Hello and welcome to my listing for a lovely example of a

Circa mid 1920's

Ironically, the fountain pen marque that dominated the british market between WWI and WWII had its origins in the United States in the last half of the 19th century. Shrewd and aggressive expansion into the UK market had taken place before 1900 and by the end of the first decade of the new century the brand name 'Swan' had become synonymous with 'fountain pen' such had become its market penetration.  From 1915 onwards, Mabie Todd (nee' Mabie Todd & Bard) produced new fountain pens exclusively in the UK, catering with great success to the conservative tastes that were predominant at the time.

Between the company's inception in the USA in 1873 and its eventual demise, under the tide of the ballpoint pen, in the late 1950s, Mabie Todd created its now legendary status in the world of fine quality writing instruments. With numerous technical patents, Mabie Todd contributed greatly to the historical development of the fountain pen (as well as of high quality mechanical pencils).

Since the resurgence of the 'nostalgia' movement in western societies around the late 1980s / early 1990s, fountain pens have become one of the most active areas in which collectors and users alike have sought successfully to re-connect with the more genteel times in which quality of manufacture, not volume of sales, was the dominant imperative. Thankfully, quality of manufacture was so good in the case of a great many fountain pen makers that there still survive vast numbers of instruments from yesteryear, a great many still in fantastic condition or able to be restored to such.

Mabie Todd bequeathed to us the Swan, Blackbird and Jackdaw model ranges, largely in conservative liveries but also including fabulous overlays, coloured hard rubbers, and even some strikingly beautiful celluloids. Vintage Mabie Todd fountain pens now rightly occupy a position at the core of many enthusiast's collections as excellent and beautiful examples of the fountain pen maker's craft.

This very large, majestic Swan Eternal 444C/60 is in very nice vintage condition as you can see from the photos below and is also a lovely writer. There is some very minor brassing to gold plated furniture and some pitting along the lever, neither of which prevent this from being a lovely example of one of Mabie Todd's large, flagship pens. 

CAP

Excellent surface condition - no cracks chips or repairs. Gently polished to preserve imprint: "Swan S.F.E444". The top of the cap retains the inset Swan logo. Cap is decorated top and bottom with wide gold filled and ribbed bands in excellent condition. The gold filled intrusion clip has the Swan Pen Logo and shows a few marks only under magnification. Cap screws firmly to barrel with a 3/4 turn.

SECTION AND BARREL

Surface condition of the barrel and section is free of cracks chips or repairs and the imprint, whilst worn, is still legible - see photos. The section is imprinted "E4C". There is some pitting along the edges of the lever. The end of the barrel shows a crisp and clear model number imprint: "444C/60". This is a very chunky pen - the barrel is 20% thicker than standard pens by this manufacturer.   

FILLING MECHANISM

The filling mechanism has been carefully cleaned and inspected for damage - there was none. A new premium sac has been fitted and the pen draws in and expels water as it should.

NIB

OVERALL

Happy Cooperation between us - A brief note.

I am committed to representing my items honestly and to answering questions quickly. I also undertake to post your items promptly and packaged appropriately. I am human and fallible, however, just like you, so, in the unlikely event of any problem after winning an item, do please get in touch immediately as I will do everything possible to resolve it to your satisfaction. 

Postage: Items up to a total value including postage of £45.99 will be sent by 1st or 2nd class recorded post. For items above that value special delivery should be selected to protect us both in the unlikely event of a problem. I always keep proof of posting until I know you have received the item and are happy with it. I charge postage at cost price plus 50p for packaging etc.

Please ask any questions you may have. I am quick to respond. Refund offered if not completely happy, however, do, please study the photos to satisfy yourself regarding condition and ask any questions prior to bidding.

Thanks for looking and best of luck if you choose to bid! And now for some more photos...