Ebonite Eyedropper Flex Pen - What Model Will It Be?

[whoelse]

Hi, I want to get a vintage flex pen and naturally it would be a Waterman.

What model will it be if I want an ebonite and eyedropper?

[Uncle Red]

Waterman used code numbers on the base of the pen, the number in the tens place is holder type and the ones place is the nib size. The eyedropper models are

 

1. The regular type (straight cap) with no number in the tens place so they'll just have the nibs size on them (e.g. 4). A lot of these have overlays on them and are very collectable.
2. The cone cap type with a 1 in the tens place (e.g.12). These are the most comfortable to hold since there are no threads and they taper smoothly from the barrel to the nib. Before 1917 Waterman used this number for other types defined by letters after the number (e.g. 12 POC)
3. The taper cap type with a 2 in the tens place (e.g.22). This is a short straight cap pen with a long tapering cap, with the cap posted it looks like a desk pen.
4. There is a short straight cap model that was special order only that had a 3 in the tens place (e.g.32), very collectable.
5. There are 2 different models that use the 4 in the tens place (e.g.42). In the early code the 4 was used for desk pens, after the change it was used for safety pens. Safety pens were previously marked with an S after the number (e.g. 12S). Safety's are good choices but the desk pens are collectable.
6. The pocket type was marked with a 7 after the code change (e.g.72), earlier they were marked with POC after the number (e.g.12POC). These may be best for you since they have a screw on cap instead of the slip on cap and don't require skilled restoration like a safety.

Some nib sizes are more common than others, the #2 is the most common. A pen of any age with a V after the number is short model (e.g.72V), these tend to be less expensive since collectors prefer big pens. A pen with a #2 nib marked 1/2 is a slender model (e.g.72 1/2), some people find them uncomfortable.

 

Happy hunting.

 

Edited to add: Not all Waterman nibs are flexible. Number 12 pens in particular often have Account or Manifold nibs which are rigid. I just picked up a 12 with a rigid fine stub (it's very smooth). Try to deal with people that show the nib clearly and you want to see the underside as well so you can look at the tipping.

Edited August 21, 2014 by Uncle Red