popcod
August 12th, 2018, 04:06 PM
A batch of overlays/all-metal pens and safeties from the 1910s-40s this weekend. Nibs range from flexible to Wet Noodle. All are fully restored and ready to write.
https://i.imgur.com/dsbMdT0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/I3c5sWX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TXN0oLD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4MrPqHd.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1FqFfVV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gRJZbMV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pELIjxb.jpg
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs/seals installed in the last couple months. All safeties were outfitted with new, more durable o-rings from David Nishimura to replace the old cork seals. Each is guaranteed to fill and write as designed without leaks or other issues. These pens have no cracks, chips, personal engravings (except #3), missing parts, bent nibs, misaligned tines, or threading issues.
1. 1910-20s Mabie Todd – Swan Safety P.R.2 (BCHR, safety/eyedropper, 14k EF Flex/Superflex nib). Measures 4 1/2" capped and 5 7/18" posted. I haven't been able to discover much on the internet about this model. From what I've read, early Mabie Todd safeties are uncommon as they were manufactured in England for the French market exclusively, safeties being particularly popular in France. This pen is marked "P.R.2" on the blindcap, which presumably designates a #2 size "Self-PRopelling Pen," as marked on the barrel beside the Swan logo. Like the other safeties below, this pen features a nib that retracts into the barrel when the blindcap on the end of the barrel is turned (cf. the modern Montblanc Boheme), allowing one to fill the pen like an eyedropper by injecting ink directly into the section. Improving on the design of the standard eyedropper, safeties are so-called because the section creates a leak-proof seal with the inner cap when the pen is capped (once nib is retracted), ensuring that no ink leaks into the cap when the pen is carried and jostled around. When the nib is fully protracted to write, another seal is created behind it to keep ink in the barrel. This pen was clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a clip), but came to me with a beautifully ornate accommodation clip in brass(?): a Romanesque design with a soldier's head surrounded with 3 Griffins. 14k Swan #2 nib delivers Super-flexible variation with flexible softness, laying down a smooth and consistent EF line that widens to a BBB+ under moderate pressure (see writing sample: https://imgur.com/PSrBmOZ)). Condition: excellent. Hard rubber is dark black with no discernible fading. Chasing is strong throughout and imprints are sharp and fully legible. Smooth, lustrous finish to the surface. No significant flaws to speak of. Price: $190 SOLD
2. 1910s-20s Gold Starry Safety (MRHR, safety filler, 14k EF Wet Noodle nib). Measures 4 3/4" capped and 5 3/4" posted. Founded in 1909, Gold Starry was a French pen maker known for high-quality safety pens manufactured in collaboration with Conway Stewart. The barrel imprint on this mottled red hard rubber pen is worn away on one side. The star logo is clear along with "Gold Starr" but the last digit of the model number is gone. My best guess is that this is a No. 256 or 257. It came clipless from the factory, but a basic nickel-plated clip is available on request for an extra $10. Like the other safeties in this listing, this pen features a nib that retracts into the barrel when the blindcap on the end of the barrel is turned (cf. the modern Montblanc Boheme), allowing one to fill the pen like an eyedropper by injecting ink directly into the section. Improving on the design of the standard eyedropper, safeties are so-called because the section creates a leak-proof seal with the inner cap when the pen is capped (once nib is retracted), ensuring that no ink leaks into the cap when the pen is carried and jostled around. When the nib is fully protracted to write, another seal is created behind it to keep ink in the barrel. 14k Warranted nib is a Wet Noodle, requiring negligible pressure to flex to generous widths. It lays down a smooth and consistent EF line that widens to a BBB+ under minimal pressure (see writing sample: https://imgur.com/agzxq7J). Wide variation, strong snap-back, and needlepoint hairlines make it ideal for expressive styles of writing such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent-. The hard rubber has vibrant color with no discernible fading. Some small, superficial nicks on the barrel here and there, but nothing terribly unsightly. No other noteworthy blemishes. Price: $220 [B] SOLD
3. c.1940 Ideal 18k Gold Overlay Safety (18k gold over hard rubber, safety filler, 14k F Superflex Warranted #6 nib). Measures 4 3/4" capped and 6 1/2" posted. I'm afraid there isn't much info out there about the Italian Ideal pen company. "Ideal" calls "Waterman's" to mind and, at a glance, this pen resembles the Waterman 42 Safeties exported to Italy, where they were outfitted with precious metal overlays. But the construction of this pen is different and it bears no Waterman imprints. The barrel and cap are made from black hard rubber beneath an gold overlay marked "750" on the cap band (indicating 18k gold) next to what is either a hallmark or the logo of the company. According to David
Nishimura in this thread: http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/333245-gold-vs-gold-filled-markings/), 18k gold-*filled* Italian overlays of this period were marked '18k', whereas *solid* 18k gold overlays were marked '750' like this one. The latter is naturally more valuable. But, having no method to verify this, I can't guarantee it and the weight of the pen gives me pause, so I'm pricing it as a gold-filled pen. The overlay consists of a checkerboard and bar motif on the cap and barrel with ornate floral design on the pocket clip, cap crown, and 4 separate rings around the barrel and cap. These exquisite details are complemented by a roller clip – a fixture of Italian pens of the period. Like the other safeties in this listing, this pen features a nib that retracts into the barrel when the blindcap on the end of the barrel is turned (cf. the modern Montblanc Boheme), allowing one to fill the pen like an eyedropper by injecting ink directly into the section. Improving on the design of the standard eyedropper, safeties are so-called because the section creates a leak-proof seal with the inner cap when the pen is capped (once nib is retracted), ensuring that no ink leaks into the cap when the pen is carried and jostled around. When the nib is fully protracted to write, another seal is created behind it to keep ink in the barrel. 14k Super-Flexible Warranted #6 nib lays down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a BBB+ under light pressure (see writing sample: https://imgur.com/2A2sgjc). Nice and juicy flow under pressure on this one. Condition: excellent. Some small, superficial scratches on the smooth portion of the barrel overlay but no discernible dents or dings. This portion bears the professionally engraved monogram of "P.G." followed by a date: "8-4-1941." No other issues. Price: $260
4. 1920s Mabie Todd Gold-Filled "Swan Pen" (all metal gold-filled, lever filler, 14k EF Flex/Super-Flex nib). Measures 5 1/4" capped. Aside from the section, which is an overlay over HR, this is an all-metal pen: gold-filled in a machine-turned pattern called Rosette. It was manufactured by Mabie Todd &Co NY in the 20s (note 1915 patent date stamped on the clip and "Made in USA" on barrel). 14k Mabie Todd NY nib delivers Super-flexible variation with flexible softness, laying down a smooth and consistent EF line that widens to a BBB+ under moderate pressure (see writing sample: https://imgur.com/BhCLzNq). Another nib well-suited for expressive styles of writing. Condition: excellent+. No brassing, dents, dings, or other blemishes anywhere aside from one small ding on the edge of the cap's crown (see detail photo: https://imgur.com/SC8vwe6)). None of the typical wear on the edge of the section and the cartouche for engraving on the barrel has been left blank. Were it not for that single ding, I'd call this pen pristine. Price: $280 SOLD
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Shipping: To CONUS locations buyer may opt for either:
• USPS First-Class with tracking for $4;
• USPS Priority with tracking for $8.
Please contact me for shipping quote if located overseas (delivery confirmation required).
Order, Payment, & Guarantee: Pens are placed on hold for the first person to PM me with firm request to purchase, to which I’ll reply with payment details. If I haven't received Paypal payment within 24 hrs, then they become available to the next person. All pens are guaranteed to be in the condition in which I've described them. If I've missed something 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). 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) for some of my previous offerings.
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https://i.imgur.com/dsbMdT0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/I3c5sWX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TXN0oLD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4MrPqHd.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1FqFfVV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gRJZbMV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pELIjxb.jpg
Condition (n.b.): All pens listed below have been disassembled, cleaned and restored with new sacs/seals installed in the last couple months. All safeties were outfitted with new, more durable o-rings from David Nishimura to replace the old cork seals. Each is guaranteed to fill and write as designed without leaks or other issues. These pens have no cracks, chips, personal engravings (except #3), missing parts, bent nibs, misaligned tines, or threading issues.
1. 1910-20s Mabie Todd – Swan Safety P.R.2 (BCHR, safety/eyedropper, 14k EF Flex/Superflex nib). Measures 4 1/2" capped and 5 7/18" posted. I haven't been able to discover much on the internet about this model. From what I've read, early Mabie Todd safeties are uncommon as they were manufactured in England for the French market exclusively, safeties being particularly popular in France. This pen is marked "P.R.2" on the blindcap, which presumably designates a #2 size "Self-PRopelling Pen," as marked on the barrel beside the Swan logo. Like the other safeties below, this pen features a nib that retracts into the barrel when the blindcap on the end of the barrel is turned (cf. the modern Montblanc Boheme), allowing one to fill the pen like an eyedropper by injecting ink directly into the section. Improving on the design of the standard eyedropper, safeties are so-called because the section creates a leak-proof seal with the inner cap when the pen is capped (once nib is retracted), ensuring that no ink leaks into the cap when the pen is carried and jostled around. When the nib is fully protracted to write, another seal is created behind it to keep ink in the barrel. This pen was clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a clip), but came to me with a beautifully ornate accommodation clip in brass(?): a Romanesque design with a soldier's head surrounded with 3 Griffins. 14k Swan #2 nib delivers Super-flexible variation with flexible softness, laying down a smooth and consistent EF line that widens to a BBB+ under moderate pressure (see writing sample: https://imgur.com/PSrBmOZ)). Condition: excellent. Hard rubber is dark black with no discernible fading. Chasing is strong throughout and imprints are sharp and fully legible. Smooth, lustrous finish to the surface. No significant flaws to speak of. Price: $190 SOLD
2. 1910s-20s Gold Starry Safety (MRHR, safety filler, 14k EF Wet Noodle nib). Measures 4 3/4" capped and 5 3/4" posted. Founded in 1909, Gold Starry was a French pen maker known for high-quality safety pens manufactured in collaboration with Conway Stewart. The barrel imprint on this mottled red hard rubber pen is worn away on one side. The star logo is clear along with "Gold Starr" but the last digit of the model number is gone. My best guess is that this is a No. 256 or 257. It came clipless from the factory, but a basic nickel-plated clip is available on request for an extra $10. Like the other safeties in this listing, this pen features a nib that retracts into the barrel when the blindcap on the end of the barrel is turned (cf. the modern Montblanc Boheme), allowing one to fill the pen like an eyedropper by injecting ink directly into the section. Improving on the design of the standard eyedropper, safeties are so-called because the section creates a leak-proof seal with the inner cap when the pen is capped (once nib is retracted), ensuring that no ink leaks into the cap when the pen is carried and jostled around. When the nib is fully protracted to write, another seal is created behind it to keep ink in the barrel. 14k Warranted nib is a Wet Noodle, requiring negligible pressure to flex to generous widths. It lays down a smooth and consistent EF line that widens to a BBB+ under minimal pressure (see writing sample: https://imgur.com/agzxq7J). Wide variation, strong snap-back, and needlepoint hairlines make it ideal for expressive styles of writing such as Copperplate and Spencerian. Condition: excellent-. The hard rubber has vibrant color with no discernible fading. Some small, superficial nicks on the barrel here and there, but nothing terribly unsightly. No other noteworthy blemishes. Price: $220 [B] SOLD
3. c.1940 Ideal 18k Gold Overlay Safety (18k gold over hard rubber, safety filler, 14k F Superflex Warranted #6 nib). Measures 4 3/4" capped and 6 1/2" posted. I'm afraid there isn't much info out there about the Italian Ideal pen company. "Ideal" calls "Waterman's" to mind and, at a glance, this pen resembles the Waterman 42 Safeties exported to Italy, where they were outfitted with precious metal overlays. But the construction of this pen is different and it bears no Waterman imprints. The barrel and cap are made from black hard rubber beneath an gold overlay marked "750" on the cap band (indicating 18k gold) next to what is either a hallmark or the logo of the company. According to David
Nishimura in this thread: http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/333245-gold-vs-gold-filled-markings/), 18k gold-*filled* Italian overlays of this period were marked '18k', whereas *solid* 18k gold overlays were marked '750' like this one. The latter is naturally more valuable. But, having no method to verify this, I can't guarantee it and the weight of the pen gives me pause, so I'm pricing it as a gold-filled pen. The overlay consists of a checkerboard and bar motif on the cap and barrel with ornate floral design on the pocket clip, cap crown, and 4 separate rings around the barrel and cap. These exquisite details are complemented by a roller clip – a fixture of Italian pens of the period. Like the other safeties in this listing, this pen features a nib that retracts into the barrel when the blindcap on the end of the barrel is turned (cf. the modern Montblanc Boheme), allowing one to fill the pen like an eyedropper by injecting ink directly into the section. Improving on the design of the standard eyedropper, safeties are so-called because the section creates a leak-proof seal with the inner cap when the pen is capped (once nib is retracted), ensuring that no ink leaks into the cap when the pen is carried and jostled around. When the nib is fully protracted to write, another seal is created behind it to keep ink in the barrel. 14k Super-Flexible Warranted #6 nib lays down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a BBB+ under light pressure (see writing sample: https://imgur.com/2A2sgjc). Nice and juicy flow under pressure on this one. Condition: excellent. Some small, superficial scratches on the smooth portion of the barrel overlay but no discernible dents or dings. This portion bears the professionally engraved monogram of "P.G." followed by a date: "8-4-1941." No other issues. Price: $260
4. 1920s Mabie Todd Gold-Filled "Swan Pen" (all metal gold-filled, lever filler, 14k EF Flex/Super-Flex nib). Measures 5 1/4" capped. Aside from the section, which is an overlay over HR, this is an all-metal pen: gold-filled in a machine-turned pattern called Rosette. It was manufactured by Mabie Todd &Co NY in the 20s (note 1915 patent date stamped on the clip and "Made in USA" on barrel). 14k Mabie Todd NY nib delivers Super-flexible variation with flexible softness, laying down a smooth and consistent EF line that widens to a BBB+ under moderate pressure (see writing sample: https://imgur.com/BhCLzNq). Another nib well-suited for expressive styles of writing. Condition: excellent+. No brassing, dents, dings, or other blemishes anywhere aside from one small ding on the edge of the cap's crown (see detail photo: https://imgur.com/SC8vwe6)). None of the typical wear on the edge of the section and the cartouche for engraving on the barrel has been left blank. Were it not for that single ding, I'd call this pen pristine. Price: $280 SOLD
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Shipping: To CONUS locations buyer may opt for either:
• USPS First-Class with tracking for $4;
• USPS Priority with tracking for $8.
Please contact me for shipping quote if located overseas (delivery confirmation required).
Order, Payment, & Guarantee: Pens are placed on hold for the first person to PM me with firm request to purchase, to which I’ll reply with payment details. If I haven't received Paypal payment within 24 hrs, then they become available to the next person. All pens are guaranteed to be in the condition in which I've described them. If I've missed something 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). 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) for some of my previous offerings.
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