Swan Eternal Numbering Variants

[Greenie]

The typical Eternals are 44, 46, 48

I have also seen E444 (which I suppose could include larger 644 or 844)

 

Listed here on ebay is one labeled "SF E644" that otherwise appears to be a black Eternal 46 lever filler.

 

Maybe someone with a better knowledge of MT history can fill us in of the different Eternal numbering.

 

[MarcShiman]

American numbering is 44, 46, and 48, with short versions 54, 56, and 58 (the last of which might not exist from American MT. Americans did not follow with a /## for color.

 

British numbering was 444, 644, and 844 for full size, 444b, 644b, and 844b for vest pocket size. I think the British Eternal are considerably more rare than the American Eternals. The British numbering should have the /## to denote color.

 

Did the British do eternal ringtops?

 

I think the British used 44, 46, and 48 very early (24-26) in the Eternal lifespan, but I’m not sure if they were imports or British manufacture.

[Greenie]

I found the SF in front of the E644 to be unusual.

[MarcShiman]

SF = Self-filler -MT’s name for a lever filler.

[Cob]

Nothing to add really but here's an ebay listing of a SF E444 "Made in England" but with an American nib.

 

Aside from this I have owned only one Eternal; this was a clipless model with no model number stamped on it. It was made of BHR and had a curious domed finial that appears to have been quite uncommon.

 

 

 

This pen was marked Made in england and had an English Eternal nib.

 

Cob

Edited November 18, 2017 by Cob

[Greenie]

SF = Self-filler -MT’s name for a lever filler.

 

Well I understand that! But I found it odd that there was an SF attached to the Eternal numbering.

 

Cob's posting is interesting, because that pen has the bands of an Eternal, and the woodgrain top of an SF 130/230. That pen deserved the SF and Eternal labeling!

[ealbertgrey]

I was recently researching the same. According to a (hopefully accurate) translation of an Italian website: http://www.fountainpen.it/index.php?title=Eternal the SF was attached to the earlier manufactured models (1923~1930) of Eternal pens.

[Christopher Godfrey]

Might I address a quick question to you Eternal addicts/lovers/afficionados?  Does the Eternal model, by definition, preclude any possibility of a flexy nib?  It just seems to me that all Eternals I have ever seen have had fairly rigid nibs installed...and am curious.  Thanks in advance.

[Aether]

Why were these models call Eternal?  Wondering if it ties in with some of the advertising claims that were often made by various pen factories about their products.

[Greenie]

On 11/5/2022 at 3:15 PM, Christopher Godfrey said:

Might I address a quick question to you Eternal addicts/lovers/afficionados?  Does the Eternal model, by definition, preclude any possibility of a flexy nib?  It just seems to me that all Eternals I have ever seen have had fairly rigid nibs installed...and am curious.  Thanks in advance.

Eternal nibs are thicker. I have never seen one that was not rigid. Some say they have had the occasional expressive one.

[Christopher Godfrey]

Thank you, Greenie!

[CS388]

On 11/7/2022 at 5:06 AM, Greenie said:

Eternal nibs are thicker. I have never seen one that was not rigid. Some say they have had the occasional expressive one.

 

Only had one Eternal, back in the day.

 

Beautiful nib - but hard as nails with no flex whatsoever.

Could still write all day with it, though.

[Inkyways]

I have two Eternal  Mabie pens and an Spare nib. It is a huge nib similar  to Swan No 6 nib. Eternal nibs are " Manifold' type nibs very rigid and non-flexible. but they are good writes and have  Medium to fine tines. They are much better than the contemporary gold nibs like Bock or similar nibs. They are vintage gold nibs .