Hello From Philadelphia, Pa

[ggoldsmith4556]

Hi, this will be mt first post here prompted by my dear uncle who wants me to share in his interest as a way to keep in touch. Every once in a while he gifts me a pen pen with the understanding that it will be sold on eBay. The only stipulation is that I study the history of the pen in order to present an intelligent and honest post. We've sold about a dozen pens from his collection so far. The reason I've joined today is because he gave me a Waterman Ideal wave brass pendant fountain pen that I can't find enough info on to complete my post. I don't need a valuation - the bidders provide that. I just need the most basic info like when it was made, and some bare bones historical context. I thank anyone here in advance for their time and consideration.

[notVirtuThe3rd]

Hi! Welcome to FPN.

I'm really glad you've joined us.

Enjoy!

Best wishes from Japan,

VirtuThe3rd

[Wahl]

[Sasha Royale]

Welcome !

 

So, let me understand. Your uncle gives you a pen. You research its background. You sell the pen, and keep the proceeds.

I don't think any of the membership is going to charge for comments, discussion, and expertise. However, I would suggest

that FPN deserves a cut. How about a donation from each sale ?

 

.

[ggoldsmith4556]

Thanks all for the welcome!

@ Sasha - I hope the joy you feel from helping me and my uncle will suffice.

[Clancy]

Greetings and welcome to FPN. I hope you enjoy the forums.

[PAKMAN]

Hello and Welcome to FPN!! Glad to have you as a member!!

 

As noted in your pictures 552 1/2 V is the Waterman model, v is for vest pen. It should be gold plated and may possibly have a #2 flexible nib. Dates from the 1920's. Hard rubber body with gold plated overlay.

[ggoldsmith4556]

Thanks for that correction. I assumed this was wave brass material from photos of a similar looking pens in adverts for new pens. About the nib: can it be cleaned up? There was green ink installed. It wrote with a fine line quite nicely. Maybe these photos can help identify.

[RMN]

Hi and welcome to FPN

 

I would advise you to keep a nice good writer for personal use, so you can better understand what exactly you are selling...

 

 

D.ick

[ggoldsmith4556]

Right, I'll purchase a new decent quality fountain pen to use as a benchmark.

[william2001]

Welcome!

Please enjoy the forums.

-William S. Park

[H1N]

Hello and welcome to FPN

[estie1948]

Hello and Welcome to FPN!! Glad to have you as a member!!

 

As noted in your pictures 552 1/2 V is the Waterman model, v is for vest pen. It should be gold plated and may possibly have a #2 flexible nib. Dates from the 1920's. Hard rubber body with gold plated overlay.

Hello and welcome. I'm glad you joined us. I second what PAKMAN stated. I have an advertisement that identifies it as a "No. 0552 1/2 VEC with ring Gothic Gold filled" at $10.00. The "No. 552 1/2 VEC with ring is Gothic Solid Gold" at $33.00. There was also a "No. 452 1/2 VEC with ring Gothic Sterling Silver" at $7.00. Note the ad and the prices are from 1920. "Gothic" is the name of the pattern on the metal portion of the pen. The full size "Gothic No. 0552" gold plated and "Gothic No.452" sterling silver date from 1915. The shorter version (id est, "1/2") seem to have become popular in about 1920 with several pen companies producing very similar versions that were carried in one of a man's small vest pockets with a chain which passed through the center vest button hole and connected to a pocket watch in the opposite vest pocket or worn on a chain around a ladies neck (Sheaffer identifies theirs as "Sheaffer Lady" pen {1917} and Swan Pen Company identifies theirs as "Swan Lady"{1920}). Wahl Pen Company brought out theirs in 1922 and followed the example of many pen companies that brought out their vest-sized pens earlier by not labeling them as ladies pens or vest pocket pens.

 

I hope you enjoy your time with us.

 

-David.

[Art]

Hello and welcome.

[gwyneddd]

Can't help you on the pen, I'm not an antique pen expert, just a fan of writing implements. But what a cool job. And hello from Lower Slower Delaware from a former Philly girl (I grew up there and went to high school and grad school in the city.) Waves at you from below the Canal somewhere near I-95.

[freewheelingvagabond]

[ggoldsmith4556]

I thank you all for your help ! I'll go ahead and craft a listing on eBay based on this great information.

[lisadan]

Hello and welcome, from the other side of the river.