Mabie Todd Swan Fishing Expedition

[John54green]

First, forgive my poor picture quality, it is the best I can do presently. Next, I am seeking information about this pen that I inherited 15 years ago. I am interested in model name, possible manufacture range, and how common this style of decoration is. I have found patent dates of July 5, 1904 on the barrel, and January 19, 1915 on the clip. It is a beautiful pen that I have restored and enjoyed. Thanks to all, John

[Cob]

That's a lovely Swan; probably manufactured in New York in the early 1920s; I cannot see from the photo; does the nib read "Mabie Todd" or "Swan"? It is known that the beautiful metal barrels - yours is no doubt sterling silver - were made in the US even when Mabie Todd were making the barrels etc. in England. I suppose one could describe it as a sort of SF2..

 

I have a rolled gold barleycorn pattern Swan in an identical shape to yours; mine was made in New York.

 

Mabie Todd had a deservedly high reputation for the glorious quality of their chased metalwork going back to the time of Mabie Todd & Bard.

 

I'll bet you pen writes beautifully too!

 

Best wishes

 

Cob

[John54green]

The pen reads Mabie Todd, & CO., N.Y., 2. The nib is a lovely flex, it makes me wish for better penmanship! Is this barrel chased? It seemed etched to me. Thank you for the reply Cob, cheers, John

[Cob]

The pen reads Mabie Todd, & CO., N.Y., 2. The nib is a lovely flex, it makes me wish for better penmanship! Is this barrel chased? It seemed etched to me. Thank you for the reply Cob, cheers, John

Yes of course it is etched. I was very slack there - I should have used a general expression like "decorative metalwork when praising Mabie Todd's output!

 

The nib in my gold-plated pen is the same - Mabie Todd NY 2; lovely it is too, full flex etc.

 

Cob

[pen2paper]

Beautiful! Are those pine cones?

[mallymal1]

Tis indeed a beautiful pen.

[John54green]

They are indeed pine cones, and the pen also has the original owners signature etched into it as well. He was a loved man from all indications. Thank you all for your kind responses! John

[pen2paper]

Tiffany had a desk set in Pine Cones. Not sure of the date corresponds, but might be worth an inquiry.

[John54green]

Tiffany did, but it doesn't resemble my pen. Lovely, but no pine cones!

[Greenie]

You pen is beautiful. Rare. I have never seen anything like it. It is etched silver, most likely a 1920s New York Mabie Todd Swan

 

Please leave it to me in your will. It will be worth the wait.

 

Wow. Jealous.

[John54green]

Greenie thank you for the chuckle! You'll have to argue with my daughter for it!

[sidthecat]

A treasure! Don't leave your daughter alone with it.