1940s Waterman Emblem Fountain Pen - Transparent Blue

Vintage: 1940s

Make: Waterman

Model: Emblem Pen

Color: Transparent Blue

Materials: Celluloid, gold-plated trim

Filling System: Lever-filler (resacced and guaranteed to fill to factory capacity)

Length: This junior model measures 4 5/8” capped and 5 1/2” posted. 

Nib: 14k Waterman Emblem Pen #13 nib yields Super-Flexible variation but its softness situates it squarely in the Flexible range. It lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 4B+ (approx 2.1mm) under moderate pressure.

Condition: Near mint. A pen that resembles a relic recovered from a time capsule. The greatest pitfall of this model was the crystallization/plastic deterioration of the ends it was prone to once Waterman traded Lucite for celluloid in its production. The problem was so rampant that professional pen mechanics offer replacement ends for these pens. Like other celluloid pens known for this problem, it affects the lighter colors most severely while darker colors are largely spared. I’m happy to report that this pen, perhaps thanks to its dark blue coloration, is shows no signs of plastic deterioration whatsoever. On the contrary, the ends are transparent and flawless. Likewise is the surface smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes. Gold-plated trim is virtually pristine with no brassing or other notable flaws. Manufacturer imprint on cap is factory deep and fully legible.

Details: When the U.S. Federal Trade Commission curtailed certain types of extended product warranties in 1943, Waterman nominally ceased production of the Hundred Year Pen by simply renaming it to the Emblem Pen. Aside from the cap and nib imprints, this pen is identical to a Hundred Year. It’s made of the same transparent celluloid with the same ribbed design, a blue celluloid that ranges from dark navy to royal blue on the ends. This was Waterman’s flagship at the time and they spared no expense on the heavy, subtly detailed gold-plated trim down to the fastener that secures the clip. It’s a pen that epitomizes midcentury design.