Three Oversize Vintage Pens With Flex Nibs

[Mauricio]

While playing with three vintage oversized pens with flexible nibs I decided to write my first pen review in FPN. The three pens are:

 

• Waterman Patrician in Turquoise celluloid (blue and bronze color), gold trim and fitted with a 14K Waterman Patrician medium flex nib that writes an F-BB line. Made in USA in the 1930s.
• Montblanc 149 in what other possible color than black celluloid with gold trim. Fitted with its factory 14K Montblanc medium flex nib that writes an M-BB line. Made in Germany in the 1950s.
• Morrison in Black and Pearl celluloid with gold trim. Oversized pen fitted with a 14K Morrison medium flex B-BB line. Made in USA. Do not know the official model name and year of manufacture for this pen.

All three pens are in the rotation at the moment. The Montblanc has been with me for about four years while the other two are recent additions to the family. Since finding vintage oversized pens with flexible nibs is not common and these three pens are being pleasantly enjoyed at the moment, I decided to place them side by side, make some writing samples of what their nibs can do, snap some pictures, and share some information.

 

 

From left to right: Waterman Patrician, Montblanc 149 and Morrison in Black & Pearl

 

Three different views of the cap ends

 

 

 

 

 

The clips

 

 

Celluloid colors

 

 

Bands on the caps

 

 

Barrel ends

 

 

 

Waterman Patrician

This is a "recent" addition to the family as it has been a pen project for a while, and its final restoration was completed about two weeks ago. I acquired this pen with a missing lever, incorrect section, incorrect feed and an incorrect and broken nib. Sourcing the correct replacement parts took a lot of effort and a huge investment. Nonetheless, after seeing the final results, it was well worth the investment. Vintage Patrician Turquoise pens are very rare and fetch very high prices when found with great colors and fully restored. This is the most expensive of the three pens. Out of the three, this is also the only one with a professionally adjusted nib by John Mottishaw. He did a wonderful job with this very rare and large flex nib. Yes, it has a massive size nib.

 

Turquoise celluloid pens are very attractive. The perforated gold band on the cap and the Waterman gold medallion on the barrel end are also two eye catching features in this pen. Being a big collector and user of vintage Waterman pens (mostly with flexible nibs), owning a Patrician pen in Turquoise color and in this condition is a major milestone point to the collection.

 

Measuring 5 3/8" capped and a tad shorter of 7" posted, this is the shortest of the three when capped. There is simply no need to post this pen when writing. This pen has great balance unposted.

 

Lever filler pen. Being an oversized pen, its sac is larger than most lever filler pens, and it will hold a great amount of ink, but still not as much as in as in the Montblanc 149. Lever filler mechanisms have been around for almost 100 years and they are regarded as the most simple and most effective filling mechanisms. It is very easy and inexpensive to service a lever filler pen. Flushing a lever filler (or cartridge converters) and continuous ink color changes are also much more convenient than in a piston filler, button filler, eyedropper, safety pen, sleeve pen, etc.

 

Montblanc 149

This is an older child in the family. Purchased from a very reputable collector here in Little Rock, paying fair market value for it ... which means a lot of money. Still, this pen's value is perhaps about 60% of the value of the Waterman Patrician, granting they are both in the same great condition; both of them are fully operational, have correct parts, and medium flex nibs. This pen came as a fully operational pen, in amazing condition and has always been a wonderful and very reliable writer. Unlike the Waterman Patrician pen, all I had to do with this Montblanc pen was flush it and ink it. It is fitted with its factory original 14K dual-tone medium nib and a matching "M" imprint in the know to activate the piston. This medium nib is more like a broad and it is a very wet writer and a real delight to write with. I really like the massive size of this nib as well as the fact it is a flexible nib. Even though it is only a medium flex nib, it is a true joy to write with this nib. I have been enjoying this pen for quite a few years now and I am very impressed at the very high quality and craftsmanship. I also like its classic style with its dome ends and nice triple bands in the cap. The barrel has its typical ink window in amber color which was not caught in the pictures as the pen is filled with ink. Another two nice features in this pen is the flat style feed and the amberized Montblanc snow logo on top of the cap. That slight darkening of the white snow logo gives these vintage Montblancs more character, in my personal opinion.

 

Measuring 5 5/8" capped and 6 1/2" posted, this is the longest of the three when capped. It has a much wider diameter than the average sized pens of that era. This pen has wonderful balance on your hand. Its piston filler gives it more weight than a similar sized pen without a piston filling mechanism. There is not need to write with this pen posted.

One of the nicest features of this pen is its piston filling mechanism that holds a lot of ink. It is a very well made piston mechanism, ultra smooth and reliable. Doing a full flush in piston fillers takes a little longer than in a lever filler pen, but it is certainly not a detractor. I just do not switch ink colors as frequent when using this pen. Piston fillers also offer the advantage of being able to fly with them without the temp burping from the changes in cabin pressure.

 

 

Morrison Oversized

This pen was simply included in this review as it happened to be an oversized vintage pen with a flexible nib, inked and in my rotation at the moment. It is probably not very fair for this pen to be compared to the other two iconic pen "giants" in this review. It is also not a very good comparison from the price point of view as this Morrison pen, fully restored and with a nice flexy nib, is worth less than 10% of the market value of the Waterman Patrician and Montblanc 149 pens above. So, with those disclaimers in perspective, I decided to include it here.

 

This pen was serviced last week. It got a new silicone sac (to reduce future celluloid color darkening) and a new pressure bar, it was thoroughly cleaned inside, assembled back together and tuned for ideal ink flow. The nib is a tad scratchy, and I intend to take it to the LA pen show next week and get it professionally adjusted.

 

Black and Peal celluloid with gold trim and two bullet shaped black inserts on both ends of the pen. This pen shows some oxidation on its celluloid, light brassing in its furniture, and more use and wear than the previous two. The fact it shows more wear can be both attributed to actual more use and/or being a lower quality pen. Still, a very stylish pen, which shape and lines are fairly similar to the Montblanc 149, but its more colorful scheme makes it stand out. I can just imagine how gorgeous this pen looked when it was new. The feed has a unique shape. Its shape resembles a "bow" or front lower part of a boat. The nib, on the other hand is significantly smaller in size that most similar vintage pens in this size range.

 

Measuring 5 1/2" capped and 6 5/8" posted, this is also a fairly large pen. Its diameter is just a tad smaller than the Montblanc 149. Fitted with a lever filling mechanism. The black end in the barrel is a solid piece; meaning the sac is quite shorter than another lever filler pens with entirely hollow barrels.

 

What attracted me to this pen was its gorgeous styling, colors and its large size. I am a big lover of black and pearl pens. Since I was able to acquire it for less than $100, in unrestored condition, I pulled the trigger. I am glad I did. I look forward to seeing how it will hold up and perform over time.

 

Flex Nibs

 

• Waterman Patrician: 14K Waterman Patrician medium flex nib that writes a fine (border line with an extra fine line) to double broad line. Ultra smooth writer, capable of writing at any speed when not flexed. Nib responsiveness: 5 (five) in a scale zero to ten.
• Montblanc 149: Factory 14K Montblanc medium flex nib that writes a medium (more like a broad to me!) to double broad line. A very wet writer. Ultra smooth writer, capable of writing at any speed when not flexed. Nib responsiveness: 3 (three) in a scale zero to ten.
• Morrison in Black and Pearl: 14K Morrison medium flex broad to double broad line. A wet writer. A tad scratchy at the moment, but an issue that will be easily fixed next week. Once adjusted, this nib will also be another ultra smooth writer capable of writing at any speed when not flexed. Nib responsiveness: 1 (one) in a scale zero to ten.

All three pens were fully inked when photographed.

 

Posted pens. From top to bottom: Waterman Patrician, Montblanc 149, Morrison Black & Pearl

 

 

Sections and nibs (upper view of the nib):

 

 

Sections, feeds and nibs (lower view of the nibs): Spoon feed, flat feed, and "bow" feed.

 

 

 

Writing Samples

 

Inks:

• Waterman Patrician: Diamine Aqua Blue
• Montblanc 149: Montblanc "Carlo Collodi"
• Morrison in Black and Pearl: Rohrer & Klinger Alt Goldgrun.

Paper; Rhodia Blocks 13 and 16 with 5x5mm squares.

 

 

Waterman Patrician

 

Very fast writing with no pressure applied

 

And now, multiple pictures while flexying the nib

 

 

 

 

 

Montblanc 149

 

Writing at less than my normal writing speed with no pressure applied

 

Writing at a fast speed with no pressure applied

 

And now, multiple pictures while flexying the nib

 

 

 

 

Morrison Black & Pearl

 

Writing very fast and with no pressure applied

 

And now, multiple pictures while flexying the nib

 

 

 

 

 

Which of the three is the best pen? Obviously the Waterman Patrician and the Montblanc 149 are in a much higher league than the Morrison. Nonetheless, my vote today goes for the Waterman Patrician due to its rarity, amazing color and the fact it is my nicest new toy. Tomorrow, my opinion may be completely different.

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this three-pen review. Happy Writings!

 

Edited February 9, 2012 by Mauricio

[Chris Chalmers]

Congratulations Mauricio! What a trio of amazing pens! Your handwriting is beautiful and shows the pens to their best............. and those vintage nibs do do the best, don't they?

 

I have a black Waterman Patrician but it has no flex that I can remember, now I need to go ink it and see................and I too have a 50s 149 with flex M italic nib that is a superb writer - it came from the main seller of vintage pens in US I think - a few years back! I use it regularly, although it is resting right now.

 

As to number three.......... A Morrison with flex.........and such pretty celluloid!

My collection of flex nibs is small but perfectly formed - hehehe - I have two OS Sheaffer Balances, both discoloured black and pearl, but with such nibs!!! Both fine, both very flexy!

My favourite flex has to be a 1940s Parker Snr Vac Max from John Mottishaw, who added extra flex to the EF nib........and then put out the challenge that "this pen is suitable only for an experienced calligrapher".......... well, I just had to have it, and love it!

 

Please don't ask for photos.............. just take my word for it! :embarrassed_smile::embarrassed_smile:

[ink mixer]

I love the handwriting samples. Now I have to add Alt Goldrun to the sample list.

[ajoe]

Beautiful review Mauricio.

[watch_art]

Beautiful pens Mauricio! Thanks so much for your review. Now you have to do a photo shoot of all your gold and blue Waterman's!

[Lince]

Excellent photo detail. Nice pens.

[ArchiMark]

Super review and fabulous pens, Mauricio....thanks so much for sharing!

 

 

 

Gotta add a Patrician to my collection....

[talkinghead]

Mauricio,

 

Great Review!! As usual, awesome photography and writing samples. Just picked up my second 50's celluloid 149. 14C OF nib with matching OF piston cone engraving. Nice smooth writer but not as flexible as some of my other 14C 149 nibs. I have a stash of these nibs, so my conundrum is if I should switch out the nibs or not.......decisions, decisions.

 

Again great review!

 

Rick

[jandrese]

Holy cow! Wow, thanks for sharing. It's not often that I'm blown away by a pen, let alone three. Enjoy!

[Mauricio]

Thanks to everyone for such kind words. Glad you enjoyed these pens, pictures and writing samples.

 

To Chris Chalmers .... There are firm and flex nibs on vintage Waterman Patrician pens. Yes, there are some vintage nibs that are true masterpieces, especially when they are nicely setup in a pen and when and when they can write as regular and flex nibs. That's like having two pens/nibs in one. I also have a much smaller Morrison pen with a very similar color to the Onyx celluloid in vintage Waterman pens. Let me dig it out and snap a picture of these two Morrison pens, side by side.

 

To Talkinghead ... Having a stash of vintage Montblanc 149 nibs is a great problem to have. Now you can enjoy your 149 in all different flavors!

[Uncle Red]

Nice to see the Morrison getting some love, I just picked up a ringtop siver overlay P&P set and the nib is a bit scratchy but it has nice flex. It's here at work with me today. The Waterman is lovely and such a great writer. Good job on the restoration.

[kazoolaw]

Mauricio,

 

What a nice review. I had never appreciated the size of the Patrician until I saw your photo next to the 149.

 

And who wouldn't love to have your penmanship.

 

gary

[Skeet]

Love those silver rings on the 149! Great review.

[Scribblesoften]

Lovely review Mauricion. Thank's for posting.

[Chris Chalmers]

Thanks to everyone for such kind words. Glad you enjoyed these pens, pictures and writing samples.

 

To Chris Chalmers .... There are firm and flex nibs on vintage Waterman Patrician pens. Yes, there are some vintage nibs that are true masterpieces, especially when they are nicely setup in a pen and when and when they can write as regular and flex nibs. That's like having two pens/nibs in one. I also have a much smaller Morrison pen with a very similar color to the Onyx celluloid in vintage Waterman pens. Let me dig it out and snap a picture of these two Morrison pens, side by side.

 

To Talkinghead ... Having a stash of vintage Montblanc 149 nibs is a great problem to have. Now you can enjoy your 149 in all different flavors!

 

Hi Mauricio!

 

I've just found my Patrician and inked it with Waterman Purple..........what else......... and it is a very fine nib with some line variation, but not flex. A lovely writer all the same! Now another Big Black Pen in my rotation!!! :roflmho:

Edited February 11, 2012 by Chris Chalmers

[Toolattack]

The pens are nice, but your handwriting is stunning! I can't believe any ink looks bad in that script.

[georges zaslavsky]

very nice review while being not rich enough for acquiring a 50's-early 60's mb 149, I am going to acquire other mid 60's-late 70's 149s with the 18c nibs, unibody and ebonite feed because they are a bang for the bug.

[Chris Chalmers]

Sounds like you are getting a wonderful 149 Georges!! I have several 'transitional' 149s - which have 50s nibs.........14C of course. OBB flex and a F/M with some life too! Can't wait to see samples and photos when yours arrived!

[ianmedium]

What beautiful pens, I love what each one does in the writing experience, all beauties to look at as well!

[georges zaslavsky]

Sounds like you are getting a wonderful 149 Georges!! I have several 'transitional' 149s - which have 50s nibs.........14C of course. OBB flex and a F/M with some life too! Can't wait to see samples and photos when yours arrived!

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/213906-1970-mb-149-medium-broad-stub-review/ here is the review of my latest arrival