How To Tell The Difference Between A Dauntless And A Stalwart?

[zslane]

So how can one tell if a pen is a Dauntless or a Stalwart?

[tmenyc]

I believe , and will probably be corrected, that Stalwarts are Canadian, with gold trim and two cap rings, and a Canadian imprint. Dauntless(es?) were American, with chrome trim and a single cap band. However, a Dauntless with gold trim and an American imprint was a Stalwart. I've heard, but not seen, an American lady's version of a Stalwart that is called the Starlet.

 

If this is not correct, I'd like to learn!

 

Tim

[zslane]

Mine is Canadian, and features a single gold cap ring. Neither the clip nor the lever are gold.

[Ernst Bitterman]

I guess the question is-- is the band gold, or well-polished brass, free of all plating? (Mostly) chrome hardware and a Canadian imprint are strong indicators of Dauntless-ness.

 

My rule of thumb (which I lift from my own site) is this:

• Two bands, non-US imprint is a Stalwart.
• One band, US imprint is also a Stalwart as long as it’s got gold on it.

Is it right? Mmmmmmmaybe. No one has yet provided evidence to support a contrary position, but we're talking about Waterman identification-- all things are fluid.

Edited June 4, 2018 by Ernst Bitterman

[zslane]

Good question. I don't know if the cap ring is actual gold, or just some sort of gold-colored plating. All I know is that it is a single ring, gold in color, and "Made in Canada" stamped on the body and the cap.