Help id my grandmothers Wahl Eversharp in jade green from approx 1932

[Syds]

Hi, my first post in this forum, but been lurking for a while.

 

I have the Lamy 2000 stainless steel since 2012 and starting using it every day again since a few months. Yesterday I was at my parents again, who are hoarding almost everything they get so I figured to go searching for old pens.

 

Found this Wahl Eversharp in jade green which belonged to my grandmother. I think I found a 1932 advertisement for it, but I'm not sure of the name of the pen. It's mentioned as #8827.

Does anyone know this pen?

And should I start using it daily again? For this i'm more scared of two things, the pen needs some serious restauration (filling mechanism mainly) and i don't know if how it will hold up in EDC use (for example leaking or cracking).

[Syds]

Also found this page on paytonstreetpens, the pen looks about the same, but the nib is different.

Wahl Eversharp Fountain Pen - Slender Full Size, Green Marble, Flexible Fine Nib (Very Nice, Restored) - Peyton Street Pens

 

My grandmothers says:

 

Eversharp

Made in U.S.A.

2

Flexible

 

on it.

[joss]

That is a nice find, and good to have parents who hoard such valuable things.

 

I believe you have a Wahl-Eversharp "Equi-Poised" pen. The original Wahl-Eversharp Equi-Poised was introduced in 1929 and bared remarkable similarities in design to the Sheaffer Balance. Possibly due to Sheaffer patent infringement, the design of the Equi-Poised changed to the model that you have, which dates from around 1931-32. The #2 Flexible nib is period correct for that pen, and it is also seen on the pen on the right in the advertisement that you included above.

 

This page from a 1932 Wahl-Eversharp catalog also shows your pen:

 

[Syds]

Wow thanks for giving it a model name. 

 

Do you know if these pens can be used daily in my bag and at work?

 

I've seen a video explaining the filler mechanism and it looks surprisingly simple and effective. Don't think I have to be afraid for leakage that much. 

 

Just don't want the jade green material to break. Is it a strong material? 

[Paul-in-SF]

Once the pen is in working order, it might be suitable as an EDC pen, in my opinion that depends largely on you. This pen will not be as physically robust as your Lamy 2000 SS (the material is celluloid, so a kind of plastic). Millions of people used pens just like this as their EDC back in their day, but also people were more familiar with fountain pens and the issues that can arise with them, and probably had more tolerance than we do today for occasional accidents. 

 

I hope you will have someone put the pen in working order, for its sentimental value. Then you might want to spend some time getting used to it before trying it out as an EDC. You'll want to see how good it is at starting right up every time you want to write, for example (this can also usually be adjusted if it is not working the way you want). And if you do decide to carry it to work, I would use a pen sleeve of some kind rather than my shirt pocket. 

[pen lady]

Dear Syds, before you use this pen as an EDC just think of this, it's getting on for 100 years old. The material is probably quite sturdy, but why risk it?  It's a family heirloom, how would you feel if it was lost?  Have the filling mechanism restored (lever fillers don't cost that much) and use it safely at home. 

[Syds]

Thanks for your comments. 

 

My dad has already brought the pen away for maintenance and a new sac.

 

I know the pen is old, that's why i was wondering if it was possible. The idea of using that pen for many more years to come is really nice.

Also I think my grandmother probably got that pen when she was still in school or it belonged to my great grandfather before that. And if she used it at school it must be pretty sturdy.

 

But for me, I think I'll just use it from home then. Perhaps even let my daughters use it when they are a bit older to write in their diaries. 

I would also like them to still use my 2000 SS when I can't use it anymore, I'm sure that my grandparents also liked that for us.

[pen lady]

Phew!  That's a relief to hear.  BTW, and forgive me if you already know this, but be careful with your choice of ink. I recommend only using ink made by pen makers in vintage pens. Sheaffer, Parker, Waterman etc. Nothing shimmery or fancy.  Best of luck and enjoy Grandma's pen.