Swan L3Xx And L4Xx Series

February 20, 2018

For the L3xx and L4xx series, Mabie Todd used the same barrels. This creates attractive Frankenpen possibilities. Frankly I think that the No 3 nib in this fat barrel looks a little lean.

Here's my newly created "L430/63!" The lovely nib came from a a beautiful 1060 sadly with a loose cap band.:

[url=https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/uploads/imgs/fpn_1519122860__l430_63.jpg][/url

Cob

Edited February 20, 2018 by Cob

February 20, 2018

I would not use the numbers alone in this case.

There are the flat top L3xx and 4xx, to which you are referring. Beautiful pens.

And then there are more streamlined ones with a shape like the SM pens, only leverless.

The Swan lizard pattern pens are labeled L2xx, 3xx, 4xx, but are a different shape than the earlier, older flat top ones. The earlier can have two barrel bands. The later ones, only cap bands.

February 20, 2018

I would not use the numbers alone in this case.

There are the flat top L3xx and 4xx, to which you are referring. Beautiful pens.

And then there are more streamlined ones with a shape like the SM pens, only leverless.

The Swan lizard pattern pens are labeled L2xx, 3xx, 4xx, but are a different shape than the earlier, older flat top ones. The earlier can have two barrel bands. The later ones, only cap bands.

Yes of course that's quite correct - e.g. L312/85?

The problem is my L3??/64 with no number and no bands anywhere - but it is the thick barrel like your L330/64. You have made a good point here.

Perhaps I should have called my Frankenpen L340/63? Tricky isn't it? It doesn't matter actually because I have already sold it! I used to think that one of the numerals referred to the number of bands - like my L442s. and with e.g. the L330 s this actually works: which number is the nib?

EDIT Going on from all this I have a late 30s big leverless - the sort with the BHR top to the cap with the little Swan emblem and screw-fitting clip. this one is numbered L645/60. this tells me that the first number is the nib size (it should have had a 6 but in fact is yet another Frankenpen with a 1920s Onoto 4 nib fitted on the Swan feed.)

Cob

Edited February 20, 2018 by Cob

February 21, 2018

Based on my pens that were imprinted, L (leverless), 1st digit - nib size (matches all my 2's 3's, an 4's), next two (design features) / color code.

And just to get more esoteric....

Is your frankenpen cap from a L4xxE (or 3xxE)? The band at the top seems like that on the leverless eternals

So, I would designate the pen L3½30E/63. (E or not to E. That is the question.)

I can hear Marc Shiman growing impatient already... Best if he ignores the nerdy model # chat.

February 21, 2018

Based on my pens that were imprinted, L (leverless), 1st digit - nib size (matches all my 2's 3's, an 4's), next two (design features) / color code.

And just to get more esoteric....
Is your frankenpen cap from a L4xxE (or 3xxE)? The band at the top seems like that on the leverless eternals

So, I would designate the pen L3½30E/63. (E or not to E. That is the question.)

I can hear Marc Shiman growing impatient already... Best if he ignores the nerdy model # chat.

Unfortunately the "L430/63" is already packed but if memory serves it was (the bloke must have been sober or his girlie was away) stamped L330/63 on the twist knob of course. Have you seen a L330E?

I think your summary of the numbering is sound - it would be nice to be sure if one of the numbers referred to the number of bands on the pen. Certainly taking the nib as the first number, L330 would work - £ nib, 3 bands. And it works for L442 - 4 nib and 4 bands. Here are mine with another:

But they must have abandoned the system by the time they were making e.g. the L645 (6 nib three bands!)

It is rather nerdy isn't? Good!

Rgds

C.