Possibly the oldest pen in my collection, it dates from no later than
1917 (a fact I glean from Richard
Binder's invaluable site).
It's a good example of a black hard rubber pen that's been out in
the world-- not actually black anymore, except for the part hidden
under the cap. That's UV light what does that. The numbers
have some meaning-- 1 indicates it's an eyedropper pen, and the 2
indicates point size (not the width of the line, mind you, but the
actual physical dimensions of the point). The clip is a separate
add-on, as they weren't necessarily included in pens of this age.
It may well be a third-party item, too; there's a little
four-pointed star decoration on the part above the clip's shoulder.
It is an interesting writing experience. While less flexible than
one might expect of an old pen, there is some to be had, especially if
you hold in above the joint, which some hold is more the way people
using this pen when it was new would have. It has one of the less
charming attributes of an eyedropper pen, in that when under half-full,
it dribbles a little as the heat of your hand expands the air above the
ink, so I have to be vigilant and have a tissue handy. Of course,
it's at least 90 years old, and I think you're allow a little dribble
as a nonagenarian.
As an aside, some digging by the scholars of the FPN have found that
Waterman was the preferred brand of H.P. Lovecraft,
one of my particularly favourite authors. And this one is old
enough to have been around when he was forming that opinion.
Specifications: Unhallmarked gold point, fine, and I would
say
semi-flexible at most-- shading is possible but takes more pressure
than one likes to use. Chased black hard rubber body.
Eyedropper fill.
Condition: Faded to a dark olive. Chasing and
imprint are
still clear, but worn somewhat smooth on the body. Number on the
base is deep and clear. The mouth of the cap has numerous chips
below the mark indicating where a band would have gone if one had been
fitted, but no cracks appear. There is a little bit of wear on
the cap associated with the removable clip, but the more evident effect
here is that the rubber is slightly darker in the area covered.
Repairs: Polished the clip, which was rusty as all get
out, and cleaned the dickens out of the feed.
I'm toying with the idea of reblacking, but clearly I've yet to
act on that.
Location: My collection.
For sale?: No.
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