4086 Swan (Mabie Todd) Leverless Fountain Pen L312/88 in Green Lizardskin. Superb Medium FIVE STAR Nib.

Summary;

• Make and Model: Swan (Mabie Todd & Co.) Leverless L312/88.
• Origin: The pen was made in the UK around 1937.
• Finish: Green Lizardskin with gold filled trim.
• Overall Length: 134mm.
• Filling Type: Twist Filler.
• Nib: 14ct gold, Medium.
• Nib Rating: ***** (Nib Ratings Explained Here)

Description.

The Lizardskin pens from Mabie Todd were quite revolutionary when they were first introduced, the finish was not like anything that had been produced before and only came about because of the new Celluloid material which could be built up in layers to create these magnificent patterns. Because the celluloid was supplied as a flat sheet it had to be heated and formed round a mandrel to get it in to the cylindrical shapes required for pen making, this became the pen's biggest downfall for two reasons. Firstly, the forming process built up stresses in the material which manifested themselves as cracks in the cap lips or barrel threads, secondly the material tried to 'unwind itself' which put stress on the welded seam and led to further cracks. It is now very rare to find a clean example with no splits or cracks. The good news is that modern Cyanoacrylate adhesives containing plasticisers are extremely efficient at repairing and stabilising these cracks. The snakeskin pens look magnificent although the high price and the failure rate made them a tough sell! Nowadays good examples, especially of the larger models, are extremely difficult to get hold of.

This is an excellent example of this rare pen. It is the Leverless model finished in Green Lizardskin. It is in good condition throughout with only minor marks and scratches commensurate with use. The imprint on the barrel is clear and deep and the plating to the clip and cap ring is in good order.

There are two sealed cracks in the cap lip and one on the barrel threads.

The larger No.3 nib is a superb Medium which writes with a generous flow of ink.

The pen has been fully serviced and is ready to write.

Condition: Grade A (notwithstanding the sealed cracks)

Remember!

• Postage anywhere in the UK is free!
• All pens come with a 12 month warranty