Waterman was established around 1884 in New York City by Lewis Edson Waterman, it is one of the few first-generation fountain pen companies that survives to this day, under the guise of Waterman S.A. (originally Waterman's French subsidiary). In 1883 the founder of Waterman company invented the "Three Fissure Feed" system which prevented excessive discharge of ink, which saw Waterman’s first pen-related patent, granted in 1884. The Waterman Company received the gold medal of excellence at the "Exposition Universelle" in Paris in 1900 for developing the "spoon Feed" system which prevented overflow of ink. In 1904 the pen clip was invented. Early Waterman pens were made of hard rubber and were equipped with 14K gold nibs. From early on, precious metal trim and overlays were offered. Many are still in use today, and their nibs are prized for their smoothness and flexibility.  In 1913 Waterman company introduced the lever fill system. Though largely ignored by present-day collectors, the Waterman C/F of 1953 introduced the modern plastic ink cartridge. In 1967 a factory Saint-Herblain in France was opened. In 1983 the Waterman company celebrates its landmark 100th anniversary. To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Waterman creates The Pen that is to become the reference in luxury writing. In the 90s came the products we know today. In 1992 Waterman came up with the Expert line, in 1994 the Hemisphere - a design that combines technological ingenuity and ultimate elegance. In 2001 waterman produced the Charleston as an homage to Hundred Year Pen of the 1930’s and 40’s. The years between 2004-2009 saw the creation of product lines such as Exception, Elegance and Perspective. Over time Waterman have as they say endeavoured to redefined elegance as the perfect balance of beauty and innovation in their writing instruments. Waterman have been at the forefront of design, innovation and elegant pens for almost 150 years and continue to be a major presence in the fountain / pen mass market.

On offer is a Waterman CHARLESTON BALLPOINT pen in a STUNNING CITRINE YELLOW finish, accentuated with chrome plated trim. The Charleston was introduced to the market around 2002 and continues in production today, however not all of the original colours ; black, blue, green, yellow and ivory are produced. The citrine yellow was discontinued around 2006 and green around 2009, although some residual items still reached the market after that. The citrine yellow pens are relatively rare 

The Charleston ballpoint pen has an art deco styling that is a direct homage to the Waterman Hundred Year pen produced in the 1930’s and 40’s. The styling is extremely similar although not identical to the older pens. The Charleston range are made from plastics and has chrome trim. The pen cap has a long thin clip attached to the pen via the finial with the cap also having a thin chrome ring at its base. The cap finial has the waterman logo on it. The pen barrel has a wider chrome ring with two parallel black ring at the top and bottom. Between the two black rings the middle chrome part has ‘WATERMAN AND FRANCE’ engraved on it as well as an art deco pattern. The ballpoint pen is operated by a secure twist action that extends and retracts the new waterman refill. This pen is presented in a waterman box. The pen feel good in hand, looks fabulous and is a real pleasure to write with.The pen is in very good age appropriate aesthetic condition with no appreciable dings, dents, scratches or any personalisation on the pen. However as with all used vintage pens there are the inevitable micro signs of use. There are visible micro signs of use on the clip but the remainder of the pen is excellent. Please refer to the photographs as they form an integral part of the description.