Waterman’s 52V
1920s-30s
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 pen is a typical 52V, the code means “lever filler, size 2 nib, shorter model”, describes this pen perfectly. It’s in very nice used condition. The black hard rubber barrel is discolored but is very clean, with complete chasing. The very detailed imprint is deep and completely legible. There was very little variety in their sizing, so this pen is 4 ¼” long. However, no one owns a Waterman’s 52 series pen for its appearance. Yes, the nib is an Ideal 2. It writes a pretty full flex (I don’t do flex grading), but it’s not a wet noodle. The writing sample tells it all; I had to have a right-handed writer capable of using this nib competently write it for me.
This pen is not for sale.