Okay a quick pair of questions for Waterman folks:

1. How common are Waterman model 52s (BCHR full size) with semi flex or rigid (non flex) nibs? I'm a fan of BCHR, but all my BCHR pens are flex, which isn't ideal in some situations. Sometimes you just want or need a non-flex nib for fast writing and on rougher papers.

2. How common are the Waterman celluloid 52s or similar pens in the line? I always thought it would be nice to have a celluloid version of a classic BCHR pen for my set.

Thanks!

The celluloid 52s, to attempt an answer of your second question first, are not very common and most are of Canadian production, if I remember correctly.

My own limited experience of the #2 nibs on 52s suggests that flex and semi-flex nibs are much more common than rigid nibs in the HR 52s. Your best bet might be to only seek out nibs marked "Rigid" or "Account," although these nibs are more common in larger HR Watermans and later celluloid Watermans. Your next best bet is to carefully examine the nib profile and look for a nib with the short shoulders of a rigid nib. Check out Richard Binder's website for his nib articles--one of them gives an explanation and simple illustrations of what a rigid nib will look like.

Good luck!

Dan

Interesting, I know they had other rubber models like the 54 or 55, would those be a better bet for rigid?

Edit: I see there's also a celluloid model #32, how would that compare to celluloid 52?

Yes, I think the larger sized 5x series pens _may_ yeild more rigid nibs. Mind you, I'm not suggesting that that you _won't_ find a rigid nib on a 52--that's why understand what such a nib would look like is helpful.

As for the 32 or other early celluloid Watermans, not of them are really like a 52, except in that they are simple flat-ended rods with cap/ear mounted clips. I think the Canadian celluloid 52 like comes the closest.

Dan