1920s Waterman 0552 1/2 LEC Pansy Panel Overlay Fountain Pen - FLEX/SUPERFLEX

Vintage: 1920s

Make: Waterman

Model: 0552 1/2 LEC

Color: Gold

Materials: Gold-filled over hard rubber

Filling System: Lever filler (resacced and guaranteed to fill smoothly as designed)

Length:  This full-length, slender (‘1/2’) model measures 5 1/8” capped.

Nib: 14k Ideal #2 yields Super-Flexible variation with Flexible softnes. It lays down a smooth and consistent XXF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.2mm) under moderate pressure.

Condition: There is a professionally engraved monogram on the barrel indicia specifically designed for that purpose, more a remnant of historical particularity than a flaw. This pen is exceptionally clean showing no brassing apart from a thin sliver on the top (nib-side) of the barrel overlay. None of the usual wear on the knurled barrel end from posting the cap. No other notable flaws to the overlay at all aside from one pin-sized ding on the one corner of the lever opening and another on the cap band situated on the left side of the cap. Overlay ends are perfectly round. Hard rubber parts are factory black. All manufacturer imprints on the overlay are deep and fully legible.

Details: This pen epitomizes how Waterman's overlays exhibit a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that is all but unmatched by anything being made today. This gold-filled overlay pen features one of the maker’s most exquisite Art Deco motifs, an overlay pattern known as Pansy Panel. The design typically consists of panels of burgeoning with leaves, petals, and flowers, though this one is unusual for having only leaves and petals (I see none of the central disks among the petals that usually sets them apart as pansies). Unlike many of Watermans other overlays of the period, this LEC (Long End Covered) model has a barrel-end encapsulated by the overlay with a machine-knurled portion on the end, onto which with cap posts securely with a satisfying click. Clip and lever both stamped with Waterman’s iconic globe emblem.