Our Sold Archive provides information to budding vintage fountain pen/writing equipment collectors and social history students.
Each fountain pen or piece of writing equipment forms part of the collective history of its period and has a history unique to that particular item. In the 1930’s a silver banded fountain pen (right) was purchased by estate workers, with no doubt hard earned wages, and inscribed to present as a silver wedding gift to the land owner. It was reported recently that, in the days before the National Health Service, when health care had to be paid for, a man pawned his fountain pen to raise funds to enable his wife to be released from hospital. A recently sold writing cabinet was originally a presentation piece to recognise 40 years of loyal service in a period when jobs were for “life”. Just three examples which only scratch the surface of the lifetime of memories held within each item. A treasure trove of history that no new fountain pen could convey.
Below, and on following pages, are all the pens in our Sold Archive, displayed in a random order. If you wish to search the sold archive, then the Search Catalogue page gives you an opportunity to do so. On other pages you can find the desktop items part of our Sold Archive, as well as lists of our current stock of pens and desktop items.
Sheaffer Targa - Marble Grey Ronce | Stock number: 5257 |
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Medium to Broad nib, Cartridge fill system. |
Sold |
This vintage pen is one of the successful Targa range - a very successful model produced by the Sheaffer Pen Company. This particular version, produced between 1985 and 1994, has a marble grey ronce lacquer finish with gold plated trim and black inlay on both ends. It sports the stylish Sheaffer 14ct gold inlaid nib with a medium to broad point which states "Sheaffer U.S.A. 585 14k". As you will see from the photograph there is minimum age wear overall but some to the gold plated trim and a small ding on the bottom of the barrel. I have listed it as in fair to good condition and this is reflected in the price. As you would expect it has the Sheaffer "Lifetime" dot on the clip and it has the Sheaffer ink cartridge filling system. It measures 14.1 cm with cap on and 15.7cm with cap on barrel end. The Targa range is fast becoming highly collectible and with its large range of finishes is an interesting model to collect and as well as a pleasure to use everyday. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. A gift box is available free of charge on request.
Ref: http://www.sheaffertarga.com | |
Swan SF1 with 18ct gold band | Stock number: 4181 |
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Fine-medium nib, Lever fill system. |
Sold |
This vintage pen was made in England by Mabie Todd & Co. Ltd, under the Swan brand. The shell is made of hard rubber. As was the practice at the time, various versions with gold cap bands and overlay were produced for the more discerning customer. The barrel imprint reads “Swan self-filler – Swan trademark, Mabie Todd & Co. Ltd. Made in England”. This particular model has a cap band marked 18ct. and sports a Swan clip which, interestingly, was made in the USA. The variation between countries is not unusual as hard rubber pens were often made without clips and these were purchased at a later date as they became available. This particular clip is called an accommodation clip (so named because it could accommodate most pen caps of the period). It has the Swan logo. The fine-medium nib states “Swan 1, 14ct. Mabie Todd & Co. Ltd.” This vintage pen is in good condition with only minor surface and plating wear and one tiny crack in the cap between the cap band and the cap end where it meets the barrel - but this does not detract from the closed cap fitting. It is a slim pen and measures 12.9cm with cap on and 16cm with cap on end of barrel. An early pen and a good addition to a Swan collection but also suitable for everyday use. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. A gift box is available free of charge on request and filling instructions will be sent with your order. | |
Sheaffer Imperial - Gold Plated Overlay | Stock number: 5190 |
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Medium nib, Cartridge fill system. |
Sold |
This later vintage fountain pen, part of the Sheaffer Imperial range, was launched in its cartridge format around 1968 and is a design which has stood the test of time. This particular example, which I believe dates from the mid 1970’s, has a gold plated overlay and the stylish Sheaffer inlaid nib in a medium point. It is a classic of its time. The ink cartridge, whilst not always providing the ink capacity of a rubber sac, is a clean and efficient filling system and the smooth tapered lines of this pen make it a pleasure to hold. It is a pleasing weight in the hand and provides a good writing balance. The slip on cap sports the Sheaffer white dot and around the cap lip states “Gold Electro Plated – Sheaffer U.S.A.”. Condition is good with very minor age wear. Measuring 13.7cm with cap on and 15.5cm with cap on barrel end it is an ideal later vintage pen for everyday use. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. unless otherwise stated and are bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. A gift box is available free of charge on request. | |
Esterbrook J Double Jewel | Stock number: 5086 |
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Fine - 9556 nib, Lever fill system. |
Sold |
This lever filling vintage pen was manufactured America, around 1948. At the time it was marketed as an economy pen and they were extremely popular as general purpose and school pens. There were a number of variations available in the steel nib point, the type being denoted by the nib number. This particular model is in good condition and a “J Double Jewel Model” which is the full size with nib number “9556” – a fine point. It has a brown marble finish with steel lever and clip with jewel end tassles. The barrel imprint states “Esterbrook Made in U.S.A.” The nib states “Esterbrook 9556 Made in U.S.A.” It measures 13cm with cap on and 15.8cm with cap on barrel end. The steel nib provides less flexible writing that gold but suits most hands. This is a classic economy pen to add to a collection and/or provide many years of writing service. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. A gift box is available free of charge on request.
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Parker 51 Signet Set in orignal box | Stock number: 5219 |
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Medium nib, Aerometric fill system. |
Sold |
This vintage fountain pen and continuous feed pencil was made in the USA by The Parker Pen Co. - the aerodynamic design of the Parker “51” has made it a classic and this version, the “Signet”, was launched in 1949 when Parker first introduced its aerometric (squeezebox) filling system. With “Signet” advertising stating it was “especially created for those who enjoy the finer things in life” it quickly became a popular model for the more discerning customer. The finish is a 1/10 14k gold fill overlay covering the main body and the cap – with a black nib shell. Looked at closely the gold fill is in alternating pattern of three parallel lines and smooth panels which ties in with the American manufacture. Until the mid 1950’s Parker stamped the date of manufacture on the pen barrel – just below the clutch ring. This particular example has the number 5.0 - this set is therefore is considered to be a set from 1950 - the early Signet production period. The fountain pen has a Parker “51” 14k medium nib
The matching repeater style pencil has the same date stamp and gold fill overlay pattern. Whilst accepting a shorter pencil lead it is in working order and compliments the fountain pen beautifully having the same aerodynamic styling.
Both fountain pen and pencil are in good condition with only minor age wear and have the Parker "jewel" on the cap top. However, as you will see from the photographs, both items have engraved initials of NS or SN. Also, in common with Parker pencils of the period I am assuming that the pencil would have had an internal rubber under the cap - this is no longer there. Whilst this does not detract overall from this example of a rare and classic “51” set - it does reduce the value to some extent and this is reflected in the price.
An added benefit of this exceptional set is that it comes with the original Parker box and whilst there is internal wear with some darkening of the lining underneath the fountain pen and pencil, overall it is in good condition.
The aerometric filling system is often termed "squeezebox" and is a very simple method of filling the pen with ink by unscrewing the barrel to expose a metal shell covering the ink sac. The instructions are on the metal shell and state “Parker “51” “To fill press ribbed bar firmly four times use dry writing supachrome ink holding pen point down. Wipe point with soft tissue. The Parker Pen Company.” Parker “Quink” or any good quality modern ink will suffice today.
The fountain pen measures 13.7cm with cap on and 15.2cm with cap on barrel end. The pencil measures 13.2cm. The box measures 16.7cm long, 11.2cm wide and 2.5cm deep.
The Parker “51” marketed as “51…the world’s most wanted pen” is not only a collector’s item but also an excellent everyday workhorse. This particular set is an excellent example of the top end of their range. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. Filling instructions will be sent with your order.
Source: Parker “51” – David and Mark Shepherd p.49 | |
Waterman No.32 Bronze and Grey Marble | Stock number: 5197 |
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Medium nib, Lever fill system. |
Sold |
This vintage fountain pen was made by Waterman, in Canada, between 1931 and 1938. It has an attractive bronze and grey marble finish with gold fill trim on clip, lever and single cap band. The model is a No.32 but it actually has 52 on the bottom of the barrel – which is a bit of a mystery. The barrel states “Waterman’s Fountain Pen – Made in Canada”. The“Waterman’s 14ct, England, 2A” nib has a medium point. It may be a bit of a mismatch but it remains an attractive, well proportioned, vintage pen from a fine stable. It is in good condition with only minor age wear and some brassing to the clip and lever. On the photograph it appears to have a nick at the end of the barrel but this is simply a trick of the light. It measures 13cm with cap on and 16.5cm with cap on barrel end. Suitable for everyday use it will, once again, provide many years of active service. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. Filling instructions will be sent with your order. A gift box is available free of charge on request. | |
Waterman | Stock number: 4152 |
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Fine-Medium nib, Lever fill system. |
Sold |
This Waterman lever filling vintage pen was made in Canada around 1947. It has a jet black finish with gold fill trim. The barrel imprint reads “Waterman’s Made in Canada”. The barrel has a ring turned rather than smooth end. The nib states Waterman 14kt.W5. It has a fine-medium point. The cap has one thick and two thin bands and the original Waterman clip. The pen is in excellent condition and is a classic Waterman to add to a collection or to use everyday. It measures 13cm with cap on and 16.6cm with cap on end of barrel. The white specks on the enlarged photograph are dust particles. You will find a working Waterman’s pencil in the accessories section which is not quite a match for this pen but has a similar finish and was made in England around the same time. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. A gift box is available free of charge on request. | |
Waterman No.52 - Medium to Broad Nib | Stock number: 5299 |
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Medium to Broad nib, Lever fill system. |
Sold |
This early vintage pen was made by Waterman in the USA around 1925. In common with other pens of its era it is made of hard rubber. Some were decorated in precious metals such as silver and gold, this particular model is in the original hard rubber state as can be seen in the illustration. You will note a ring indentation around the bottom of the cap. This does not mean that a cap band is missing – simply the way it was designed as confirmed by advertisements of the period. The metal filling lever has the Waterman Ideal lozenge. The text on the barrel reads “Waterman’s Fountain Pen - Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.” and the bottom of the barrel has a feint imprint of the model number “52”. Wrapped around the end of the barrel is the text “Waterman’s Reg. US. Pat. Off. Made in USA”. Originally it would not have had a clip but this one has been fitted with an accommodation clip, in metal, and sporting the Waterman Ideal logo. This is rare in itself. The accommodation clip was often used prior to the cap clip to ensure the pen could be kept upright in transit. The nib is an old “Waterman Ideal No.2” which came with it and it has a very pleasing flexible medium to broad point. Condition is good with some age wear as you might expect and brassing will occur to the accommodation clip so it will need a polish from time to time. This lovely vintage pen measures 13.8cm with cap on and 16.7cm with cap on barrel end. I would not normally list a plain hard rubber “52” but this one, with its medium to broad nib and “Ideal” accommodation clip is unusual. Suitable as an everyday writer if you like a medium to broad nib or to add to a Waterman collection. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. unless stated otherwise and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. Filling instructions will be sent with your order and a gift box is available free of charge upon request.
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Waterman Lever Fill Deep Burgundy | Stock number: 5208 |
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Medium to Broad nib, Lever fill system. |
Sold |
This vintage Waterman’s fountain pen was made in Canada around 1947 and is a good example of the everyday lever filling writers available at the time. It has a very nice large Waterman nib with a medium to broad point which states “Waterman’s Ideal 14ct Canada”. The barrel states “Waterman’s Made in Canada”. The trim of the cap clip, two thin cap bands and lozenge lever are gold fill which offsets pleasantly with the rather unusual finish which at first glance looks black, but is in fact a deep burgundy. It is a good size pen measuring 13cm with cap on and 16cm with cap on barrel end. Condition is good with only minor age wear. It is the type of pen which was used in offices, schools and homes every day for notes, letters, essays, lists etc. and which now has many more years of writing service left in it. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. unless advised otherwise and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. A gift box is available free of charge on request. Filling instructions will be sent with your order. | |
Merlin No.33 Blue striated | Stock number: 1031 |
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Fine to Medium nib, Button fill system. |
Sold |
This Merlin No.33 vintage pen was made in Germany around 1950. It is a very serviceable economy line button filling pen. Being 12cm (4½ inches) long with the cap on, and 14cm with cap on barrel end, it is a good size for the smaller hand. This particular example has a blue striated finish with a gold tone clip. Whilst it is a vintage pen it has not previously seen much use and therefore the fine-medium Merlin 14ct gold nib will smooth to suit your hand. Condition is good with minor wear to the clip and cap band. I now have only a limited amount of these ex-old factory Merlins left to sell and they have proved to be very popular economy pens. All fountain pens are professionally serviced by Vintage Fountain Pens Inc. unless otherwise stated and bench tested prior to offering for sale. A further inspection is carried out before despatch. A gift box is available free of charge on request and filling instructions will be sent with your order.
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If you would like us to try to source another copy of a previously sold item, please stating the stock number of the item in question, which you will see above its picture on the right.