This is an old pen and probably needs some repair as its retractable nib function is not working properly. The photograph is only showing the nib at 1/4 of its extension.

The barrel is marked Waterman, 1903, Safety Pen.



Does anyone recognize it or know anything about these pens and their value in today's market?

Many thanks.

Zoe

I thought safety pens were made from 1907?

Check this page out btw: http://www.vintagepens.com/safety_pens.shtml

Zoe,

What is the number on the end of the barrel? Should be something like 1XS or 4X where the X is the nib size. MHR Safetys have some value if there are no cracks or chips. Most all will need new seals to work correctly. If the nib extends and retracts OK, new seals may be all that is needed.

Dennis B

Many thanks for the link.

I double checked, with the loupe in the window. It says, August 4, 1903. It has several other markings, "Ideal" in the center, the Waterman location, and an assignment number after the Patent: 23.1899. There is one little bit after Patent that I can't quite read.

And it also looks almost exactly like the fountain pen on the second page of the link, where it says for more information, click here:

http://www.vintagepens.com/Waterman_safeties.shtml

Thanks, Dennis B. Yes at the end of the barrel it has the imprint "14S."

Unfortunately, I think it worked fine until I pulled the nib out to examine it and the retractable function is now loose or perhaps it was loose before I fiddled with it.

This is the patent date. It should have three date markings...1894, May 23 1899 and Aug 4 1903. This are the patent issue date,
not the date of manufacture. It should have a #4 waterman ideal nib.

I think you have somehow dis balanced the spiral that controls the nib retracting function. You should be extremely cautious
if you decide to open the pen ( it opens from the lower joint), the mechanism inside is delicate, and prone to brake. You
should take help from a pro.

The 14S indicates a Safety with a #4 nib made before the end of 1917. After that the number was changed to 44.

You may have just gotten the mechanism out of kilter or the small pin that tracks in the spiral may be broken. These are not easy to take apart and a professional repair would be in order.

Dennis B

Yes, it is likely that I dislodged something or it was already dislodged. This pen has not been used for ages and was in storage.

I am really trying to identify all my pens (an embarrassing large number) and see which I'd like to keep and which I'd like to sell. I'd say this one is want to sell material and not keep.

Many thanks for your valued help.

And bluemoon, perhaps I shouldn't have touched it.

If the price was right, I would consider purchasing it, I have been looking for a safety for quite some time.

I'm open to offers. Send me a PM.