Vintage Pens

[downwiththepc27]

I don't really know too much about vintage pens, but I am interested in trying some out. My grandparents gave me some Christmas money and I thought it would be cool to get a pen from the same year/time period of my grandfather's birth (1928). The 51 is really the only vintage pen I know anything about, and I know it wasn't produced that early. So what are some good pens that were produced around that time period?

[jgrasty]

Conklin Endura and Parker Duofold, among many others.

[jar]

Sheaffer flatops and 5-30s (the Balance was not introduced until the next year), many Waterman Ideal pens,and 1928 was about when Onoto De LaRue introduced their celluloid pens.

[gross]

In or about 1928, Esterbrook made a black hard rubber lever filler fountain pen called the "Relief No. 1" that was made in England. In 1933, Esterbrook began producing fountain pens in America and led with a "Relief No. 1". The 1928 "Relief No. 1" has "England" stamped on its barrel. {see The Fountain Pens of Esterbrook by Paul Hoban}

 

Aiken Lambert Mercantile lever fill fountain pen was produced in 1927 or 1928.

 

Carter Ink Company produced "The Carter Pen" a lever fill fountain pen in 1928 (Carter Inx lapis blue) and the Carter Pearltex lever fill fountain pen in 1929.

 

Diamond Metal produced a mahogany grained plastic lever fill fountain pen in 1928.

 

Eclipse produced a marbled green plastic lever fill fountain pen in 1928.

 

John Holland produced a ladies paint-over-plastic lever fill fountain pen and a pearl and black plastic lever fill fountain pen in 1928.

 

Le Boeuf was producing lever fill fountain pens in 1928 as was Moore (The Moore Monarch lever fill).

 

Wahl-Eversharp produced a woodgrainded hard rubber lever fill fountain pen in 1928.

 

L.E. Waterman produced the #52 hard rubber lever fill fountain pen in 1928.

 

{see Fountain Pens Past & Present by Paul Erano}

[EventHorizon]

You can add Wearever to you list also. In the early 20's (under the name of David Kahn Inc.) they were making flat top pens and by the late 20's they were making a model called the Pioneer.

[FrankB]

My favorite pens from that era are Parkers Duofold Seniors. The close second is Sheaffer's full sized flattops. Both of these models fit well in my hand and write ever so well. The examples I have all have new sacs, but none have actually been restored. They look good, write well and are apparently quite durable.

[Hugh200au]

Plenty to choose from but the big name brands (Parker, Sheaffer, Watermans, Whal and Conklin) give the best value for money as they where more plentiful then, and now. All produced pens of the highest quality and some very attractive ones to boot. Do buy the top models rather than second line if possible, be wary of cracks etc in the cap lip, the barrel where the section fits, around the clip and lever. Try to buy one with minimal brassing as well. And lastly, if you intend to carry it around in the pocket, a high set clip is an advantage. All things considered a Parker Duofold ( the "Big Red") is an iconic American pen , is easy to obtain and should be on your list. The Junior model is also an excellent choice and a lot cheaper. The Conklin Endura is another good choice although the large size is a bit pricey. Have fun looking and I hope you find "the" pen.

 

Regards

Hugh

[Tsujigiri]

The Watermam 52 is a really iconic pen of the era. It was made from the 1910's to the 1930's, a huge production run. So many were made that you can find good examples on ebay fairly easily, for $100 or so unrestored. I'm really happy with mine, which is a later model (1928-1931 based on the clip shape and imprints).

[Fernan]

The photo illustration is not the best, but illustrated below is another Waterman. It was manufactured in the Montréal Waterman plant, between 1909 and around 1917. It's an Ideal 12 POC, an eyedropper.

 

Got it in a Québec City antique store. The nib was dirty and so was the réservoir. Took three very patient days to open it and found two layers of dry ink (first green, then black). The flex nib now writes real well.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/3841776434_b4d812894c_b.jpg

Edited December 31, 2009 by Fernan

[Mauricio]

The photo illustration is not the best, but illustrated below is another Waterman. It was manufactured in the Montréal Waterman plant, between 1909 and around 1917. It's an Ideal 12 POC, an eyedropper.

 

Got it in a Québec City antique store. The nib was dirty and so was the réservoir. Took three very patient days to open it and found two layers of dry ink (first green, then black). The flex nib now writes real well.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/3841776434_b4d812894c_b.jpg

 

Fernan,

 

You have a nice Waterman jewel there. Thanks for sharing the picture.

 

Besides the great pens mentioned above, I also like certain high quality models of Diamond Point, particularly their oversize flat-tops from the 1920s and the smaller models with rounded ends (art deco style) from the 1930s. Have quite a few of them and they are awesome writers and very elegant pens.

[camoandconcrete]

My personal choices are a Parker Duofold, a Sheaffer Balance or a Pelikan 100.

[duofoldguy]

The Watermam 52 is a really iconic pen of the era. It was made from the 1910's to the 1930's, a huge production run. So many were made that you can find good examples on ebay fairly easily, for $100 or so unrestored. I'm really happy with mine, which is a later model (1928-1931 based on the clip shape and imprints).

 

I agree the Waterman #52 good pen to have. The nib is flexible and full of character. The nib with the hard rubber body make it a real early 20th century jewel. I have one that was made between 1918-21, judging by the marching on the clip and nib. It is brown with discoloration and has a chunk broken out of the cap, though writes like a charm. Because mine is a bit more worn and brittle, I mostly keep it at the desk.

 

If You get one or a pen of the same era, 9 times out of 10 it will need a new rubber sack if it has not been serviced. There are a few people on the FPN who can help you with that at a modest price. If the sack has hardened with age, DO NOT FORCE THE FILLING LEVER, IT WILL BREAK.

[duofoldguy]

The photo illustration is not the best, but illustrated below is another Waterman. It was manufactured in the Montréal Waterman plant, between 1909 and around 1917. It's an Ideal 12 POC, an eyedropper.

 

Got it in a Québec City antique store. The nib was dirty and so was the réservoir. Took three very patient days to open it and found two layers of dry ink (first green, then black). The flex nib now writes real well.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/3841776434_b4d812894c_b.jpg

 

I have never seen a Waterman #12 with a treaded cap; every one I have seen has a snug fitting one. It reminds me of a Waterman #52 because of the shape of the nib section. It is also a thiner threading then the standard Waterman's I have seen. That is a beautiful pen.

[richardandtracy]

You don't say where you are from. If anywhere within the Commonwealth, then an Onoto may well have been an appropriate pen for the time. (see https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=106928 )

 

Regards,

 

Richard.

[Rufus]

Swan Leverless by Mabie Todd are good vintage pens that can be had at reasonable prices. Another option is the Swan Self-filler Lever. I'd also recommend a De La Rue Onoto ("The Pen")from the 1930's.