Product Description
Type Retracting dip pen nib holder with telescoping pencil
Product Name Unknown.
Manufacturer and Year Leroy Fairchild, New York. Probably between 1900 and 1920.
Length 5" with either writing function extended and 4" collapsed.
Filling System None, as the pen portion is a dip nib only. It's nicely flexible, and we'd likely call it a "wet noodle" if there were an internal ink source. You could use fountain pen ink with this, but because that is water-based, you're going to have to dip it frequently. This is going to be one of the few times we might suggest using calligraphy ink, letting the viscosity work in your favor without worrying about clogging up a feed mechanism. (You will still want to wipe the nib clean between writing sessions). Our writing sample (done with Dr. Ph. Martin's calligraphy ink) will give you an idea of the line variation the nib offers. The lower barrel ring controls the nib, and the upper ring extends the lead-holding mechanism (1.1mm leads).
Nib Leroy Fairchild #2 nib in excellent condition with good tipping material. Very soft feeling. No ink reservoir, so you need to use really thick ink and dip frequently. See writing sample below.
Color Gold filled. The barrel is hexagonal, and the facets alternate between a leafy vine pattern, and a wavy line pattern. There's a flat-topped knob at the end of the barrel, which is inset with a red colored jewel.
Condition Excellent condition. There is brassing on the elaborately decorated end knob. The barrel rings have some brassed spots and some plating wear. The barrel patterning is strong with light wear. The telecoping system is very easy to use. There are a few dents on the flat facets.
Trivia: Leroy Fairchild revolutionized nib manufacture by welding iridium tipping material to the gold nib instead of soldering it as had been done previously. This process prevented corrosion between the solder and tipping materials and, in essence, created a nib that could last indefinitely. Fairchild is thought to have been the first supplier of nibs to L. E. Waterman.