Waterman’s 52
1920s
About This Model
From 1915 until 1930 Waterman exhibited a modicum of consistency in numbering its models, describing a characteristic with a number in each of the pen’s number positions. From 1915-17, when Waterman's first lever-filled pens appeared, they were called SF, for Self-Filling, and each model had its own numbering conventions, the most common being the lever-filled 12 PSF, with the “P” denoting “pocket”, meaning a threaded cap to enable pocket carry. In 1917, Waterman's renamed its pens to numbers, with each type numbered. Thus, the 52, the most frequently seen model family, is a 2 size nib in a lever-filled hard rubber pen. The smaller pens got Vs for pocket size and ½ for slender, and led with a 0 for gold-filled ringtops. These pens were huge sellers during the decade when Waterman’s enjoyed its leadership in pendom.
About This Pen
This is a special Waterman’s 52. It is typical in its size, full length 5 ¼”, and composition of chased black hard rubber. However, this pen has two hallmarked gold rings on the barrel and a very attractive accommodation clip with fleur-de-lis design in gold over a black background, closely resembling a paper cigar band. The history of the clip, including whether it came with the originally clipless pen at its original purchase, is unknown. The hard rubber is in very nice condition, although the exposed areas are typically discolored by age and light and the chasing is a little thin in some areas. The barrel carries two complete imprints, one facing east-west and one near the base of the barrel, perpendicular to the barrel. The nib is a Waterman’s 14k 2, and it writes a fully flexible line but is not a “wet noodle”.
Note: all profits from the sale of this pen will be contributed to the Muscular Dystrophy Society, with acknowledgement of the donation to the buyer.
This pen is not for sale.