Early Wahl? Boston?

[LBpens]

I have a very nice sterling pen, hand-engraved I believe, with a Wahl Tempoint nib. It's a lever filler, #2. But, it has no Wahl makings and no Boston markings, including on the rollerball clip. It is a very high quality pen, and the clip makes me think it must be either Boston or Wahl, but I don't recall ever seeing either of those with no markings. It is very dirty but when I clean it up I'll take some pictures and post them. Till then, has anyone seen high quality, all metal pens with rollerball clips, and no maker's marks?

[Roger W.]

Yes, these are very typical. What is the engine turning as these are often attributable to one or the other and, surprisingly, rarely both. Otherwise, the only distinction is the nib and, of course, that doesn't truly prove which entity made it either.

 

Roger W.

[LBpens]

It cleaned up well. The same engraving is on the back of the cap.

[Roger W.]

This is as the nib indicates a Wahl Tempoint and is in the 1921 catalog. As far as markings they only have the patent date and metal content. Engine turning or hand engraving is essential. Greek Key for instance is Wahl and a tight herringbone is Boston. The two patterns that are indistinguishable are plain and Sheraton so you only have the nib to go by with its inherent limitations.

 

Roger W.

[LBpens]

Good. I'd much rather it be a Wahl