1980s Waterman Lady Elsa Fountain Pen - FLEX

Vintage: c. 1987 

Make: Waterman

Model: Lady Elsa

Color: Blue and Bronze

Materials: galalith [casein] with gold-plated trim

Filling System: Cartridge/Converter (includes 18 Waterman mini cartridges)

Length: This ladies model measures 4 1/2” capped and 5 7/8” posted

Nib: vintage Replacement 14k French Waterman #2 nib from the 1950s-60s Ligne 60 (original stainless steel M nib also included). Keyhole design hearkening back to the keyhole nibs of the 1920s. It’s a Flexible writer, laying down a smooth and consistent F line that widens to a 3B++ (approx 1.9mm) under moderate pressure

Condition: Near mint aside from some spots of plating wear around the metal collar on the section

Details: This uncommon pen comes with its original leather sleeve stamped with Waterman’s logo as well 18 new Waterman mini cartridges in Serenity Blue.  In 1987 Waterman introduced a new ring top model they called the Lady Elsa, inspired by designs from the 20s. Interestingly, this model was made of an old stock of galalith (a kind of casein) in a variety of vibrant color patterns. The pen is reputed to have been named after Elsa Fagard and Elsa Le Foyer, mother and grandmother of Waterman’s chief executive Francine Gomez. Elsa Fagard was wife to Jules Isidore Fagard, founder of the French JIF-Waterman subsidiary. This Elsa came to assume the position of managing director following her husband’s death. The Lady Elsa was made in France and exhibits a quality and attention to detail rare among 80s pens and unmatched by Watermans of the ensuing decades. The barrel is made of galalith while the cap is brass lined with galalith on top. A solid jewel of galalith is attached to the end of the barrel by means of a threaded piece of brass that remained partially visible as a gold-plated ring matching the other gold-plated trim. The brass construction gives it a substantial heft in the hand. And the clutch activated cap produces a satisfying click when capped for secure capping more convenient than threaded caps. The blue and bronze color pattern on this pen is a stunning sight to behold in person, having a rich depth and patterning that can only be achieved with casein. Note that converters for this pen are hard to come by. But there are  plenty of cartridges included to refill with your choice of ink with a syringe once the Serenity Blue carts are spent.