What Nib For A Model 52?

[sidthecat]

Some months ago I bought a Model 52 with a Moore Maniflex nib. It's somewhat crumpled and a bit too wet, so I was thinking of replacing it with a proper Waterman nib. I wonder if the collective wisdom of the forum can advise me what I should look out for, and perhaps someone can explain why one nib is worth 30 bucks and another worth 900?

[georgeb]

Waterman Ideal No. 2

[sidthecat]

You're a stickler, sir. I note, however, that there seem to be a good many variants on this deceptively simple numeration. What, for instance, is the cute little engraved star about? When and why did the breather holes change shape? Is there a brief monograph somewhere that I might peruse?

[FarmBoy]

Not aware of a monograph on Waterman nibs. The 2 refers to the size of the nib as in the 2 in 52. The writing/logo on the nib varied from model to model and changed over the years. Seeing the pen may help identify a 'correct' nib but most #2 nibs will work fine.

 

I would expect a standard nothing fancy #2 Waterman nib to be in the realm of 30...not 900. What Waterman nib is going for 900?

 

If you are close to Millbrae, we are having a pen gathering on the 11th. You are welcome to attend. (Anyone is welcome to attend.)

 

Farmboy

[sidthecat]

That was a slight overstatement, but I ended up buying a #2 from John Mottishaw; a medium nib he's modded to add flex. I'm going to let him marry it to the pen because I don't do tools. I'm excited.

[balson]

i have seen Mauricio mention that there were three different sizes of waterman #2 nibs but i dont think he has ever explained what the differences are between them and how to tell which one is correct for which pen. i have not had a problem interchanging #2 nibs yet though.

[Cepasaccus]

There are three lengths of the nibs for the 52, different types (not all for all lengths) and probably also different hardnesses. (All these nib types were available at the same time! It was the choice of the customer.) All nibs I have seen in 52s had heart shaped holes. The nib imprint can be either of the NEW YORK type or of the REG.US:PAT:OFF. type. The later seems to have appeared at the beginning of the second halve of the 1920s. If the 52 has also a REG.US.PAT.OFF imprint, then for best match also the nib should have it. Otherwise it is an earlier pen and should ideally have a NEW YORK nib. But both nib types fit into both pen types.

 

Cepasaccus

Edited January 20, 2015 by Cepasaccus

[sidthecat]

I thought you'd like the end of the story. Mr. Mottishaw married pen and nib and they work a treat. The pen and nib are both the Reg. Pat. Off. type so temporally they're a good match, but it's the nib - springy and responsive - that's the real story. It's the only pen I own that's been tuned for a left-handed writer, and it makes a real difference. And whatever Mr. M does to his nibs is a lot like alchemy. I've sent him a grateful email.