Leaky Waterman In 1932

[nigelg]

Received this in a Google alert for fountain pens taken from "The Daily Barometer" which I believe is published by Oregon State University.

 

Fountains of danger

Beware the newfangled fountain pen. Pharmacy school seniors gathered for a presentation about the proper use of “Fountain Pens.” A representative from the Waterman Pen Company “gave some suggestions for the care of fountain pens” and demonstrated how the products are made. The future pharmacy professionals learned that pens that are not to be carried upright in a pocket or handbag because it will leak and cause trouble.

— April 13, 1932

 

 

Newfangled ? In 1932 ?

I suspect that the second "that" in the last sentence is probably a typo which may imply that the Waterman rep admitted that pens should not be carried upright or they will leak ! (Of course he might have been referring to other manufacturers products.)

[Ernst Bitterman]

Perhaps he was suggesting that pharmacists remain recumbent.

 

As far as "new-fangled", Waterman are a pretty conservative company. "You can't trust these here celluloid pens! Rubber, folks, is the only thing a sensible pen is made out of. If you're not lying comfortably at your job with a rubber Waterman pen in your pocket, you're courting disaster!"

[Vintagepens]

Much oddness there.

Carrying a pen upright is, of course, the correct method.

Clearly, what was intended was to warn against carrying a pen NOT upright.

Who knows whether the problems were in the original article or introduced in the summary.

[Cepasaccus]

I do wonder how they carried the clipless pens always upright.

[Pickwick]

I do wonder how they carried the clipless pens always upright.

Clips were offered as an addition at an early period. Waterman produced clips on pens, I have an Ideal with a clip dated Sept 26 1905.

[Cepasaccus]

I asume, that many used their pens without clip as otherwise it would not have been optional.

[rwilsonedn]

Newfangled ? In 1932 ?

Yes, change comes slowly to Oregon Agricultural College, as it would have been known in 1932.

ron

[Prince Kumar]

As far as i know, Waterman fountain pens in those days were simple the best. Their quality was unmatchable. Evn the fountain pen nib was super smooth considering those days.