Waterman 52 Red Ripple With Nickel

[dannystr78]

So I found this Red Ripple 52 with nickel trim which I know is fairly uncommon, but then I noticed that the nickel was laid over brass. Just thought it was curious.

[Yehenara]

I think they call these 'reverse trims'. They're supposedly rarer than standard ones. I have no idea what the significance of it being laid over brass holds, though.

Edited September 16, 2014 by Yehenara

[Downcelot]

I recalled reading somewhere that mentioned all ripples supposed to have GFT. However, Waterman made the transition to celluloid rather later in comparison with other big pen makers back in the day. For a period, many ripples were made with all sort of left over parts to clear inventory as Waterman's transition into celluloid. I guess your ripple is one of those.

[Vintagepens]

In some markets, Ripple pens and pencils were routinely sold with white metal trim (nickel plate or later, chrome). France is one example, but not the only.

 

I would be cautious about overstating the extent to which late Ripples were manufactured using leftover parts. BHR pens with white metal trim would normally not have had cap bands, so the presence of a white metal cap band on the OP's pen is a pretty strong indicator that it isn't just something slapped together out of common parts.

 

The brass color showing through might actually be tarnished cupronickel, in which case a bit of polishing will turn it silvery again.

[dannystr78]

Thanks for the replies. I will say polishing is what made me think it is brass. It's not going away and looks just like a GF band that is brassing except the top layer is silver. It's rather strange.

[Left FPN]

Nickel on brass is common and will wear with use. Google nickel plating.