4422 Swan (Mabie Todd) Leverless Fountain Pen L212/87 in Blue Lizardskin. Superb Fine Flex FIVE STAR Nib. Boxed.

Summary;

• Make and Model: Swan (Mabie Todd & Co.) Leverless L212/87.
• Origin: The pen was made in the UK around 1932.
• Finish: Blue Lizardskin with gold filled trim.
• Overall Length: 130mm.
• Filling Type: Twist Filler.
• Nib: 14ct gold, Fine flex.
• 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 Blue Lizardskin. It is in very good condition throughout and has seen very little use.

The imprint on the barrel is deep and clear and the plating to the clip and cap rings is near perfect. There is one crack in the cap which been sealed and stabilised and two cracks in the barrel threads which have been similarly treated.

The No.2 nib is a superb Fine Flex which writes beautifully. The pen is supplied in its original box.

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

Condition: Grade A 

Remember!

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