Mabie Todd & Co Identification And Information

[wastafford2]

Can anyone help me id the attached?

 

Age

 

History

 

Value

 

Etc

 

I do not know much about these

 

Thank you

Edited December 31, 2018 by wastafford2

[Goudy]

It's a late 19th century (maybe 1870s) retractable dip pen. Does it have any writing on the gold-filled part, such as maker's name, size number or patent date?

 

The big question, which will determine the value, is whether there's a nice nib inside. If so, the ring on the gold filled part should slide forward to reveal it.

[wastafford2]

I attached a photo above showing what is in the end. Apparently I am not smart enough to figure out how to slide it out lol

[Goudy]

There's definitely a nib in there.

 

The pictures in this thread will give you an idea of how it should look when the ring is pushed forward: https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/295948-mabie-todd-dip-pens/

 

The rings can sometimes be quite stiff to move. Some light oil may help if the mechanism has seized up.

[wastafford2]

Also all I can find that is says on it is Mabie Todd & CO around the edge of it where the nib slides out

[wastafford2]

I was able to slide it out. I was making it a lot harder then it needed to be. I cannot read what is on the end of it. I added photos above

[Greenie]

You will need to get the nib slid out. The nib is at least half the value of the item. The ring can be quite stiff. A little liquid wrench type penetrating oil might help.

 

Here is a similar pen.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Victorian-Aikin-Lambert-mop-Telescoping-Dip-Pen-2-Retractable-14k-nib/143016376710?hash=item214c70b986:g:pAkAAOSw-HRbzPTd:rk:12:pf:0

 

However, the size of the nib matters quite a bit as well. So please work on sliding the nib out and post some pictures!

[wastafford2]

I was able to slide it out until it stopped.... I added pictures to my original post. Should it come all of the way out?

You will need to get the nib slid out. The nib is at least half the value of the item. The ring can be quite stiff. A little liquid wrench type penetrating oil might help.

 

Here is a similar pen.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Victorian-Aikin-Lambert-mop-Telescoping-Dip-Pen-2-Retractable-14k-nib/143016376710?hash=item214c70b986:g:pAkAAOSw-HRbzPTd:rk:12:pf:0

 

However, the size of the nib matters quite a bit as well. So please work on sliding the nib out and post some pictures!

 

[Goudy]

I was able to slide it out. I was making it a lot harder then it needed to be. I cannot read what is on the end of it. I added photos above

 

The imprint on the nib reads "Mabie Todd & Co", then a line I can't read which would normally be the place of manufacture (usually New York for Mabie Todd), then 2, which is the size of the nib.

 

The tines are slightly crossed at the tip, but that may correct itself when you press the nib tip against a sheet of paper as if writing with it.

 

I was able to slide it out until it stopped.... I added pictures to my original post. Should it come all of the way out?

 

 

The nib holder is fully extended in the pictures you added.

[Greenie]

Looks like a beautiful and intact Mabie Todd #2 retractable dip pen with mother of pearl handle and likely the original box.

 

The "Mabie Todd & Co" marking likely places the pen prior to 1876, when it became Mabie Todd and Bard (according to Mabie in America by Moak)

 

#2 is a fairly common size. I do not collect these, so I cannot offer an opinion as to value.

[sidthecat]

They’re pretty desirable; they get good prices for them on eBay.