Waterman Yellow Nib Fever

[kohlj2]

As a lefty (with atrocious penmanship), I have a soft spot for Waterman’s Yellow nibs. In turn, the collection has steadily grown. What struck me today when looking them over is how different the nib shape and profiles are from one to another. Additionally, flexibility varies significantly.

 

In the close-up photos of the nibs from left to right: (1) Canadian #5. (2,3) US #7’s. (4) Canadian #7. (5) Canadian 14k #7. (6) US 18k #7.

 

By far, the 18k nib requires the least amount of pressure to spread the tines and lays down a strong wet line. The #5 is quite springy and flexible. The 14k nib is surprisingly the least flexible.

 

So, the moral of the story, when my girlfriend muses why I have 'so many of the same pen', I can now point out that they are in fact quite dissimilar. The madness continues….

[Left FPN]

[kohlj2]

Here Force, a couple more images... Few oddball sizes here: #46 Safety and a #56V.

[vPro]

Amazing collection.

 

It's weird seeing that the 18k nib is more flexible than a 14k. I always heard that 18k nibs are too soft for flex.

[kohlj2]

Amazing collection.

 

It's weird seeing that the 18k nib is more flexible than a 14k. I always heard that 18k nibs are too soft for flex.

 

Thanks, it has been an ongoing hunt to find them! Good point regarding the 18k nibs. I think I used the term flexible a little loosely. The 18k nib is quite soft and produces a wet line with significant line variation when light pressure is applied. However, the tines do not 'snap' back as quickly as the 14k nibs. So, in summary, it is not as responsive and easy to control the line width as the 14k Waterman flex nibs.

[pajaro]

There is no madness in saving such beautiful and historic pens. It's rather a noble obsession.

[kohlj2]

There is no madness in saving such beautiful and historic pens. It's rather a noble obsession.

 

Well put!

[terim]

Check out this "yellow" nib which came to us in an 0552 pen, not a red ripple colorband. Note the lack of keyhole slit, instead it has widened slit that is positioned toward the tip.

 

 

The nib allows writing on both sides.

 

 

Has anyone seen this version of the Yellow nib?

 

TERI

[Addertooth]

No, and a great find Terim. I only have a "Purple" of that style. Makes me wonder if a pink/black/red/brown are out there somewhere.

 

[terim]

No, and a great find Terim. I only have a "Purple" of that style. Makes me wonder if a pink/black/red/brown are out there somewhere.

 

 

Thanks! When you say "of that style" are you referring to the peculiar slit, or the reversible nature?

[Addertooth]

Peyton Street Pens,

 

 

Yes, a classical #2 nib, with HEART shaped breather hole, as versus the more frequently seen Keyhole breather in a #5 or #7. I have a Purple and I have seen a picture of another purple (and now a yellow).

It makes me wonder what other color nibs were made with the heart shaped breather in a true number 2 size.

Edited February 26, 2020 by Addertooth

[terim]

Peyton Street Pens,

 

 

Yes, a classical #2 nib, with HEART shaped breather hole, as versus the more frequently seen Keyhole breather in a #5 or #7. I have a Purple and I have seen a picture of another purple (and now a yellow).

It makes me wonder what other color nibs were made with the heart shaped breather in a true number 2 size.

 

This is the first one I've seen, that's for sure.

[Addertooth]

Just for future reference, the Purple nib shown is in a Nacre Lady Patricia pen.

[terim]

Just for future reference, the Purple nib shown is in a Nacre Lady Patricia pen.

 

Ah, so more or less #2 size?

[Addertooth]

Yes, absolutely a number 2 size. I will pull it soon when the pen is restored and see if it has a #2 stamp, but it is the exact same size as all the other #2 nibs on my other Lady Patricia pens.

It matches the behavior of a Purple Nib in a keyhole pen.. stiff and fine.