Mabie Todd Swan 205

[drosen4141]

Hi all.

 

I collect vintage English fountain pens. I've noticed something about the Mabie Todds that I wanted more information about. I have seen that of all of their lever-fill models, I have seen a small number of models that have a beautiful plastic lever rather than metal. I find they work very well and they tend to sell for more on Ebay. So far I've seen that the Swan 205 has a plastic lever.

 

Does anyone know the history of why the company used plastic with these models? Are they rarer and therefore more $$$? Did they use plastic levers for a limited period of time? Anything else you can tell me would be appreciated.

 

David Rosen

[RevAaron]

Disclaimer: I'm far from an expert, especially when it comes to Mabie, Todd & Co. pens. Pens with plastic levers are less common, though I don't think they're rare as such.

 

I have a few Swans currently, one with a plastic lever. It's neat, if only because the color is different than the usual yellow or white metals used. I don't know what model it is, though. The other Swans I've had have the model number engraved somewhere, this one doesn't. It's a slender pen with "Swan M1" on the section. Not sure if that's a later model of a Swan Minor, some of which also have colored/plastic levers. Mine is made of a very crisp chased celluloid, the imprint and captop Swan engraving are still filled. Slotted ball clip with the Swan engraving.

 

I'm looking for a MT&Co "Big Blackbird" myself- they have a nice red lever. Definitely more fun than your vanilla lever.