Waterman no17 information and restoration

[MaybeJaeb]

Hi folks, 

 

I've recently discovered I love vintage flex pens and have been going to every market and antique fair I can find and trying my hand at restoring them as well. Today I came across a relatively large Waterman stamped with 17 on the base. Amazing flex  in the nib but definitely in need of some love. 

 

I haven't been able to find much information on the no17 and was wondering if anyone had any exposure to this particular model? I also suspect it is worth having a professional rather than an amateur, like me, restore the pen and was looking for recommendations on where to get such a beautiful pen restored to it's former glory. 

 

Location wise I'm based in Australia. 

Cheers

[kazoolaw]

All I can tell you is the obvious:  1x denotes an eyedropper, x7 the nib size.

Quite a find with the box and papers.

Congratulations.

 

From a post on FPN:

 

I can add a few tidbits:   Some years back, I did my own search on the 17. I looked at a download of a Waterman's 1902 catalog and saw no mention of a #7 nib offered in any style holder. I next looked at a 1908 catalog..... Bonanza! Straight caps (#7), taper caps (#27), cone caps (#17). Even pump-fillers (#17p) were listed! IIRC all were shown as being available in Plain, Chased, Mottled, and Cardinal. There were also Sterling 417s in Black and in Cardinal, an etched 217 in Black, and a stubby, gold-banded Chatelaine (that would be one cool ring-top). I have not looked at any other catalogs that would be relevant. Hopefully others can verify the years the New York 7 nibbers were offered.   Were all of those listed varieties produced? I doubt it. Any 17p Mottled Pumpers out there?   I have seen, or have heard of 17s in Plain, Mottled, Chased and Cardinal, as well as Fine silver "filigree" (4)17s in Black and in Cardinal (mine). I have never seen any of the other holder varieties; maybe I don't hit the right garage sales, or pack the right wallet. I think the existence of the Fine silver examples would indicate 1907, or a smidge earlier, but I am only guessing.   Value has already been addressed elsewhere. I would only add that these are scarce, but they are also obscure. Lots of collectors would love one, but how many collectors list, by name, a 17 as their "Grail" pen? The collector who wants this pen probably has a "wouldn't mind one of those" list that is at least as long as a Red Giant, and likely includes some more "visible" rarities.   Yes - pictures! Remember that many readers have never seen one, and that your actions with a rare item can affect the valuation you seek.   Enough about pens! Its Seattle..... Its September.... its sunny! Gotta go!   Bob

[kazoolaw]

You can find the 1909 catalog on archive.org

[FarmBoy]

The Waterman 17 appears in the 1908 catalog on page 17. 
 

The scans were provided by the PCA and are in the reference library

 

https://pencollectorsofamerica.org/reference-library/waterman/

[MaybeJaeb]

Thanks folks, really appreciate the info and steer!