Product Description
Type Vintage pen with a sterling silver overlay (added later) and a flexible nib.
Product Name Model 452 (marked on the end of the pen barrel, thought the "4" is obscured.)
Manufacturer and Year Waterman, USA - circa 1920s. We believe that the sterling "cage" overlay was added in recent years by Nathan Tardif, as we have had other Watermans with his overlay work and it is similar.
Length 5-3/8"
Filling System Lever filler (We have replaced the bladder and it works very well.)
Color Red ripple hard rubber with silver trim. There is a silver overlay on both cap and barrel that kind of looks like a cage, with parallel vertical bars alternating with open areas. There is also a small mother of pearl inset in a space adjacent to the lever, so the original intent may have been to add more of these panels. The clip is marked 925, and the lever bar has no markings, so we think that was originally chrome plated. The sterling is decorated with lines and round dots, which may in fact be helping to secure the overlay to the hard rubber.
Nib The 14k nib is marked Waterman Ideal. Please see writing sample below. You get line variation from medium-fine to double broad with a modest amount of pressure. Good tipping material.
Condition Excellent condition. This is a unique fountain pen with an interesting overlay. The lever is brassed, and we believe that it was previously chrome plated. The clip also has brassing and some tiny pits on the upper surface. No cracks or chips. The imprints are clear.
