Monday, October 18, 2021

Newest Acquisitions (Virtual "Show & Tell") ~ part 272

Today we're shining a spotlight on a wonderful vintage fountain pen belonging to Christopher (who has no shortage of wonderful vintage pens ;)

(all photos courtesy of Christopher ~ please click on images to enlarge)

Christopher: "Every once in a while, after a decade of serious vintage pen collecting, even I am surprised at what comes my way. Case in point, a somewhat rare Waterman’s 594, and what makes this writing instrument stand apart is the fact that the entire finish is solid 14K Gold, including a rather large Waterman Ideal number 4 nib. But what really captures the eye regarding this fine fountain pen, is its simple elegance and quality. I believe it was Waterman who first invented the capillary action feed, which delivered the ink to the nib and created what we know now as the fountain pen. And in turn, he founded the company which many years later, just prior to the second world war, brought this pen to life.

The 594 model number relates first to the solid 14K gold overlay complete casing finish with the numeral 5. Next, the number 9 refers to the overall size or diameter of the pen, which is quite stocky and finally, the numeral 4 is in regard to the size of the nib."


"But there is more available on this pen in the way of identification. During the 1920s, Waterman came up with a number of coloured cap bands, each different coloured band identifying the type of nib to be found in the pen. This colour nib id was also to be found engraved directly on the nib. In the case of this 594 pen, the word ‘Red’ can be found well engraved into the 14K gold of the nib. This word Red refers to a Standard Point, for home and general use with a medium flex. And in restoring and servicing this pen, that medium flex is more than apparent."

"The style or design of the pen is a Waterman 94 from the late 1930s and early 1940s, which was available in many different finishes at that time but, again, this pen has a unique feature in its personalization, on the 14K gold barrel, which ends with a date of 7-28-44. This date is totally in keeping with the pen model’s first release in 1938. I am sure this lever filler writing instrument was ordered and acquired for its gifting in the days just before that date was prime. 
 
It is a good size at 6 1/2 inches posted, but caps back to a reasonable 5 inches, closely comparable in length to a Parker Oversized Vacumatic pen. And may I mention yet again, that it has a healthy girth but sits extremely well balanced in the hand. Both the cap and barrel ends are flat, but the barrel end does sport the model branding of 594. The clip is beautifully designed with an attractive tapering and just a hint of a flattened ball end. The condition I would have to say is very fine and with a velvet and silk lined jeweler’s pen display box from the period compliments this fine piece perfectly.  In closing, a superb addition to my vintage pen collection."

What a gorgeous writing instrument...and what a find! Congratulations, Christopher, on your beautiful fountain pen, and thank you so much for sharing it with us here on our pen club's blog.

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