1910s Sanford & Bennett Commercial Eyedropper Fountain Pen - WET NOODLE RETROFIT

Vintage: 1910s

Make: Sanford & Bennett

Model: Commercial Eyedropper

Color: Black chased

Materials: Black chased hard rubber

Filling System: Eyedropper filler (threads greased and ready to write). The section unscrews for the barrel to be filled with ink directly using an eyedropper/pipette (plastic pipette included on request). Holds far more ink than a lever filler of the same size. 

Length: This full-sized model measures 5 1/2” capped. 

Nib: This pen features one of my custom Retrofits: the installation of a 14k iridium-tipped dip pen nib that’s adjusted and tuned to ensure factory performance. That 14k E.S. Johnson 303 nib is a Wet Noodle with painterly flow and softness. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) under minimal pressure. Don’t be misled by the modest max line width due to the narrow nib profile and lack of breather hole. This nib is soft! Needlepoint hairlines, effortless variation, strong snap-back, and reliably wet flow over its full range of flex make it an ideal choice for calligraphic writing styles such as Copperplate and Spencerian. 

Condition: Near mint. A pen that resembles a time capsule relic. Hard rubber retains its factory black color with no discernible oxidation. Chasing is factory deep and sharp with no discernible wear. HR surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other notable flaws. Manufacturer imprint on the barrel is factory deep and fully legible. 

Details: Founded in New York City c.1900, the Sanford & Bennett Company was known for its innovative filling systems, including a patented blow-filler and a sleeve-filler. Cap came clipless from the factory (no holes drilled for a clip).