between the model 2 and model 3) but this one has a blind cap stamped ‘2’ - perfectly-fitting and matching in condition of the rest of the pen but likely a replacement. This pen is a button filler. To fill simply unscrew the blindcap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. Early 14k “Lazy S” Parker Lucky Curve #3 nib is a Factory Stub Wet Noodle, having variation, flow, and softness comparable to that of a dip pen. Under normal pressure it lays down a smooth and consistent F/M line (approx .5mm) on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross-strokes. Under the slightest pressure beyond that the line widens to an impressive 4B+ (approx 2.7mm!) (see WRITING SAMPLE). Versatile variation under any amount of pressure, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make an ideal choice for a range of calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent cosmetically [B] but possible blind cap replacement would technically make it fair [D]. Cosmetically, this pen is excellent. Hard rubber is factory black with no discernible fading. Chasing is sharp and deep with little discernible wear. Surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Nickel-plated clip shows light wear but no deep brassing or corrosion. Manufacturer imprints on the barrel and cap as well as number stamp on barrel-end are all deep and fully legible. Price: $320 SOLD
 
4. 1920s Sheaffer 2 Flat Top (BCHR, GPT, lever filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Superflex nib). This standard-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. This pen is made of black chased hard rubber complemented by a deluxe, gold-plated trim configuration including wide, autograph cap band intended for engraving. 2 stamped on barrel-end. Super-Flexible 14k Sheaffer Self-Filling #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, strongest snap-back of the batch, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make another great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. It may not have the widest max line width of the bunch, but it makes up for it with snappy precision. If you’ve been looking for a flexible writer that responds to the slightest variation in pressure applied and does exactly what you want it to do every time, then this one’s for you. Condition: excellent- [B-]. Cap band has the professionally engraved monogram ‘M.E.L.’ in elegant Copperplate script. Hard rubber retains its dark black color with little discernible fading but the cap is a little more lustrous than the barrel. Chasing is sharp and deep with little discernible wear. Surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes aside from a small chip on one side of the lever box where the lever pivots – no cracks evident and it has no effect on lever’s operation. Nickel-plated clip shows light wear but no deep brassing or corrosion. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and number stamp on barrel-end are light but still fully legible. Price: $270 SOLD
 
5. 1920s Waterman 55 (BCHR, GPT, lever filler, 14k F/M Superflex Keyhole nib). This oversized model has a thick girth and measures 5 9/16” capped. To get an idea of its relative size, compare it to the Wahl 72 beside it, which is roughly the same size as a Waterman 52. This 55 is made of black chased hard rubber complemented by deluxe trim gold-plated configuration including hefty cap band. Super-Flexible 14k Ideal #5 Keyhole nib lays down a smooth and consistent F/M (.5mm) line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under light to moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE – note change to F/M after taking measurements). Wide max line width and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it an excellent choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Hard rubber retains its factory black color with no fading/oxidation on the cap and just a hint of it visible on the barrel under certain lights. Were it not for the cap’s color and chasing being near mint, one might judge the barrel’s to be as well. The barrel’s chasing is deeper and sharper than you’ll find on the vast majority of BCHR Watermans, but it’s not factory crisp like the cap’s – likely owing to it seeing more handling or polishing over the years. Surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes aside from one small nick on the edge of the barrel-end (see imprints and barrel-ends photos). Gold-plated trim is pristine with no notable wear aside from a hairsbreadth sliver of brassing on the top edge of the cap band under the clip and another much shorter (3mm) one in the same place on the back of the cap. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is weakened in the center but still fully legible. Number stamp on barrel-end is very faint but legible when the light strikes it. Price: $340 WITHDRAWN FROM SALE
 
6. c.1917 Waterman 12 1/2 PSF (BCHR, GPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This full-length, slender model (‘1/2’) measures 5 5/16” capped. The first Waterman lever fillers had a brief span of production from c.1915-17. They were marked ‘PSF’ (Pocket Self Filler) on the end of the barrel. Predecessors to the 52, PSFs were ostensibly identical aside from having a 2-piece pressure bar similar to Sheaffers’ instead of the later hanging bar design. This pen is made of black chased hard rubber with deluxe gold-plated trim configuration including wide, plain barrel band. Super-Flexible 14k Ideal NY #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another great choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Hard rubber retains its dark black color with just a hint of fading visible under certain lights. Gold-plated trim shows no notable flaws aside from the typical spot of brassing on the clip ball and a hairsbreadth sliver around 1/2 of the edge of the barrel band. Surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel and number stamp on barrel-end are deep and fully legible – the latter even including some of its original red fill. Price: $240 $220 SOLD
 
7. 1910s Waterman 12 1/2 Safety (BCHR, GPT, Safety filler, 14k XF Wet Noodle nib). For more on Waterman Safeties, including how they fill, see description of pen #1 above. This is the full-length, slender model (‘1/2’) but since it’s a safety its girth is comparable to a standard-sized 52. Measuring 5” capped, these early slender models were actually longer than later standard-sized models. This example came clipless from the factory but features a gold-plated (filled?) barrel band exquisitely engraved with a floral motif. 14k Ideal NY #2 nib is a Wet Noodle with variation, softness, and flow comparable to that of a dip pen. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, responsive snap-back, effortless variation, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it an ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent + [B+]. Hard rubber retains its dark black color with just a hint of fading to the barrel visible under certain lights. Chasing is factory sharp and deep with no discernible wear. Gold band on the barrel shows no brassing or other noteworthy blemishes. Indicia bears the professionally engraved monogram ‘D.E.P.’ in elegant Copperplate script. Main manufacturer imprint on the barrel and cap (DETAIL PHOTO) as well as number stamp on barrel-end are deep and fully legible. Imprint on smooth part barrel under the knob is light but legible when the light strikes it. Price: $290 SOLD
 
8. c.1908 Waterman 12 (BCHR, GPT, eyedropper filler, 14k XF Superflex Factory Stub nib). This standard-sized model measures 5 3/8” capped. Early Waterman eyedroppers like this one are getting harder to find these days. This one is made of black chased hard rubber with 2 gold-plated (filled?) barrel bands exquisitely engraved in a repousse snail motif. Barrel-end is stamped ‘12’ and slip-cap came clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a clip). This pen is an eyedropper. The section unscrews for the barrel to filled using an eyedroppepipette – holds far more ink than a lever filler of the same size. My usual caveats about early eyedroppers apply here. If carried, it is not uncommon to find a little ink on the nib or in the cap. 14k Ideal #2 nib with early imprint is a Super-Flexible Factory Stub, perhaps a Cursive Italic. Under normal pressure lays down a smooth and consistent XF line on the down-strokes and XXF line on the cross-strokes. Under light pressure the line widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) (see WRITING SAMPLE). This is a wildly unusual nib – incredible unflexed variation for such as small tipping size! That versatile variation as well as the nib’s strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make an ideal choice for a range of calligraphic writing styles. With that said, a sharp Stub grind on such a small tipping size entails that the writer needs to take care to keep the proper orientation of the nib to the paper in order to stay within the sweet spot. For this reason, I’d say this one is more for the advanced calligraphic writer than it is for the user who’s fastidious about smoothness at a range of angles. Condition: fine [C]. Under bright light the hard rubber shows even fading to a dark, dark brown though still appears black in more diffused lighting conditions. Chasing is sharp and deep on the cap but shows moderate wear on the barrel. Surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Barrel bands have no notable flaws aside from a little high-point brassing on a couple of the details on the band closest the nib (see uncapped photo). Like some other Watermans of the decade, this pen shows no manufacturer imprint on the barrel. And the ‘12’ number stamp on the barrel-end is weak but clearly Waterman’s font. Price: $230 SOLD
 
9. 1910-20s Floe-ze Eyedropper (BCHR, GPT, eyedropper filler, XXF Needlepoint Wet Noodle nib). This standard-sized model measures 5 5/16” capped. I haven’t been able to turn up a thing about this early eyedropper that appears to have been inspired by pens like the Waterman 12 above. Its only imprint is on the barrel and reads “Floe-eze.” It’s made of black hard rubber with 2 gold-plated barrel bands engraved in a snail motif. Again like the Waterman, it has a slip-cap (secured by friction) that came clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a clip). The pen is an eyedropper. The section unscrews for the barrel to filled using an eyedroppepipette – holds far more ink than a lever filler of the same size. My usual caveats about early eyedroppers apply here. If carried, it is not uncommon to find a little ink on the nib or in the cap. This pen came to me nibless, so I’ve opted to retrofit it with a properly sized dip pen nib and tune it to factory consistency and reliability. That long-tined 14k, iridium-tipped No. 2 nib is made by Mabie Todd NY. And it’s a Wet Noodle with painterly softness, variation, and flow. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Don’t be misled by the modest max line width. This is a smaller nib and the lack of breather means it can’t go as wide. But it makes up for that with Needlepoint hairlines, surgically precise snap-back, effortless variation, and reliable flow over its full range of flex. An ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Hard rubber is factory black with no discernible fading. Chasing is factory sharp and deep with no discernible wear. Surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Gold-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other notable blemishes aside from a couple 2mm spots of wear on the band closest the barrel-end. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $230 SOLD
 
10. 1910-20s “The Roose” by Mabie Todd (BCHR, eyedropper filler, 14k XF/F Flex/Superflex nib). This standard-sized model measures 5 5/16” capped. This simple, utilitarian eyedropper was made by Mabie Todd (as imprinted on the barrel), who called it “The Roose,” which is the name of a suburb in Cumbria, England but also a word meaning ‘praise’. It’s made of black chased hard rubber. It has a slip-cap (secured by friction) that came clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a clip). The pen is an eyedropper. The section unscrews for the barrel to filled using an eyedroppepipette – holds far more ink than a lever filler of the same size. My usual caveats about early eyedroppers apply here. If carried, it is not uncommon to find a little ink on the nib or in the cap. Since Warranted nibs were commonly used on sub-brands, I suspect the 14k Warranted #2 on this pen is original. It yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness, laying down a smooth and consistent XF/F line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under light/moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Good snap back and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for expressive writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Chasing is factory sharp and deep with no discernible wear. Hard rubber on the barrel is factory black but the cap shows fading to dark brown under bright lights. Surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $160 SOLD
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. 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 $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, 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 $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). 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 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 me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” 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 over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS:

• Superflex Waterman Thorobreds
  
• Waterman 12 Fine Silver Overlay
  
• Swan Minor and NM Esterbrook Relief Oblique
  
• British Mentmores and Burnhams
  
• Striped Vac Duofold Sr
  
• Blue Carter’s
  
• Aurora 88 Demo LE w/ Mottishaw Cursive Italic
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac
  

Originally from this prompt: [WP] You're still alive after the heat death of the universe, unfortunately there is no snail coming for you. Everytime you would die an angel has revived you, firmly reminding you "You must save the world", very unhelpful but the garden is going well.
***
'Quantum tunneling should do it eventually', I think to myself as I dig out another crystal carrot. It's not really a carrot, and I think not technically a crystal either, but I don't really know. Quantum tunneling did it for the iron stars when it turned them all liquid. Must have been a cool sight. Unfortunately I'm still limited to the visible spectrum, so all I got was what the Boltzmann brain related to me.
I miss them, the Boltzmann brain. They were so happy to meet me, the only other sentient creature in the universe as far as they were concerned. They told me how they had come into existence with a full set of memories about being a sentient insect, part of a vast interstellar empire of sentient insects, only to find out everything had been made up by randomness. It seriously made me question my own memories.
Then the Boltzmann brain slowly dissolved over a period of a million years. After it was gone I tried once more to kill myself. Just walked out of the Bubble -there's nothing really stopping me- and drowned in the liquid space out there, which really isn't that different from dying of exposure to the void, when there was a void. I basically died from oxygen deprivation and lack of pressure. I guess the really interesting stuff in this liquid space is happening on the subatomic level.
And of course I woke up again, the angel hovering there above me, all green and blue and black oval splotches. It was peacock's eyes all along that the people writing the scriptures were referring to. Instead of terrifying, the angel looks kind of silly. Just this mass of stuff that looks more like a bunch of peacock feathers than anything else.
"YOU MUST SAVE THE WORLD", the angel declared once more, and then it disappeared unceremoniously.
There was a time when the angel told me more things, intoned his command, made vague allusions, perhaps promises or threats. It stopped doing that around the time the last black hole evaporated.
Of course, I didn't witness the last black hole evaporate. Some trillion years later a wandering divine level A.I. stumbled upon the Bubble, learned to speak to me and told me what had been going on out there. I just made some calculations, gave up and decided that had coincided with the angel becoming less verbose.
I begged the A.I. to kill me, its powers were godlike after all. It was very interested in the fact that I, an "evolutive semi-sentience" as it called me, was immortal. It was also very interested in meeting the angel, which the A.I. was convinced must be a "true iterative sentience" like itself.
So the A.I. stopped my existence. And then I was back and the A.I. got all excited and started talking to the angel. The angel simply made its declaration, ignored the A.I., and disappeared again.
Of course this piked the A.I.'s interest even more, since it told me it hadn't been able to detect anything related to either the arrival or the departure of my "savior". For the next few years we kept trying, the A.I. to interact with the angel, and me to finally die.
Turns out divine level A.I. can get bored, and one morning it wasn't there anymore, leaving me a note, written on actual paper with actual ink and in actual cursive, saying it had to be moving on. Previously it had related to me its plans to fuse with the quantum foam of the universe. I wonder if it managed to do so and if the generalized tunneling effect spared it, or if it even needed to spare it at all.
I walk to the Tree. It's just a fig tree that I called the Tree of Good and Evil. It may be the second most ancient organism left in the universe, after me. The figs have mostly lost their taste, but I think that's my problem, not the tree's. The fig tree is also the only green plant in the whole Bubble, all other vegetation possesses different colors, coming from different worlds from far back, when there were still worlds out there. I cut a few figs and collect some leaves to make tea, put it all in my basket and walk over to the necrophage cacti.
Not real cacti, of course, not technically vegetation, probably. Far as I know, their only similarity with plants as I knew them back on Earth, is that they use the same elements and similar molecules, but I don't even think they have cells, or the stuff I'd call cells, anyway. However they're more or less round, possess sharp needles, and don't move around. So I call them cacti even if they're deep dark red.
I squat and rearrange the skeletons around the "plant". Periodically I'll kill myself near it, or just lay down and wait for the non-cacti to kill me, so that my decaying corpses nurture it.
I guess it's morbid to keep this garden of remains around the cacti, but a part of me wants the angel to see it and decide it's been enough, and one day maybe let me die for good.
After walking around the garden for a while longer, appreciating the collection of vegetation-like life, in the cases I can call them life, I go back inside the house, leave my basket on the kitchen counter, and then stab my heart with the crystal carrot. The high is delicious, a true heart orgasm. This time, in the moments before death, I witness the beginning and end of a star ring maker civilization.
"YOU MUST SAVE THE WORLD", declares the angel, hovering above me.
I nod and get up, my body back in my early twenties, my clothing immaculate, no hint of wounds.
Back to the kitchen, where my corpse is still twitching from the electric discharges on the nerves caused by the crystal carrot. I drag the body back outside, to the nanite zen garden, and toss it into the gray sand, which eagerly consumes it and then rewards me with thin fractal towers which dance in joy. There was a time when the nanites would try to consume me and everything else in the Bubble, but then they stopped, I don't know why. Now they only consume what I feed them.
Up in the Bubble, the mock sun makes it's daily pass across the sky. A Kardashev III civilization gifted me this Bubble after they found me huddling inside the remnants of a bunker, in the debris field that used to be Earth. Back then the angel was bringing me back every three minutes or so, after my body would die from exposure to the void. It's a confusing time in my memory, hell basically. Life-pain-death-life, over and over. The same Kardashev III civilization that found me treated my mind, otherwise I'd have spent the rest of eternity a babbling mess. They were very interested in the phenomenon that was me, studied me for a couple million years. Then they began to decline and in their kindness gave me the Bubble after they'd figured out I could go on forever and they were heading towards extinction.
They also gave me some device, a background microwave radiation emitter, and the mission to continually broadcast data. I think some of them exist somehow in that data, and they hope to make it through the eternity-like border of this universe and into the singularity-like border of another. Best of luck to them. I guess in a way it could be argued that I'm saving their world, unfortunately the angel is not interested in that argument.

This week’s vintage batch features gold and silver overlays from first-tier makers of the 1900s-20s, including a couple from my personal colelction. Nibs range from Super-Flexible to Wet Noodle. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/9PkRq5f
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs installed in the last couple weeks. 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, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS (except #3, #5, and #6), 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 started to adopt 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.
 
 
1. 1910s-20s Waterman 0552 1/2V (Gothic Pattern, GF over HR, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This vestpocket (V) model measures 3 3/4” capped and 5” posted. A nice little ring top overlay in the Art Deco pattern Waterman called Gothic. Ring top was designed to enable the pen to be worn on a chatelaine, necklace, or pocket chain. The overlay makes it quite a bit heavier than your standard 52 1/2V. Super-Flexible 14k Ideal #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines variation, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent- [B-]. Overlay shows no dents or dings. And no brassing to the overlay or lever aside from a moderate amount on the knurled end from posting the cap over the years. Ends are nice and round. Indicia for engraving on the barrel has been left blank. Manufacturer imprints on barrel and cap are sharp and fully legible.Price: $220 $200~~ SOLD
 
2. 1921-7 Wahl All Metal Pen in Box (Dart Pattern, GF over HR, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). Measures 4 5/8” capped and 5 15/16” posted. A relative latecomer to the FP market in the late 1910s, Wahl applied the manufacturing techniques it had long used to make mechanical pencils to the production of a new, "all metal" fountain pen design (as opposed to metal over hard rubber). Over the course of the 1920s, these pens became a canvas for a plethora of Art Deco patterns, which where mechanically engraved into the pens – or "engine turned," as the catalogues put it. This model, marked gold-filled, exhibits an eye-catching Art Deco Wahl called Dart. It comes in its original factory box, which in itself is pretty cool: BOX1 BOX2. Super-Flexible 14k Wahl #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 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 great choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. At a glance, this pen appears to be near mint. The only flaws are very minor: some pin-sized marks on the section and tiny dings around the edge of the cap’s crown - they're so small that it remains nice and round. The rest of the pen is pristine, free of dents, dings, and brassing. Manufacturer imprint on cap is sharp and fully legible. Box is showing its age with side flap missing (see photo above) and wear to the edges. A lovely writer in uncommonly well-preserved condition. Price: $280 SOLD
 
3. 1910s-20s Waterman 0552 (Pansy Panel, 18k GF over HR, lever filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Superflex nib). This standard sized model measures 5 7/16” capped. This one epitomizes how Waterman's overlays exhibit a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that is all but unmatched by anything being made today. This gold-filled overlay pen features one of the maker’s most exquisite Art Deco motifs, an overlay pattern known as Pansy Panel. The design consists of panels burgeoning with leaves and flowers (DETAIL PHOTO). Both clip and back of lever globe are stamped “18 KT FILLED.” Super-Flexible 14k Ideal #2 nib that exemplifies the expressive writing characteristics of early Watermans. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). This one might not have the widest max line width of the bunch, but experienced calligraphers know that snap-back and unflexed line width are just as important. This one delivers needlepoint hairlines, most precisely responsive snap-back of the bunch, and generous flow under full flex, making it exceptionally well suited for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. There is a professionally engraved monogram on the barrel indicia, specifically designed for this purpose (see timestamp photo). An intriguing vestige of the historical particularity of this pen, whose original owner preserved it with care for a lifetime. These pens are frequently found heavily brassed with engraved details weakened by years of wear. But the pattern on this one appears as sharp and deep as it did when it left the factory. No dents to the overlay and no dings aside from a lone pin-sized one at the top of the cap on the backside (see detail photo above). No brassing to the metal parts or overlay aside from a fine sliver around the end of the barrel overlay on the nib side and another fine sliver around the top of the cap’s crown. Both quite inconspicuous and cap’s crown is perfectly round. Hard rubber retains its factory black color with smooth, lustrous surface and no notable blemishes. And imprint toward the end of the barrel as well as number stamp on the barrel-end are sharp, deep, and fully legible. An exceptional writer in collector-grade condition, worthy of being passed down for generations to come. Price: $410 SOLD
 
4. c.1906 Waterman 12 Fine Silver Overlay (fine [.999] silver over HR, Art Nouveau vine and flower filigree, eyedropper filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. Waterman’s early overlays with hand-cut filigrees appear to have been introduced in the 1890s. And they are orders of magnitude scarcer than the later overlays, like the one above, that were machined and slipped over the hard rubber bodies. Scarcer still are early fine silver overlays like this one, which is made of .999 pure silver (as marked) vs .925 pure sterling. It’s generally agreed that these were made through a process called electrodeposition. The overlays were plated onto the hard rubber then the filigree was cut and engraved by hand. This fine silver overlay predates the introduction of Waterman’s revised numbering system c.1908, when pens with overlays began to be stamped with a 3-digit model code on the barrel-end (SOURCE). This one is simply stamped ‘12’ on the end. The overlay design is an exquisite and finely wrought Art Nouveau motif consisting of winding vines and one large flower on the cap. Truly stunning in person. It’s an eyedropper filler, which is filled directly in the barrel with an eyedroppepipette once the section is unscrewed. Super-Flexible 14k long-tined Ideal NY #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx. 2.4mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, easy variation, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it an excellent choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. Fine silver is even softer than sterling, so these overlays were especially prone to wear. This one is in exceptionally good shape, with only some minor scratches and pin-sized dings here and there. What’s more, unlike the vast majority of fine silver overlays with weak to non-existent manufacturer imprints due to wear, the imprints on this pen are clear and distinct (roughly 9/10): IMPRINT1 IMPRINT2 IMPRINT3. Most astonishing of all the black hard rubber on this pen retains its factory black color with no discernible fading, smooth and lustrous finish, and no notable blemishes. Indicia on the barrel has been left blank. Number stamp on barrel end is faint but legible (DETAIL PHOTO). Not often that one of these comes up for sale – this is only the 2nd I’ve had to offer in the last decade. **Price: ~~$570 $550~~ SOLD
 
5. 1910s-1920s Mabie Todd Overlay (check and bar gothic pattern, sterling silver over HR, lever filler, 14k XF Wet Noodle nib). This standard sized model measures 5 1/4” capped. Mabie Todd was founded in 1859 and incorporated as Mabie Todd & Co in 1907. The company was based in New York City but opened a London factory in 1909. This pen has a Mabie Todd NY imprint that includes “Made in USA” at the end of the barrel. Yet it’s nib is marked Toronto. I didn’t even know MT had a Toronto factory! Perhaps this one was made for export to Canada, where it was equipped with a nib – a practice common among the Big Four American makers. Based on the lever and clip date its was manufactured from 1919-27. The cap of this pen is of all metal construction like the Wahl above, but the barrel is hard rubber with an overlay. The metal is sterling silver, as marked on the barrel imprint. This pen is engraved in an interesting machine-turned pattern resembling Waterman’s Gothic motif (see pen #1). Solid sterling silver gives it a substantial weight in the hand 14k Mabie Todd #2 nib is a Wet Noodle with flow and softness rivaling that of a dip pen. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Effortless variation, thin hairlines, precision snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it an ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. Note that I like to preserve the patina of sterling silver pens since I prefer the character it gives them. So this one and the others have been given only a light polish. I can polish off the patina before shipment on buyer’s request. This pen comes from my personal collection: the result of 20 years of hunting the best examples I could find. It’s a clean example, with the only notable flaws being a pin-sized ding to the right of the imprint at the end of the barrel and 2 pin-sized dings on the cap situated just above and to the right of the clip (DETAIL PHOTO). There is a professionally engraved monogram on the barrel indicia, specifically designed for this purpose (see timestamp photo). IMO less a flaw on an overlay than an intriguing vestige of the historical particularity of a pen, whose original owner preserved it with care for a lifetime. Apart from that, this one is near mint. Hard rubber parts are factory black with no fading and manufacturer imprint at end of barrel is sharp and fully legible. A fetching pen with a nib that’s guaranteed to please. Price: $460 SOLD
 
6. 1920s Edward Todd Combo Overlay (sterling silver over HR, lever filler, XF Wet Noodle nib). This combo has a standard girth but is quite long, measuring 5 5/8” capped. Edward Todd of NY was one of the earliest and most venerable FP makers. The company got its start manufacturing dip pens in partnership with Mabie Todd & Co. In 1881 and continued to manufacture pens independently under the direction of Edward Todd Jr. until 1932. This combo FP and MP resembles other All Metal models from the 1920s made by Louis Tamis, Hicks, and Twinpoint. Like those it lacked any maker’s marks apart from the nib as it was made to be sold exclusively by high-end retailers such as Cartier and Tiffany. Its only markings are "Sterling" with a hallmark (see imprints photo) and a patent number (DETAIL PHOTO). It’s of sterling silver construction in a wild, machine-turned pattern I’ve never seen on any other pen. Horizontally and vertically lined portions separated by convex rings that give it a great feel in the hand. All of this is complemented by a beautiful teardrop clip. 14k Edward Todd #3 nib is a Wet Noodle with flow and softness rivaling that of a dip pen. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.4mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Easy variation, thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent/excellent [B/B+]. Note that I like to preserve the patina of sterling silver pens since I prefer the character it gives them. So this one and the others have been given only a light polish. I can polish off the patina before shipment on buyer’s request. This pen comes from my personal collection: the result of 20 years of hunting the best examples I could find. In all that time I’ve never seen another like it. And it’s flawless aside from a couple dings on the nose cone of the pencil side (see timestamp photo). No other dents, dings, or value-affecting blemishes. But there is a professionally engraved monogram on the barrel indicia, specifically designed for this purpose (see timestamp photo). MP is fully functional, expelling, retracting, and gripping lead as designed when the nose-cone is turned. An unusual and unusually fetching combo with a nib to die for. Price: $390 $360 SOLD
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. 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 $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, 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 $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). 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 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 me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” 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 over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS:*

• Swan Minor and NM Esterbrook Relief Oblique
  
• British Mentmores and Burnhams
  
• Striped Vac Duofold Sr
  
• Superflex Waterman 55
  
• Blue Carter’s
  
• Aurora 88 Demo LE w/ Mottishaw Cursive Italic
  
• Flexible Conway Stewart 15 in Casein
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac
  

Hello everyone, welcome to my fountain pen journey story.
So my fountain pen journey began when I first laid my eyes on a fountain pen online, the Sailor Limited Edition 1911S 4AM fountain pen. It was released in 2019 when I was still in college. I felt like I had a special connection to the time of 4am as I remember waking up one morning and seeing the most beautiful blue hue that was similar to that pen body color. After seeing that Sailor fp, I would occasionally look at the photos of that pen since it was always on my mind, but the thought of it eventually faded since I couldn’t afford it at that time. Fast forward a year later, I got to know of the Fountain Pen Reddit community and was browsing when I think I saw someone’s post of the Sailor Pro Gear Slim Fountain Pen – Four Seasons Yukitsubaki. That led me to search for the fountain pen and it became my very first fountain pen purchase, which still brings me a lot of joy, as I use it every other week in my rotation of fountain pens. I paired it with the Sailor Shikiori Yozakura ink and have been using the combination up till now.
Then, in the summer of 2021, as a gift for graduating college, my mom and I split the cost of the limited edition Sailor x Pentonote Pro Gear Realo "Light of Shineha", which I bought using a proxy from Japan. That was my second fountain pen, but at that time, because I was still debating on whether to buy it or not, the other nib sizes became out of stock and the only nib size left was EF, which I wasn’t completely happy about. However, I still bought it because I was absolutely in love with the pen body, and I eventually got used to writing with it. As for my third fountain pen, I asked for a Lamy Safari in all black, medium nib for my bday present, to use for the Ferris Wheel Press inks (both inks were also part of my requested bday presents). I love that the Lamy is able to show the shading and shimmers of the inks well, and the nib doesn’t get clogged easily even though I don’t clean it out that often.
Overall, I use these three pens in rotation, using one for each new week in my diary. Using these pens have enriched my life as I feel a sense of purpose when I write with them, especially since I only mainly write in cursive when using them. It makes me more careful before putting down each word as I can’t use white-out. Furthermore, seeing the ink color on the page always makes me happy, especially when I use the Ferris Wheel Press Edwards Gardens, which has gold shimmer in it. After writing with that ink, I love to hold my diary up to the light and tilt it back and forth to see the shimmer and shading in action.
As for what I’m hoping to buy from Endless Pens soon, it would be some of the Trouble Maker shimmer and sheening inks, as I’ve always wanted to try their inks. For fountain pen, it would be the Sailor Fountain Pen - Pro Gear Slim - Shikiori Japanese Fairy Tale in Grateful Crane. (As you can tell, I love fountain pens with gold trim haha.)

This week’s vintage batch features colorful pocket-sized pens from the 1920s-30s with expressive nibs. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/mq6snI0
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs/seals installed in the last couple weeks. 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 #9), 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 started to adopt 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.
 
 
1. 1930s Salz Peter Pan Ring Top (cream & black stripe with jeweled cap, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This diminutive pen measures 3 5/16” capped and 4 1/8 posted. Made by the Salz company (c.1918 - 1950) who named it after the fictional character, the Peter Pan was a diminutive novelty pen introduced around 1920. Peter Pans have gained quite a following in recent years owing to their dazzling array of colors and patterns. This one is no exception, being made of a cream and black striped celluloid with 6 imitation diamonds embedded around the top of the cap. TGold plated lever stamped ‘Peter Pan’ and ring top. The pen is small enough that it could be comfortably worn as a necklace using the ring on the captop. 14k Super-Flexible Peter Pan nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). An astonishing max line width for a nib of this size! Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. Gold-plated trim is exceptionally clean with no brassing or other notable wear. All jewels on the cap are present. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes aside from a spot beside the lever where the c-ring that affixes it into the barrel has worn a small divot into the plastic. No cracks there and merely cosmetic, having no effect on the operation of the lever. A charming little pen with a nib that packs a punch! Price: $150 SOLD
 
2. 1920s Gold Starry Baby Safety Overlay (sterling silver over MHR, safety filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). Measures 3 7/8 capped and 5 1/8” posted. Founded in 1909, Gold Starry was a French maker known for high quality pens often produced in collaboration with Conway Stewart. Having retractable nibs, Safety pens were promoted for their pocket-sized portability, and most standard-sized models were under 5” capped (e.g. the Waterman 42s at 4 3/4”). This is an uncommon baby-sized safety in a configuration that’s downright rare for any maker: mottled red and black hard rubber with a sterling silver overlay. For some reason, the overwhelming majority overlays were reserved for black hard rubber pens. Sterling over MHR is quite a find indeed. The overlay itself is a latticework design with cannelured ends that accentuate the distinctive Gold Starry knurling on the barrel end of the pen. The pen is unmarked but for what I believe to be 2 sets of tiny hallmarks: one on the cap- and one on the barrel-overlay. DETAIL PHOTO1 DETAIL PHOTO2: the second detail photo shows what the pen looks like with the nib retracted. This is a Safety pen. Safety Pens feature retractable nibs much like the modern Montblanc Boheme's. The nib and feed are integrated into a spiral mechanism inside the barrel, which smoothly extends them for writing when the knob on the end of the barrel is turned clockwise. When fully extended, the feed creates an ink-tight seal at the mouth of the barrel to regulate flow. Turning the knob counter-clockwise retracts the nib into the barrel, which enables the barrel to be filled with an eyedroppepipette. Once the nib is retracted and the cap screwed on, the mouth of the barrel creates another ink-tight seal against a plug in the inner cap, preventing leaks into the cap when the pen is carried (hence the "Safety" moniker). Like eyedroppers, Safeties hold far more ink than comparable lever-filling pens and they’re more ink-tight when carried. But you have to remember to cap the pen only with the nib retracted and pointed upward to avoid a lap full of ink. Super-Flexible 14k Gold Starry nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 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 great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. I replaced this pen’s failing cork seal with David Nishimura’s more durable rubber o-rings designed for safeties like this one. The pen now operates smoothly without leaks or other issues. Overlay has no dents, dings, or other notable flaws – and naturally no brassing since it’s solid sterling. The overlay covers the captop, which is perfectly round with no flaws. Hard rubber parts have no deep scratches or other notable flaws. An exquisite pen and a lovely writer. Price: $340 SOLD
 
3. 1920s Aikin Lambert Capitol Lady Dainty Ring Top (BCHR, NPT, lever filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Superflex nib). Measures a hair under 4 1/2” capped and 5 1/2” posted. Aikin Lambert manufactured nibs for various makers including Waterman and made a handful of pens of their own before LE Waterman purchased the company in 1915. If the Capitol Cabinet was the counterpart to Waterman’s 52, this Capitol Lady Dainty is essentially a 52 1/2v. It’s made of black chased hard rubber with nickel-plated lever and ringtop on the cap for attachment to a chatelaine, pocket chain, or necklace. Super-Flexible 14k Aikin Lamber #1 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint yet buttery smooth hairlines, superbly responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it IMO the best nib of the bunch for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent+/near mint [B+]. Hard rubber retains its deep black color with virtually no fading. Chasing is factory crisp with no discernible wear. Nickel-plated trim is pristine with no brassing. Hard rubber has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $160 SOLD
 
4. 1930s Leboeuf Unbreakable Ring Top (golden pearl swirl, GPT, lever filler, 14k XF/F Flex nib). Measures a hair under 4 1/2” capped and 5 1/4” posted. Like Chilton, LeBoeuf is one of those small, early makers whose pens are especially sought after for their small production numbers as well as their unusual materials and filling systems. Exceedingly tough to find clean, they remain some of the most collectible vintage FPs out there (MORE INFO). The company, which flourished for only about a decade in Springfield, Mass. (1921-33), was one of the first to manufacture pens made of celluloid. These were offered in a wide range of unusual and unusually attractive color patterns, many of them unique to this maker. This pen is a case in point. It’s made of a golden brown pearl swirl celluloid with incredible chatoyance in person. Gold-plated trim includes lever stamped ‘Leboeuf’ and ring top with protective crown on captop for attaching to a chatelaine, pocket chain, or necklace. A cool feature of this pen is that the barrel-end is threaded for the cap to screw on for posting. Replacement 14k Warranted nib has Flexible softness with variation verging on Super-Flexible. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF/F line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 1.9mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Reliable flow over its full range of flex. A great nib for shaded writing. Condition: cosmetically near mint [B+] but has a replacement nib [D]. Color on this one is 10/10 – no discoloration at all. For comparison, here’s what these usually look like: TYPICAL LEBOEUF. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from one tiny spot of brassing on the pivot-end of the lever and a couple inconspicuous dings on the metal crown on the captop. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes . Manufacturer imprint on barrel is slightly weakened but still fully legible. If you were to source a Leboeuf nib for this one, you’d have the nicest Unbreakable ring top I’ve ever seen. Price: $180 SOLD
 
5. 1930s Mabie Todd Swallow Ring Top (black with orange red veins, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k F Flex/Superflex nib). Measures 4 1/2” capped and 5 13/16” posted. In the hierarchy of Mabie Todds the Swallow occupied the same place as the Jackdaw. For MT these models offered themselves up as test subjects for experimentation with different color patterns and designs over the years, so their appearance varies enormously in the course of their evolution. This early (flat-top) Swallow is made of black celluloid with fiery orange-red veins running through it resembling lava – quite eye-catching in person! Gold-plated trim with ring top on cap for attaching to a chatelaine, pocket chain, or necklace. 14k MT&Co #2 nib yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Nice wet flow that’s reliable over its full range of flex. A great nib for expressive and calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent- [B-]. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from some minor spots of wear on the cap band around one side of the cap (see capped first photo) and brassing to the edges of the lever. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $170 SOLD
 
6. 1930s-40s Waterman 32A-V Thorobred Set (red pearl block with green stripes, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). FP measures 4 1/4” capped and 5 1/2” posted. Manufactured for a very short time in the late 30s, the Thorobred is comparatively less documented than other Waterman models of the era. It's a shame since the celluloids that Waterman used for these pens are stunning (and some of my personal favorites). This matching FP and MP set is made of celluloid in stunning color pattern comprised of red pearl blocks interspersed with fine green stripes. Note that this color is exclusive to the pocket-sized models – no full sized red Thorobreds were ever made. Nickel-plated hardware in charming Art Deco style with military clip enabling the pen to ride low in the pocket. Super-Flexible 14k Ideal nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. This set comes from my personal collection – the result of 2 decades of hunting the cleanest examples I could find. Nickel-plated trim on these was more susceptible to brassing and corrosion. The trim on this set is pristine aside from a little dulling of the luster of the cap band on the backside of the cap. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches on the FP! Twist-activated MP is fully operational, restracting, expelling, and gripping lead is designed when the black portion/nose cone is turned. Manufacturer imprint on barrel of FP, cap of MP, and number stamp on FP barrel-end are all factory deep and fully legible. Price: $230 SOLD
 
7. 1930s Waterman 3v (Claret, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k F/M Flex/Superflex nib). This standard girth, vestpocket (V) model measures 4 1/4” capped and 5 1/4” posted. To my knowledge, the vestpocket version of the 3/32 was the only US-made Waterman model available in the deep red, pearlescent marble color catalogued as "Claret." Nickel-plated hardware in charming Art Deco style with military clip enabling the pen to ride low in the pocket. 14k Waterman Ideal #2A nib yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent F/M line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under moderate pressure. Thin hairlines, strong snap-back and reliable flow over its full range of flex make a great choice for calligraphic writing styles (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent- [B-]. Nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or other notable flaws aside from a bit of corrosion on the left side of the clip. The rest of the trim is immaculate. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and model code on barrel-end are factory deep and fully legible – both even contain their original green fill. Price: $160 SOLD
 
8. c. 1935 Sheaffer Lifetime Flat Top (Jade celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k XF nib). Measures 4 1/2" capped and 5 7/8" posted. A late Lifetime flat top in the later, more vibrant Jade color and flat ball clip. White dot on the crown of the cap signifying Sheaffer’s lifetime guarantee. 14k Lifetime nib lays down a firm yet smooth and consistent XF line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent +[B+]. The color of this pen is about 9/10 with scarcely any darkening of the bright green color. Gold-plated trim is clean with no brassing aside from a tiny spoot on the end of the lever. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous finish with no deep scratches or other notable flaws – scarcely any microscratches even! Manufacturer imprint on barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $170 $155 SOLD
 
9. 1920s Sheaffer Lifetime Flat Top (black, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k F nib). This short, standard girth model measures 4 9/16” capped and a hair under 6” posted. This scaled-down version of the Oversized Lifetime Flat Top has a white dot on the crown of the cap signifying Sheaffer’s Lifetime guarantee. It’s made of black celluloid with gold-plated trim. 14k Shaeffer Lifetime nib lays down a firm yet smooth and consistent F line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: fine/fair [C/D]. This pen would grade as excellent/near mint were it not for one hairline crack in the cap lip that extends up to the cap band, which has been factored into the price. The crack has been properly repaired by solvent welding it with MEK and celluloid paste – the method recommended by the best, restoring much of the robustness of the material (DETAIL PHOTO). It’s now all but unnoticeable unless pointed out. Guaranteed for a year not to reopen or your money back – though it should be good for life as long as you don’t post too firmly. A very clean pen aside from that. Gold-plated trim is pristine aside from a thin sliver of brassing on the lower cap band above the repaired crack (see photo above). Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $70 SOLD
 
10. c.1933 Sheaffer Balance 3-25 Ring Top (Grey Pearl w/ red veins, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k XXF/XF nib). This short, slender model measures 4 3/4” capped and 5 5/8” posted. One of the most fetching Balance colors, Grey Pearl with red veins was only manufactured for a brief period (1931-5). This Grey Pearl Balance is made scarcer and more unusual by the fact that it’s a factory ring top, a fashion that was arguably outmoded by the time this pen was made. Gold-plated trim includes ring on the cap’s crown for attaching to a chatelaine or pocket chain. 14k Sheaffer 3-25 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XXF/XF line – incredibly smooth for its width (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent+/near mint [B+]. Gold-plated trim shows no brassing or other notable blemishes. Celluloid surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy flaws – scarcely even any micro-scratches. Good color - even between barrel and cap. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $120 $110 SOLD
 
11. 1930s WASP Clipper (Grey Circuitboard, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 12K F Flex nib). This is the short model, measuring a hair over 4 1/2" capped and 5 7/8" posted. A WASP Clipper in the unusual celluloid pattern that collectors have come to call "circuitboard," which gives off a quasi-holographic effect in person as the different shades of the squares catch the light as the pen is turned. Nickel-plated hardware in Art Deco style. This is an example of a Type 2 Clipper, having a less streamlined profile and chamfered nickel-plated caps on the ends (see DETAIL PHOTO). 12k WASP #3 nib lays down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.7mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Reliable flow over its full range of flex – a great nib for expressive writing styles. Condition: excellent- [B-]. Comparatively delicate nickel-plated trim shows high-point brassing and scratches on the endcaps as well as scratching to the cap bands and a sliver of wear on the lever. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $110 SOLD
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. 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 $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, 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 $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). 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 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 me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” 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 over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS:*

• Swan Minor and NM Esterbrook Relief Oblique
  
• British Mentmores and Burnhams
  
• Superflex Waterman 12 Fine Silver Overlay
  
• Striped Vac Duofold Sr
  
• Superflex Waterman 55
  
• Blue Carter’s
  
• Aurora 88 Demo LE w/ Mottishaw Cursive Italic
  
• Flexible Conway Stewart 15 in Casein
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac
  

This week’s vintage listing features another batch from England, this one composed of all black pens with special focus on black chased celluloid. Once again there are several Stubs in the mix as well as one Wet Noodle dip pen nib customization. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/StQ3yNA
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs installed in the last couple weeks. 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, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS (except #3), 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 started to adopt 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.
 
 
1. 1930s Conway Stewart 286 (black, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k B Superflex Stub nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. To quote Deb of the Goodwriters pen blog: “The 286 falls into the gentle taper era, the most aesthetically pleasing to my mind. Priced in the centre area of the range of the time, the 286 sold well. It was a lot of pen for the money, nicely designed and perfectly executed.” This 286 is made of black celluloid with blcak hard rubber clip-lock, section, and gold-plated trim. Super-Flexible 14k Conway Stewart nib is also a Factory Stub! It lays down a smooth and consistent B line on the down-strokes and XF on the cross-strokes. That line widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Versatile variation, strong snap-back and reliable flow over its full range of flex makes it an excellent choice for adding shading to everyday writing as well as for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent- [B-]. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from some scratches on the lever that don’t penetrate the plating and a thin sliver of brassing around the bottom edge of the cap band on the back and sides of the cap (see timestamp photo). Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with some minor scratches here and there but no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $190 SOLD
 
2. 1930s-40s The Waverley (black chased, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k F/M Flex/Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 7/16” capped. The Waverley pen was made by Macniven and Cameron, a company whose origin in the stationary business dates back to 1770 Edinburgh! As early as 1864, M&C was granted a patent for the “Waverley” dip pen nib – a name inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley novels (e.g. Ivanhoe). The nib was designed with an upturned point to enhance its smoothness on paper. In 1900 the company purchased a factory in Birmingham, England and soon thereafter entered the fountain pen business. In the first half of the 20th century, M&C integrated their Waverley nib into a fountain pen of the same name. From that point forward, the term “Waverley” would be used to describe pens with upturned nibs: most notably by Wahl in the 1920s and subsequently in a looser sense by writers and collectors. This is the pen that inspired that designation. It’s made of black celluloid with a chased portion in the middle of the barrel and gold-plated trim in high Art Deco style, the stepped clip and lever evoking the Sears Tower or Empire State Building. Notably, it also features a clutch-activated cap like the Parker 51 for greater ease of uncapping than traditional, threaded designs. 14k Waverley nib yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent F/M line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.0mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Not scratchy at all, but the tipping design gives it a slightly toothy/chalky quality on the page. Reliable flow over its full range of flex. Condition fine [C]. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from brassing to the bottom and sides of the clip. Chasing is sharp and crisp. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. An interesting piece of FP history! Price: $170 SOLD
 
3. 1930s Swan Leverless 470/60 (black, celluloid, GPT, twist-filler, 14k F Semi-Flex Stub nib). This oversized model has a thick girth and measures 5 1/4” capped. Situated at the top of the model lineup with an unusual yet convenient filling system, the Swan Leverless is among the most desirable FPs made by Mabie Todd. This 4-sized pen is made of black celluloid complemented by gold-plated clip and wide cap band. Swan medallion inset into the captop (see DETAIL PHOTO). "Leverless" was MT's designation for their twist filler, which fills by means of oscillating bars that compress the sac when the knob at the end of the barrel is turned. To fill, simply turn the knob counter-clockwise until you reach the stop, submerse the nib, and turn the knob clockwise back to its original position (keeping the nib in the ink for a few seconds to allow for a complete fill). Commensurably large 14k Swan #4 nib is a Semi-Flex Factory Stub. It lays down a smooth and consistent F line on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross strokes. Under moderate pressure the line widens to a 2B/3B (approx 1.4mm) (see WRITING SAMPLE). A smooth, well behaved nib that’s great for adding shading to everyday writing. Condition excellent [B] aside from monogram. There is the professionally engraved monogram “S.E.B.” on the cap band (see timestamp photo). Cap band rests securely in its groove but can be spun with a finger if you’re intent on it, so you can move the monogram to any side you want. Gold-plated trim shows no brassing or other notable flaws aside from microscratches on the cap band. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. **Price: $280 $260 SOLD
 
4. 1930s Swan Minor 100/60 (black chased, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k Stubby F Semi-Flex/Flex nib). This full-sized model measures a hair under 5” capped. The Swan Minor was a smaller, more affordable pen than the Leverless above, but it boasted the same high quality of construction. This one is made of black chased celluloid with a fine vertical pinstripe chasing pattern accented by horizontal knurling on the cap and barrel. The lever is made of a thick slab of hard rubber: an interesting feature typified by the Swan Minor range. Swan trademark engraved Pelikan-style in the captop. Semiflex/Flexible 14k Swan #1 nib lays down a stubby F line (slightly thinner cross-stroked) that widens to a 3B or so (approx 1.5mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Another nice daily writer with characteristic MT smoothness and a little softness for shading. Condition: excellent- [B-]. Nickel-plated clip shows no brassing but quite a few scratches. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with some fine scratches here and there but no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint and model code on barrel are deep and fully legible. Price: $180 $170
 
5. 1930s Esterbrook Relief Model 1 (BCHR, NPT, lever filler, 14k B LF Oblique nib). This full-sized model measures 5 5/16” capped. Esterbrook's earliest pens was the Relief model, which was made by Conway Stewart in England beginning in the 1930s. Higher in quality and much harder to come by than the later Esties familiar to most, these pens were equipped with 14k gold nibs in an array of specialty factory grinds. The No. 1 was one of the earliest models and is distinguished by its nickel-plated trim. Some came from the factory with a red band around the clip lock, others (like this one in black chased hard rubber) did not. 14k Esterbrook Relief nib is a Factory Left-Foot Oblique (shaped like your left foot when viewed from above. It lays down a smooth and consistent B line on the cross-strokes and XF line on the down-strokes for some really impressive variation (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent [B]. This once comes from my personal collection and is the result of 2 decades hunting one with the cleanest black hard rubber I could find. The same I posted in fountainpens years back (see PHOTO). This one retains its factory black color with no oxidation. Chasing is factory crisp with no discernible wear. Not even the examples on Brian Anderson’s website have chasing like this! Nickel-plated trim is exceptionally clean aside from one small spot of wear on the right side of the clip and a couple spots on the pivot-side of the lever. Hard rubber has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches! Manufacturer imprints are factory deep and fully legible. Price: $290 $270
 
6. 1940s Summit S130 (black chased, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures a hair over 5 1/4” capped. Summit pens were made by the Lang company in Liverpool, England, founded in 1899. Summits were popular in England during the first half of the 20th century and it's easy to see why: they were durable, well-made pens that often featured an array of interesting patterns and expressive nibs at an affordable pricepoint. The S130 was near the top of the model lineup. This is a rather late example with a highly streamlined profile and details. It’s made of black chased celluloid with nickel-plated trim. This pen came to me nibless, so I’ve opted to retrofit it with a properly sized dip pen nib and tune it to factory consistency and reliability. That long-tined 14k, iridium-tipped No. 3 nib is made by J.B. Davis & Co. And it’s a wet noodle with painterly softness and flow. It lays down a smnooth and consistent XXF line that widens to an impressive 4B+ (approx 2.6mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, superbly responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it the ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. Nickel-plated trim is exceptionally clean apart from a negligible point of wear toward the bottom of the clip and one short scratch on the lever. Chasing is factory crisp. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches! Manufacturer imprints just above barrel threads is deep and fully legible. Price: $310 SOLD
 
7. 1930s Stephens Leverfil 56 (black chased, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XXF/XF Semi-Flex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. Stephens' was a British maker renowned for manufacturing ink since middle of 19th century. It's speculated that Stephens pens were manufactured by Langs, makers of Summit and Savoy pens (among others). The company entered the fountain pen market in the 1930s with its innovative twist on the conventional button filler. Only later did they introduce a lever-filling variant they called the Leverfil. This exampole is made of black chased celluloid with nickel-plated trim including stylish Art Deco clip. Semi-Flexible 14k Stephens nib lays down a smooth and consistent XXF/XF line that widens to a 2B or so (approx 1.2mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex. Condition: excellent [B]. Nickel-plated trim is clean aside from one small spot in the middle of the lever where the plating has thinned a bit. Chasing shows minor, even wear but is still readily visible and palpable throughout. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches! Manufacturer imprints just above barrel threads is deep and fully legible. Price: $140 $130
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. 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 $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, 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 $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). 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 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 me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” 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 over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS:

• British Mentmores and Burnhams
  
• Superflex Waterman 12 Fine Silver Overlay
  
• Striped Vac Duofold Sr
  
• Superflex Waterman 3V
  
• Superflex Waterman 55
  
• Blue Carter’s
  
• Grey Marble Red Vein. Sheaffer Balances
  
• Aurora 88 Demo LE w/ Mottishaw Cursive Italic
  
• Flexible Conway Stewart 15 in Casein
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac
  

This week’s vintage batch features colorful English pens from the 1930s-50s with special focus on Mentmore. Nibs range from Firm to Flex and half of them are factory Stubs! As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/6SgQpjA
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs installed in the last couple weeks. 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, 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 started to adopt 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.
 
 
About Mentmore: Founded in London, England in 1919, the Mentmore pen company borrowed its name from its first address in Mentmore Terrace, Hackney. As can be seen from this listing, its models were varied as they were numerous, being made of an astonishing array of celluloids and caseins. Made of robust plastics and equipped with 14k nibs with a generous dose of “Osmiridium” tipping, their quality tended to rival that of mid-tier Conway Stewarts. Thus did the company flourish in the ensuing decades leading up to World War II, when it was incorporated into the war effort. Under various government contracts – some of them secret - Mentmore produced munitions, aircraft parts, and even so-called “escape pens.” Equipped with hidden maps and compasses, such pens were dispatched in “care packages” to Allied military prisoners in German POW camps. After diversifying to assorted plastics production in the postwar years, Mentmore closed up shop in the 1950s. Unlike other major British makers, there have been, to my knowledge, no websites or books devoted to Mentmore. They are sadly underappreciated but also a vintage bargain on this score for writers and collectors alike.
 
1. 1930s Mentmore Auto-Flow (black chased, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k M Semi-Flex nib). This full-sized model measures 5” capped. The bestselling Auto-Flow is perhaps the most common Mentmore in their model-lineup that appears today. This one is made of a celluloid whose finely chased wave pattern resembles that of black hard rubber pens. Gold plated trim including clip and smart lever stamped with Mentmore’s logo. Semi-Flexible 14k Mentmore nib lays down a smooth and consistent M line that widens to a 3B or so (approx 1.4mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent [B]. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from some wear to the clip – hard to notice in person yet picked up with emphasis by the camera in the uncapped photo. Chasing is factor deep and crisp with no discernible wear. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is weaker in the center but still fully legible. Price: $130 SOLD
 
2. 1930s Mentmore Auto-Flow (green marble, celluloid, GPT, button filler, F Semi-Flex nib). This full-sized model measures 5” capped. This is a button-filling variant of the popular Auto-Flow in green marble celluloid with gold-plated trim. To fill simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. Semi-Flexible 14k Mentmore nib lays down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a 3B or so (approx 1.3mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent [B]. Gold-plated trim is clean aside from a sliver of brassing on the bottom edge of the cap band situated on the back/side of the cap (see timestamp photo). Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches! Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is deep and fully legible. Price: $130 SOLD
 
3. 1930s Mentmore Diploma in Box (grey web, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k F Flex Factory Stub nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. It comes with its original factory box with paperwork (DETAIL PHOTO). This pen is made of the same webbed/hatched celluloid that came out of the Newhaven plant in which English Parkers were made – the same partly transparent design used for the Eversharp Doric. In fact, this partial transparency runs the length of the pen and is blocked only by the inner cap in the cap (DETAIL PHOTO). Quite fetching in person. Grey color pattern is complemented well by the nickel-plated trim. This one is another button filler. To fill simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. Flexible 14k Mentmore nib is also a sweet Factory Stub. Under normal pressure it lays down a smooth and consistent F line on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross-strokes. Under moderate pressure the line widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.8mm) (see WRITING SAMPLE). A versatile nib will suited to adding shading to everyday writing and calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. This one comes from my personal collection. Nickel-plated trim shows no brassing aside from a spot right above the clip ball and no other notable blemishes but for a couple tiny scratches on the sides of the clip. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches! Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Box shows some soiling but no structural damage. (Note: a silicone sac was installed in this pen so that ink can be seen in the sac when filled. But some of these sacs are known to cause ink to seep from the nib in certain conditions, e.g. when the pen is stored nib-down. The problem isn’t as prevalent for button fillers like this one, but if this is a concern for you, I’d be happy to install a latex sac on request). A scarce pen in its original box and a lovely writer. Price: $290 $270 SOLD
 
4. 1930s Mentmore Celeste (Black & Pearl, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF/F Stubby Flex nib). This pen measures 4 13/16” capped. The Celeste is presumably one of Mentmore’s ladies’ models but it has a standard girth and a length that’s just a couple hairs shy of their full-sized models. Not often one comes across these. But what makes this pen particularly interesting is the tapered profile of the barrel and the cap (wider in the middle than on the ends) as well as the immaculate Black and Pearl celluloid - a color pattern notoriously prone to unsightly discoloration. This pen came into my collection as a result of hunting a pen in this color with white metal trim, a combination that’s surprisingly tough to find! Flexible 14k Mentmore nib lays down a stubby XF/F line (slightly thinner on the cross-strokes) that widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.6mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent/near mint [B+]. As mentioned, this one also came from my collection and it’s more or less pristine – like something plucked from a time capsule. This is what Black & Pearl looked like in the merchant’s case and you’d be hard pressed to find any B&P pen with no dicoloration like this one. Nickel-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other notable flaws. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches! Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. (Note: a silicone sac was installed in this pen to preserve the perfect color. But some of these sacs are known to cause ink to seep from the nib in certain conditions, e.g. when the pen is stored nib-down. If this is a concern for you, I’d be happy to install a latex sac on request). Price: $260 SOLD
 
5. 1930s Mentmore Imperial (green marble, celluloid, NPT, button filler, 14k XF Semi-Flex/Flex nib). This full-sized model measures 5” capped. The Imperial was at the top of Mentmore’s model lineup. It’s made of green marble celluloid with generous nickel-plated trim including triple cap bands and later, spade clip. This one is another button filler. To fill simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. 14k Mentmore nib is yields Flexible variation with a Semi-Flex feel. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 3B (approx 1.7mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for shaded writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Nickel-plated trim shows no noteworthy flaws aside from subtle brassing to the thin, middle cap band and a sliver to the lower cap band on one side (see timestamp photo). Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $160 $150 SOLD
 
6. 1930s-40s Mentmore Visi-Ink (brown with black veins, celluloid, NPT, bulb filler, 14k F Semi-Flex Factory Stub nib). This model measures 4 7/8” capped. This unusual model features a fully transparent barrel that holds the ink directly making the ink-level easy to reckon when full. It’s made of an eye-catching brown pearl celluloid with black veins complemented by particularly heavy nickel-plated trim in a deluxe configuration with triple cap abnds (I believe the tassie securing the clip at the captop is solid nickel as it has a noticeable heft on that side). This pen is a bulb filler. To fill, simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the bulb until the barrel is full – fills to the hilt as long as you give it a couple seconds between depressions. Semi-Flexible 14k Mentmore nib is a Factory Stub. Under normal pressure it lays down a smooth and consistent F line on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross-strokes. Under moderate pressure the line widens to a 3B or so (approx 1.4mm) (see WRITING SAMPLE). Another really sweet stub nib – well suited for those looking for the variation of a stub when writing in a smaller hand. Condition: excellent+/near mint [B+]. Another from my personal collection and it’s pretty much as clean as it gets. Nickel-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other notable flaws. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches! Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Little bit of blue ink in the threads area is not staining but rather the ink I used for the writing sample. Barrel clarity is pristine with no staining or ambering. Price: $240 SOLD
 
7. 1940s NOS Mentmore Supreme (dark red, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Flex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/4” capped. This late-model Mentmore was apparently inspired by Waterman’s Hundred Year Pen, replete with transparent “jewel” integrated into the end of the barrel. It’s made of a deep red celluloid complemented by nickel-plated trim. This pen is New Old Stock but inked for testing. It comes with its original barrel band intact, displaying model name, nib width, and price. The paper band slips right off the back of the barrel, if you’d like to put this pen to use. Despite the barrel-band indicating a M, the Flexible 14k Mentmore nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line, which widens to a 3B+ (approx 1.6mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: fine [C]. This one is tough to judge, since it appears to have seen little use. But it must’ve been stored in less than ideal conditions over the years. As a result there’s high-point wear to the trim throughout. The barrel has darkened slightly when compared to the brighter red of the cap. And while careful inspection of the barrel-end jewel reveals no cracks or other flaws on the surface, one can see some fine cracks on the inside (DETAIL PHOTO). Not sure if this is the beginning of crystallization as one finds on celluloid HYPs, or if it just incurred some trauma from being dropped. All of this has been factored into the price. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $150 $120 SOLD
 
8. 1930s NOS B.B. de Luxe by Wyvern (brown and black streak, casein?, GPT, button filler, 14k M Semi-Flex Factory Stub nib). This full-sized model measures 5 3/8” capped. Founded in 1896 in Leicester, England, Wyvern was one of England's oldest pen companies, known chiefly for the outstanding quality of its nibs. These they supplied for decades to other makers until they expanded to make pens of their own. This B.B. de Luxe was a Wyvern sub-brand of some kind, stamped on the barrel with the Wyvern’s name. I forgot to rotate the pen to show it’s imprint in the album photo, so here’s a close-up of the (IMPRINT). This pen appears to be made of casein in a brown and black streak pattern complemented by gold plated trim. It comes with it’s original paper cap-band intact and secured by glue, stating the model name and touting its 14k nib. This one is another button filler. To fill simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. Semi-Flexible 14k European Warranted nib is another Factory Stub(!). Under normal pressure lays down a smooth and consistent M line on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross-strokes. The line widens to a 3B or so (approx 1.3mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE. Another versatile writer well suited to adding shading to everyday writing and calligraphy. Condition: excellent- [B-]. I don’t think this pen was ever put to use before I re-sacced it and inked it up as there were no signs of ink in the feed or inside the cap. With that said, it does show drawer wear to the clip, which has lost some of its plating. And the cap band can be spun with a finger but rests securely in its groove. Aside from that, the pen looks like it did when it rolled off the assembly line. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $180 SOLD
 
9. 1940s-50s Burnham Model C (casein, blue-grey and black mosaic w/ quartz veins, casein, lever filler, 14k B Factory Stub nib). This standard-sized model measures 5” capped. Burnham was a British maker that flourished from the 1920s to the 60s. This pen was made when the company vied with Conway Stewart for that share of the market comprising quality pens at a sensible price point. This model was near the top of Burnham’s offerings, featuring a deluxe trim configuration with triple cap bands like the 56 and B59. It’s made of casein in a stunning color pattern consisting of a mosaic of blue-grey pearl and black interspersed with quartz veins. Gold-plated trim with clip affixed by a metal screw-in jewel. 14k Burnham J nib is a Factory Stub. It lays down a smooth and consistent B line on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross-strokes (see WRITING SAMPLE). A buttery smooth writer and a great nib for shaded, everyday writing. Condition: near mint [B+]. Gold-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other noteworthy flaws. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $160 $150 SOLD
 
10. 1940s-50s Burnham 61 (green marble, celluloid, GPT, button filler, XF Semi-Flex nib). This standard-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. Another fetching Burnham, similar to the last but with a button filling system.To fill simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the metal button once. This one is made of green marble celluloid with a black blind cap and gols-plated trim. Semi-Flexible 14 Burnham nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 3B or so (approx 1.5mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent/excellent+ [B+]. Gold-plated trim shows no brassing or other noteworthy flaws. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes apart from a couple short scratches on the cap to the right of the clip (see timestamp photo). Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $130 $120 SOLD
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. 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 $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, 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 $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). 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 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 me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” 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 over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS:

• Superflex Waterman 12 Fine Silver Overlay
  
• Striped Vac Duofold Sr
  
• Superflex Waterman 3V
  
• Superflex Waterman 55
  
• Blue Carter’s
  
• Sheaffer Jr Lifetime
  
• Aurora 88 Demo LE w/ Mottishaw Cursive Italic
  
• Flexible Conway Stewart 15 in Casein
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac
  

This week’s vintage batch features a small handful of some of the most sought after overlays in vintage pendom. I was out of town earlier this week, so I didn’t have as much time for restorations. But I’ve made up for it by including 2 pens from my own collection: one quite scarce the other downright rare. Nibs are all in the Superflex range with one full-fledged Stub and one with softness verging on that of a Wet Noodle. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/5VCtRV2
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs installed in the lever fillers and threads greased on the eyedroppers in the last couple weeks. 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, CHIPS, PERSONALIZATIONS (except #4), 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 started to adopt 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.
 
 
1. 1910s Waterman 0512 Gold-Filled Overlay (gold fill over HR, Trefoil Vine pattern, eyedropper filler, 14k F Superflex Stub nib). This full-sized model measures 5 5/16” capped. Here’s the breakdown of the model code for the 0512: it’s a slip-cap eyedropper (1) made of black hard rubber with an 14k gold-filled overlay (05) and #2-sized nib (2). Earlier Trefoil Vine overlay pattern with finer detail in Art Nouveau style and larger cutouts. “Waterman’s Ideal” imprint on the barrel overlay (IMPRINT1 IMPRINT2). Came clipless from the factory when clips were an optional add=on (no holes drilled for a clip). The pen is an eyedropper filler. Section unscrews for the barrel to filled with ink using an eyedroppepipette – holds far more ink than a lever filler of the same size. Super-Flexible 14k Ideal NY #2 nib is also a Factory Stub. Under normal pressure it lays down a smooth and consistent F line on the down-strokes and XF line on the cross-strokes. Under light pressure the line widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.5mm) (see WRITING SAMPLE). Versatile variation, responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it a great choice for shaded note-taking as well as calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian – the Stub grind keeping one’s letterforms neat and straight. Condition: excellent [B]. On the whole, an exceptionally well-preserved example of a 100+ year-old overlay. Hard rubber retains its dark black color with scarcely any fading aside from just a little to the part of the barrel covered by the cap where it’s contacted ink over the decades. HR surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable flaws. Overlay has no notable brassing and no dents but there are some short scratches and pin-sized dings on the cap. Barrel indicia for personalization has been left blank and captop is perfectly round. Number stamp on barrel-end faint but legible (DETAIL PHOTO). Price: $380 SOLD
 
2. c.1906 Waterman 12 Fine Silver Overlay (fine [.999] silver over HR, Art Nouveau vine and flower filigree, eyedropper filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/8” capped. Waterman’s early overlays with hand-cut filigrees appear to have been introduced in the 1890s. And they are orders of magnitude scarcer than the later overlays, like the one above, that were machined and slipped over the hard rubber bodies. Scarcer still are early fine silver overlays like this one, which is made of .999 pure silver (as marked) vs .925 pure sterling. It’s generally agreed that these were made through a process called electrodeposition. The overlays were plated onto the hard rubber then the filigree was cut and engraved by hand. This fine silver overlay predates the introduction of Waterman’s revised numbering system c.1908, when pens with overlays began to be stamped with a 3-digit model code on the barrel-end (SOURCE). This one is simply stamped ‘12’ on the end. The overlay design is an exquisite and finely wrought Art Nouveau motif consisting of winding vines and one large flower on the cap. Truly stunning in person. Came clipless from the factory when clips were an optional add=on (no holes drilled for a clip). It’s an eyedropper filler, which is filled directly in the barrel with an eyedroppepipette once the section is unscrewed. Super-Flexible 14k long-tined Ideal NY #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx. 2.4mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back, easy variation, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it an excellent choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. Fine silver is even softer than sterling, so these overlays were especially prone to wear. This one is in exceptionally good shape, with only some minor scratches and pin-sized dings here and there. What’s more, unlike the vast majority of fine silver overlays with weak to non-existent manufacturer imprints due to wear, the imprints on this pen are clear and distinct (roughly 9/10): IMPRINT1 IMPRINT2 IMPRINT3. Most astonishing of all the black hard rubber on this pen retains its factory black color with no discernible fading, smooth and lustrous finish, and no notable blemishes. Indicia on the barrel has been left blank. Number stamp on barrel end is faint but legible (DETAIL PHOTO). NOTE: I follow the Hippocratic Oath for FP restoration. So I used a sunshine cloth in lieu of polishing compound to ensure I wasn't weakening any of the details of this soft metal. There are some dark spots of tarnish here and there that you could carefully polish away with a compound like Wenol or Semichrome. But I'll leave that to the buyer's discretion. Not often that one of these comes up for sale – this is only the 2nd I’ve had to offer in the last decade. Price: $640 $590
 
3. c.1919 Sheaffer Sterling Scroll Overlay (sterling silver over HR, Scroll pattern, lever filler, 14k XXF Needlepoint Superflex/Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 5 3/8” capped. Before the term ‘grail’ gained currency online to refer common, if often pricey, pens one desires most of all, vintage collectors reserved it for highly desirable pens in their focus that were virtually impossible to acquire. One would have to frequent pen shows steadfastly for years, follow leads that turned out to be dead-ends, and pray to the pen gods that that grail would miraculously appear before you at any price. For the Sheaffer collector, a Sheaffer Scroll overlay is one of those grails in the older sense of the word. You know a pen has earned a place in the vintage pantheon when, some 5 decades later, the maker introduces a modern reproduction of it. Such was the Sheaffer Nostalgia, a 1970s repro commemorating the Scroll overlay (NOSTALGIA ADVERT). Original Scrolls like this one were manufactured in the first decade of Sheaffer’s tenure and are among the first catalogued Sheaffer overlays, contemporaneous with “Sheaffer-Clip” models. (1919 SHEAFFER CATALOGUE). They came in gold fill (model #37) and sterling silver (model #27) over hard rubber. The sterling overlay of this #27 example is cut and engraved in an exquisite Art Nouveau filigree motif unique to this model (makes the Nostalgia look crudely wrought by comparison, IMHO). Covered end is knurled to better secure the cap for posting. Sterling imprints on the clip and barrel as well as Sheaffer’s imprint on barrel (IMPRINT1 IMPRINT2). 14k Sheaffer Self-Filling #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 a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under very light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Needlepoint hairlines, simply extraordinary snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it an ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles. Note that I did have to slow down a bit with Waterman Serenity Blue to optimize flow under full-flex, so some experimentation with wetter inks that perform best with this nib at faster speeds might be in order. Condition: excellent [B]. This pen is one of the 2-3 rarest from my personal collection – the result of some 2 decades of hunting. You’d be hard pressed to find another example for sale, much less one in this condition. Black hard rubber retains its dark black color with minimal fading. Overlay is exceptionally well-preserved with only minor drawer wear (far less than one would expect from a pen of this vintage) and no flaws that detract from its beauty or value. Ends show some scratches but are both perfectly round. Indicia on the barrel has been left blank. There is a sliver of brassing to the lever, which I believe was plated from the factory on these, but it’s pretty inconspicuous since the base metal is nickel. On the whole, a stunning example of Sheaffer’s original grail. Price: $1300 SOLD
 
4. 1920s Edward Todd Sterling All Metal Pen (sterling silver, line and bar pattern, lever filler, 14k Stubby F Superflex nib). Measures 4 3/4” capped and 6” posted (cap is designed to securely hold to end of barrel). Edward Todd of NY was one of the earliest and most venerable FP makers. The company got its start manufacturing dip pens in partnership with Mabie Todd & Co. In 1881 and continued to manufacture pens independently under the direction of Edward Todd Jr. until 1932. This pen resembles other All Metal models from the 1920s made by Louis Tamis, Hicks, and Twinpoint. Like those it was made to be sold exclusively by high-end retailers such as Cartier and Tiffany. It’s of sterling silver construction (IMPRINT) in a machine-turned line and bar pattern with elegant, teardrop clip and indicia on the barrel for engraving. Super-Flexible 14k Edward Todd #3 nib lays down a Stubby F line with slight variation between down-strokes and cross-strokes under normal pressure. Under light pressure the line widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.6mm) (see WRITING SAMPLE). Versatile variation, responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it another great choice for calligraphic writing styles. Note that the funny profile of the tines is simply how this nib was made –plenty of tipping left. Condition: fine [C]. This one also comes from my personal collection. The barrel indicia has the professionally engraved personalization of “S.A. TATNALL.” Sterling surface shows no major dents or scratches but does have some pin-sized dings here and there and some irregularities on the around the lever (see 2nd and 3rd photos in album). Lever also has one spot of wear on the spade. A scarce pen from a small maker that remains a delightful writer, even if it’s little rough around the edges. Price: $290 SOLD
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. 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 $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, 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 $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). 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 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 me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” 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 over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS:

• Striped Vac Duofold Sr
  
• Superflex Waterman 3V
  
• Superflex Waterman 55
  
• Blue Conway Stewart and Carter’s
  
• Flex/Superflex Remex Eyedropper by Waterman Sheaffer Jr Lifetime
  
• Aurora 88 Demo LE w/ Mottishaw Cursive Italic
  
• Flexible Conway Stewart 15 in Casein
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac
  

This week’s vintage batch features first-tier Parkers from the 1910s-40s, including a Lapis Duofold Senior that’s one of the crown jewels of my personal collection and a True Blue with astonishing color. Nibs range from Firm to Wet Noodle. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/aDnxlC5
 
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 like #5 and #6 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, 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 started to adopt 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.
 
 
1. 1912-16 Parker Jack-Knife Safety #20 (smooth BHR, NPT, button filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/4” capped. Manufactured roughly 3 decades after the company was founded in 1888, this early Parker features a Safety cap (marked "Jack-Knife Safety" with a 1912 patent date) designed not to leak when carried. Early, protuberant barrel-threads situate it’s manufacture shortly after that - 1916 patent clip could be a later upgrade. It's made of smooth black hard rubber with nickel-plated clip. Knurled blindcap and cliplock and “X-mas tree” Lucky Curve feed. This pen is a button filler (see detail photo in album). To fill simply unscrew the blindcap, submerse the nib, and depress the brass button once. Early 14k Parker Lucky Curve #2 nib with teardrop breather is a Super-Flexible writer, laying down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, superbly responsive snap-back, and reliable flow over its full range of flex make it an excellent choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent+/near mint [B+]. Hard rubber retains its factory black color with no discernible fading. HR surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Clip is close to pristine with just tiny scuff at top. Knurling is factory crisp. Manufacturer imprints on barrel and cap are factory deep and fully legible. But number on blind cap was either never stamped or worn away. Price: $340 SOLD
 
2. c.1916 Parker Jack-Knife Safety 20 1/2 (BCHR, NPT, button filler, 14k XF/F Wet Noodle nib). This full-sized model measures 5 1/4” capped. This pen is stamped ‘20 1/2’ on the end of the blind cap, the ‘1/2’ designation signify a chased pen. Like the pen above, it features a Safety cap (marked "Jack-Knife Safety" with a 1912 patent date) designed not to leak when carried. Early, protuberant barrel-threads also. It's made of chased black hard rubber with nickel-plated clip. Knurled blindcap and cliplock and “X-mas tree” Lucky Curve feed. This pen is a button filler (see detail photo in album). To fill simply unscrew the blindcap, submerse the nib, and depress the brass button once. Flexible 14k Parker Lucky Curve “Lazy S” nib is a Wet Noodle with softness and flow comparable to that of a dip pen. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF/F nib that widens to an impressive 4B+ (approx 2.6mm) under minimal pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Easy variation, superb snap-back, and reliably wet flow over its full range of flex make it an ideal choice for expressive and calligraphic writing styles. Condition excellent+/near mint [B+]. Hard rubber retains its dark black color with little discernible fading. Chasing and knurling are factory deep and crisp with no discernible wear. HR surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes aside from one tiny chip on the top edge of the cap under the washer for the clip (see timestamp photo, but as you can see it’s scarcely even visible). No cracks. Clip exceptionally clean with no brassing or other notable wear. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel and number stamp on blindcap are factory deep and fully legible. Price: $380 SOLD
 
3. c.1928 Parker Duofold Senior (Lapis [white on blue], celluloid [Permanite], GPT, button filler, 14k F nib). This oversized model has a thick girth and measures 5 7/16” capped - a very large pen by vintage standards. One of the first pens to be made of celluloid, the Duofold is the pen that first put the maker on the map, becoming an instant best-seller. The Senior was their flagship. It’s a button filler (see fillers photo in album). To fill simply unscrew the blindcap, submerse the nib, and depress the brass button once. This example is made of Lapis white-on-blue celluloid (DuPont’s Permanite) with knurled, black hard rubber blind cap and clip lock. Lapis is second only to Mandarin Yellow in desirability among Duofold flat tops and Seniors in this color aren't easy to come by these days. The Duofold’s single, wide cap band was supplanted by 2 thin double cap bands in 1928. And that Streamlined Duofolds took the place of flat top Duofolds in 1929. So that makes this pen’s date of manufacturer easy to pin down. Commensurably oversized Parker Duofold nib lays down a buttery smooth and consistent F line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent+/near mint [B+]. This pen comes from my personal collection and is the result of 20 years of hunting a Lapis Duofold Sr with the nicest color and trim I could find. The color of this pen is spectacular: evenly vibrant across the barrel and cap with no darkening whatsoever aside from a very subtle area of the barrel near the section beneath where the cap is screwed down. You’d be hard pressed to find an example with better color than this one. Gold-plated trim is pristine with no notable blemishes aside from the typical thin sliver of brassing on the clip ball. HR blind cap and clip lock have factory crisp knurling and factory black color. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches! The only noteworthy flaw on this pen is a ding on the right shoulder of the nib, which has no effect on its performance (DETAIL PHOTO). Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. An icon pen in exceptional condition. (Note: a silicone sac was installed in this pen to preserve its exceptional color but some of these sacs are known to cause ink to seep from the nib in certain conditions, e.g. when the pen is stored nib-down. The problem isn’t as prevalent for button fillers like this one, but if this is a concern for you, I’d be happy to install a latex sac on request). Price: $850 SOLD
 
4. c.1930 Parker True Blue Streamlined (blue and white swirl, celluloid, GPT, button filler, 14k XF Semi-Flex nib). This full-sized, streamlined model measures 5” capped. Parker introduced one of the most sought after of celluloid pens they would ever make. Known to collectors as the "True Blue," this scarce color pattern figured into Parker adverts as "Modernistic Blue" or "Modern Blue-and-White. This is the later version with smooth, streamlined ends. The cream and blue colors on this pen appear to be interwoven or braided on some sides and more like a lava lamp or swirls of syrup in melting ice cream on others. The effect is terribly pretty. Gold-plated trim includes double cap bands and washer-style clip. Modeled on the Duofold of the 1920s, these pens are button fillers. To fill, simply unscrew the hard rubber blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the brass button once. Semi-Flexible 14k Lucky Curve #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 2B/3B (approx 1.4mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). A nice nib for adding a bit of shading to your everyday writing. Condition: excellent+ [B+]. The True Blue is frustrating for the Parker collector since its color was so unusual and unusually attractive when new, but all but a handful still out there exhibit white portions discolored to an orange/brown color owing to the outgassing of the sac. This pen is a diamond in the rough, having color I’d grade as roughly 9/10. The whites are ever so slightly less vibrant and the blues ever so slightly darker on the barrel than on the cap, but this hardly detracts from its overall impression in person. You trawl eBay for years without finding one whose color is this nice. Gold-plated trim is pristine with no notable blemishes. HR blind cap and clip lock are factory black. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any micro-scratches! Manufacturer imprint on barrel is factor deep and fully legible. (Note: a silicone sac was installed in this pen to preserve its exceptional color but some of these sacs are known to cause ink to seep from the nib in certain conditions, e.g. when the pen is stored nib-down. The problem isn’t as prevalent for button fillers like this one, but if this is a concern for you, I’d be happy to install a latex sac on request). Price: $340 SOLD
 
On Filling Vacumatics: Both of the Vacumatic filelrs below are made of celluloid with transparent barrel striations for viewing the level of ink, which is stored directly in the barrel. To fill, one simply removes the blindcap, submerses the nib, and depresses the plunger until the barrel is full.
 
5. 1944 Parker Vac Striped Duofold Senior (Dusty Red, GPT, Vacumatic filler, 14k XF nib). This full-length, standard girth model measures 5 3/8” capped. The Senior was Parker's premier Duofold in the 1940s. It features gold-plated trim with chevron cap band and Blue Diamond clip signifying Parker's lifetime guarantee. This pen is made of the celluloid in red and grey pearl marble color known as Dusty Red, interspersed with vertical, transparent barrel striations. To my knowledge, the Parker Duofold nib on this pen would be more in line with 1st generation (1940-1) Striped Duofolds, so this pen’s nib might be an early, identically sized replacement from a repairman licensed by Parker. Other 1944 sizes did use nibs stamped ‘Duofold’ so it’s hard to say. That 14k nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: near mint [B+]. Gold-plated trim is exceptionally clean with no brassing or other notable wear. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches! Superb barrel clarity with little ambering and ink level fully visible when barrel is held up to light (DETAIL PHOTO). Manufacturer imprint and date code on barrel are factory deep and fully legible. Price: $210 SOLD
 
6. 1944 Parker Vacumatic Major Stacked Coin Band (Silver Pearl, celluloid, NPT, Vacumatic filler, 14k XF nib). This is the full-length, std. girth model, measuring 5 1/8" capped. Silver Pearl celluloid with transparent barrel striations. Nickel-plated trim with relatively uncommon stacke coin cap band in place of the usual chevron band. Blue Diamond clip, and black cap jewel. 14k Parker Vac Arrow nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: excellent/excellent+ [B/B+]. Nickel-plated trim shows some micro-scratches but remains lustrous with no brassing. Celluloid has a smooth, lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes – scarcely even any microscratches! Superb barrel clarity with little ambering and ink level fully visible when barrel is held up to light (DETAIL PHOTO). Manufacturer imprint and date code on barrel are factory deep and fully legible. Price: $190 SOLD
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. 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 $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, 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 $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). 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 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 me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” 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 over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS:

• Superflex Waterman 3V
  
• Superflex Waterman 55
  
• Blue Conway Stewart and Carter’s
  
• Flex/Superflex Remex Eyedropper by Waterman
  
• Aurora 88 Demo LE w/ Mottishaw Cursive Italic
  
• Flexible Conway Stewart 15 in Casein
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac
  

This week’s vintage batch features Watermans from the 1930s with colorful celluloids and expressively flexible nibs. Nibs are all in the Superflex range. As always, all are fully restored and ready to write.
 
ALBUM & TIMESTAMP
 
Pastable link: https://imgur.com/a/ADLlUQ5
 
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs/seals installed in the last couple weeks. 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 started to adopt 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.
 
 
1. 1930s-40s Waterman Thorobred 351v (grey pearl w/ red pinstripes, celluloid, GPT, lever filler, 14k F Superflex nib). This standard girth, vestpocket (V) model measures 4 5 1/6” capped and 5 5/8” posted. Made in Canada with gold-plated trim in Art Deco style including unusual double cap bands, this model has no exact American counterpart. It’s made of a grey pearl celluloid with red pinstripes that Waterman used for the Thorobred stateside. But this pen is simply stamped 351-V on the barrel-end. Super-Flexible 14k Ideal Canada #2A nib lays down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Strong snap-back and reliable flow over its full range of flex make a great choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent [B]. Gold-plated trim is exceptionally clean with no brassing or other notable wear aside from light scratches on the thin cap bands. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and model code on barrel-end are factory deep and fully legible. Price: $170 SOLD
 
2. 1930s Waterman 3v (Claret, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This standard girth, vestpocket (V) model measures 4 1/4” capped and 5 1/4” posted. To my knowledge, the vestpocket version of the 3/32 was the only US-made Waterman model available in the deep red, pearlescent marble color catalogued as "Claret." Nickel-plated hardware in charming Art Deco style with military clip enabling the pen to ride low in the pocket. Super-Flexible Ideal #2 nib lays doen a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under light pressure. Thin hairlines, strong snap-back and reliable flow over its full range of flex make a great choice for calligraphic writing styles (see WRITING SAMPLE). Condition: fine [C]. This pen would grade and excellent were it not for a small hairline on the right side of the nib (see first nibs photo). This flaw doesn’t affect the nib’s performance and shouldn’t worsen so long as you stay within the max line width constraints of the writing sample. It’s been factored into the price all the same. The only other notable flaw is a bit of corrosion on the left side of the clip. The rest of the trim is immaculate. Celluloid is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on barrel and model code on barrel-end are factory deep and fully legible – both even contain their original green fill. Price: $150
 
3. 1930s Waterman 3 (Steel Quartz, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This standard-sized model measures 5 1/16” capped. The 3/32 model was offered in a colorful array of celluloids at a more modest price-point than the 94 but was typically equipped with #2 series nibs no less expressive than those found on 52s. This is arguably the most sought after color, which Waterman dubbed Steel Quartz. A particularly brilliant example with a liberal dose of the vibrant orange and red molten veins running through it. Nickel-plated trim in the elegant Art Deco style. Super-Flexible 14k Ideal #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, superbly responsive snap-back and reliable flow over its full range of flex make another excellent choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent+/near-mint [B+]. This is hands down the nicest example of this pen I’ve ever offered. It’s in collector-grade condition, resembling something plucked from a time capsule. Color is superb with no discernible darkening. Comparatively delicate nickel-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other noteworthy wear. Celluloid has a smooth and lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel and number stamp on barrel-end are factory deep and fully legible. Price: $290 SOLD
 
4. 1930s-40s Waterman 3 Set (Black Pearl w/ red flecks, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k XF Flex/Superflex nib). This standard-sized model measures 5” capped. For more on the Waterman 3/32, see description of pen #3 above. This is a matching FP and MP set. Next to Steel Quartz, Black Pearl is among the most desirable 3/32 colors, having an attractive color patten made up of grey pearl set against a black background with flecks of bright red. Nickel-plated trim in the elegant Art Deco style. 14k Ideal #2 nib correct for late-production 3s yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.4mm) under moderate pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE - note that should read "Black" Pearl - had to look that up to be sure). Thin hairlines, strong snap-back and reliable flow over its full range of flex make another fine choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent+/near mint [B+]. The FP is in collector-grade condition, resembling something plucked from a time capsule. Comparatively delicate nickel-plated trim is pristine with no brassing or other noteworthy wear. Celluloid has a smooth and lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel and number stamp on barrel-end are factory deep and fully legible. MP is in the same cosmetic condition but is not functioning. Nose cone no longer turns. Price: $280 SOLD
 
5. 1930s Off-Catalogue Waterman 32 (Mahogany, celluloid, NPT, lever filler, 14k Superflex XXF/XF nib). This full-sized model has wider girth comparable to the 94 and measures 5” capped. The eye-catching Mahogany color pattern of this pen is most recognizable as a standard catalogued color of the Waterman 94 with gold-plated trim. The Waterman 32 in Mahogany is an exceedingly uncommon variant with nickel-plated trim. No catalogued examples of this variant have been recorded. It is possible that it was made exclusively for foreign export. Not only is the color unusual, but the profile and trim configuration of this pen differs from catalogued examples of the 32. It has a slightly thicker girth and the lever and clip resemble those of a 94. '32' stamp on barrel-end settles any questions about what model Waterman actually considered this pen to be. Super-Flexible 14k Ideal #2 nib lays down a smooth and consistent XXF/XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, superbly responsive snap-back and reliable flow over its full range of flex make another fine choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent/excellent+ [B/B+]. This pen comes from my own personal collection and represents the nicest I could find in some 20 years of collecting. Mahogany was a color prone to showing discoloration. But the color of this one is evenly bright and undiscolored. Comparatively delicate nickel-plated trim is clean with no brassing or other noteworthy wear aside from a loss of luster in some small spots. Celluloid has a smooth and lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprints on the barrel, cap, and number stamp on barrel-end are all weakened some but still mostly legible. Price: $330 SOLD
 
6. 1930s Waterman Ink-Vue (Jet, celluloid, NPT, Ink-Vue filler, 14k XF Superflex nib). This standard-sized model measures 5 1/4” capped. The Ink-Vue was Waterman's response to popular vacuum filling FPs from other Big Four Makers of the 30s, pens such as Parker's Vacumatic, Sheaffer's Balance, Eversharp's 2nd-gen Doric, and Conklin's Nozac. Like these pens, the Ink-Vue stores ink directly in a partly transparent barrel, making it not only more capacious (than a lever-filler) but more user-friendly as it enables one to see how much ink remains. Like the Vacumatic, Waterman Ink-Vues use a latex sac not to hold the ink, but to create a vacuum to fill the barrel when the lever is operated. It's essentially a combination of a lever- and bulb-filler. Just unlock the two-piece ("Double Action") lever, depress the back part upward against the barrel 4-5 times until the pen is full (see VIDEO. (Note: this video is from someone else – for purposes of illustration only). In my eyes, the Ink-Vue is the ultimate Art Deco pen: from the color pattern, to the trim, to the elegantly stepped captop and Ideal medallion on the barrel-end. This is an Ink-Vue made of Jet celluloid with spiral-transparent barrel and nickel-plated trim including Waterfall clip, horizontally grooved cap band and lever, as well as thin decorative bands and Ideal medallion on the barrel-end (note that the vast majority of these you’ll find in the wild are missing this medallion). Super-Flexible 14k Ideal #5 Keyhole nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.3mm) under light pressure (see WRITING SAMPLE). Thin hairlines, superbly responsive snap-back and reliable flow over its full range of flex make another fine choice for calligraphic writing styles. Condition: excellent [B]. Another pen from my personal collection, this one represents the best example I could find in 20 years of collecting. Nickel-plated trim is exceptionally clean with no brassing or other notable flaws aside from a light peppering of wear on the cap band on the side and back of the cap (see timestamp photo). Excellent transparency with ink-level readily visible when pen is held to light (DETAIL PHOTO). Celluloid has a smooth and lustrous surface with no deep scratches or other notable blemishes. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. Price: $420 SOLD
 
 
 
Shipping: Pens purchased on the weekend are mailed on Tuesday. 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 $5 Due to the delivery delays that continue under postmaster general DeJoy, 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 $9
  

International Customers: Please contact me for shipping quote if located abroad (delivery confirmation required). (Note: due to the issues stated above, my international shipping options are currently limited. PM for more info). 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 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 me with firm request to purchase (no chat DMs please). A request with the words “I'd like to purchase [pen number]” 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 over a decade. Please check my past listings here as well as on the classifieds and historical sales forums on FPN (username: Estragon) and FPGeeks (popcod) for some of my previous offerings.
 
 
OTHER OPEN LISTINGS:

• Superflex Waterman 55
  
• Striped Vac Duofold Sr
  
• Blue Conway Stewart and Carter’s
  
• Flex/Superflex Remex Eyedropper by Waterman
  
• Aurora 88 Demo LE w/ Mottishaw Cursive Italic
  
• Flexible Conway Stewart 15 in Casein
  
• Conklin Enduras, Nozac