scarcity of "Persian" pens?

[weepstah]

Hi all,

 

I collect some vintage Watermans - ok, really looking at the models made during the 1930's: The 94 (non-ripples), the 92, Ink-Vue and (if I can ever afford it) maybe a Patrician. From what I know (which isn't much) the 94 had a version that came in the Persian plastic. I have seen a Lady Patricia in this color, but I was wondering if any vintage collectors here might be able to add info on things like:

 

1) What model pens did Waterman make using the persian plastic?

 

2) How does it hold up compared to other plastics? Does it tend to discolor severly (like the Onyx, Jade and the like)?

 

3) What's the relative scarcity of the persian? I know it's fairly uncommon as I don't recall seeing any for sale since I started working on building up my collection.

 

4) Did any other pen makers also use this plastic?

 

 

Thanks in advance.

 

weepstah

[david i]

I have seen 94's, Lady Pats and some Desk Pens iirc. I've seen at least one uncatalogued Waterman combo in that color too. The plastic has cropped up in other companies' pens. Wahl Equipoised purse pens, maybe chilton, etc.

 

It is considered a better color when found clean.

 

It is subject to bad discoloration, similar to what happens to onyx, and crazing too.

 

There seems to be variation (aside from discoloration) in the color- a yellowish base, sometimes with reds oranges and greens. Canadian persians seem to crop up occasionally with blue too

 

best

 

david

[david i]

I have seen 94's, Lady Pats and some Desk Pens iirc. I've seen at least one uncatalogued Waterman combo in that color too. The plastic has cropped up in other companies' pens. Wahl Equipoised purse pens, maybe chilton, etc.

 

It is considered a better color when found clean.

 

It is subject to bad discoloration, similar to what happens to onyx, and crazing too.

 

There seems to be variation (aside from discoloration) in the color- a yellowish base, sometimes with reds oranges and greens. Canadian persians seem to crop up occasionally with blue too

 

best

 

david

[gregamckinney]

Hi weepstah,

Waterman from this era and earlier is my primary collecting interest. Ever since I saw my first (very discolored) Persian, I have been fascinated by them. A very odd color to start. Also, they seem to discolor/deteriorate more dramatically and variably than most other colors/materials.

 

DavidI mentions the 94, Lady Patricia and desk pens. I belive Persian 52V's are the other model made.

 

In my experience, Perisian is one of, if not the scarcest color in Lady Pats, 52V's and desk pens. Prett scarce among the 94's, but some other colors are hard to find too.

I suspect that, in addition to the deterioration factor, the small numbers of Persian pens and pencils found today is also impacted by a likely unpopular color at the time of original sale. Pink, pearl and lime green (or blue-veins for "Canadian" Persian) may have been too dramatic for many buyers.

 

Persian pencils tend to hold up better than pens, as with many fragile colors. I pick up Persian pens and pencils when I find them, regardless of condition. The variation in decay is endlessly intriguing.

 

http://gergyor.com/images/persians.jpg

 

Best regards, greg

[david i]

holey moley, Greg!

 

Couple there think i've not shot yet. Maybe at LA this year? :-)

 

d

[weepstah]

David, Greg -

 

Thanks for the info. The picture is awesome - the pencils really show the color nicely!

 

weepstah