Mabie Todd Swan Eternal 46 C1920S

July 13, 2017

Hi, Folks!

This is a first generation New York Mabie Todd Swan Eternal, size 46, the second largest. ETN and 46 are stamped on the barrel end.

http://www.penhero.com/Temp/SwanEternal46_1280_01.jpg

There are six sizes of the first generation US made Mabie Todd Swan Eternals, from largest to smallest: 48, 46, 44, 54, and 54 ringtop and 54 slim ringtop. The black hard rubber pen is 5 1/2 inches long with the cap on and has a huge Number 6 nib. The cap top has an inlaid mother of pearl swan logo.

I can't pin down the date precisely as I don't have the catalog information.

Any other first generation Eternals out there?

Thanks!

July 14, 2017

There are two other models: the 56 and the 58 - vest pocket size pens with huge nibs.

The British Eternal Swans were virtually identical, but used a different numbering scheme. rather than 48, 46, and 44, there was the 844, 644, and 444 in "a" and "b" lengths, the "b" length being the pocket size.

I've seen 844b and 644b in both BHR and MHR, but I've only seen a 56 (American) in MHR. It doesn't mean there weren't American 58's in black or MHR, I've just never seen them.

July 14, 2017

I've never owned a MT pen, but I must say that this pen is striking.

July 14, 2017

I have a Swan Eternal 58--a true sumgai find from almost 20 years ago, found in a flea market in Manila for what today would be $10:

I also had a woodgrain 46 but sold it (it wasn't in the best shape). but i have kept a black 44 (had two of these and sold one too):

July 25, 2017

Goodness! Size does matter. What a beautiful pen!

I passed up a 48 and a 46 (neither as nice as yours) for a nice mottled 44 with a fantastic stub nib, all for sale by the same collector. I have a spare Eternal No. 4 flex nib for it, but I doubt I'll ever install it because I like the Eternal stub so much.

Fred