Nib Size Vs. Model

[strelnikoff]

Hi everyone in MT Research/Special Interest Group - i.e. Mabie Todd experts!

 

I have recently seen (first) and then tried (to write with) a MT Swan 4660. I was impressed by the pen, and the fact I had little to no clue about the brand.

 

In 10 days since (to this day) I have bought online following:

 

1. Swan SF 3240

2. Swan SF 3130

3. Swan SF 3150

4. Blackbird SB2/60

 

 

Currently I'm searching for 4660 and/or perhaps 2060... but I would re-direct my quest if there is larger combination out there.

 

From recent research, I've started picking up some information on nib sizes and models. I presume that 4660 (and 2060) were biggest MT pens with biggest nibs. Is that true?

 

I.e. the question for you experts is:

 

- What is the nib size (1, 2, 3 ...) range and what is the model range with such nibs? What was the biggest nibs/pens combination?

 

Currently I'm searching for 4660 and/or perhaps 2060... but I would re-direct my quest if there is larger combination out there.

[Cob]

The Mabie Todd range comprised: 1,2,3,4,5,6,8

 

The 8s as far as I know were all Eternals, meaning (although some will argue the point) that the nibs are firm.

 

As for models, I could spend an hour typing all that out. The clue at least in the '30s, '40s, '50s is in the model number. So a 3160 has a No 1 nib and is black celluloid a 3150 a No 1 nib and burgundy Celluloid. thus 3260, 3230,3240,3250, 3270 all have No 2 nibs. Thus 3360 has No3 - The 4xxx pens were Leverless and mounted 2, 3, 4 and 6 nibs: 4260,4360,4460, 4660

 

Pre war and into the 40s the numbering was different:. The big 6 nibs were fitted to the L645 or L670 models These were offered in different colours, but at the beginning of the war (I think) pens were standardised in black and the L645/60 became the 2060. In fact I have a L645/60 but it is fitted with a big Onoto nib. Quite a number of the No 6 nibs were Eternals. Naturally the flexible ones are much more valuable.

 

As for the No 8s of course these are rare and expensive. A typical model number from the 1920s would be ETN48. I do not think MT made many pens with No 8 nibs after the 1920s with the possible exception of the Big Blackbird famous for its No 8 nib and red filling lever.

 

Cob

[strelnikoff]

The Mabie Todd range comprised: 1,2,3,4,5,6,8

 

The 8s as far as I know were all Eternals, meaning (although some will argue the point) that the nibs are firm.

 

As for models, I could spend an hour typing all that out. The clue at least in the '30s, '40s, '50s is in the model number. So a 3160 has a No 1 nib and is black celluloid a 3150 a No 1 nib and burgundy Celluloid. thus 3260, 3230,3240,3250, 3270 all have No 2 nibs. Thus 3360 has No3 - The 4xxx pens were Leverless and mounted 2, 3, 4 and 6 nibs: 4260,4360,4460, 4660

 

Pre war and into the 40s the numbering was different:. The big 6 nibs were fitted to the L645 or L670 models These were offered in different colours, but at the beginning of the war (I think) pens were standardised in black and the L645/60 became the 2060. In fact I have a L645/60 but it is fitted with a big Onoto nib. Quite a number of the No 6 nibs were Eternals. Naturally the flexible ones are much more valuable.

 

As for the No 8s of course these are rare and expensive. A typical model number from the 1920s would be ETN48. I do not think MT made many pens with No 8 nibs after the 1920s with the possible exception of the Big Blackbird famous for its No 8 nib and red filling lever.

 

Cob

 

 

Thank you very much!

 

That was exactly the answer I was hoping to get!