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The Fountain Pen Community -> British Pens -> my first vintage pen, a Mabie Todd
Post Info TOPIC: my first vintage pen, a Mabie Todd
jor412


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my first vintage pen, a Mabie Todd
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I received my first package of pens today -- just 3 but the one I'm now in love w/ is the Mabie Todd. I don't know what model it is. The seller dated it as 1949 but didn't have the model # either. 

It has a medium flex nib. The imprint on the barrel has the Swan logo, and next to that it says in all caps: "Swan" Self-filler. Underneath that, Mabie Todd & Co. Ltd. And underneath that, Made in England. Engraved on the nib: Swan 2 14 CT Mabie Todd & Co Ltd.

 

 mabieclosed.jpg

 

mabieopen.jpg

 

mabiecaptop.jpg

 

mabiecap.jpg



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DWL


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NICE< NICE< NICE!!!!

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Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito
~Yield not to misfortunes, but advance all the more boldly against them

Frank


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Yes! It's a beauty!!

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Sem


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That style of Swan was made from 1945 to 1950. Some have a model number running around the end of the barrel, others don't. In that case "Swan Self-Filler" is all you get in the way of a model name. Those pens are still made to the high standards we associate with Swan. A few years later quality began to fall. Yours one appears to be in really excellent condition. Great pen!

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Sem.
jor412


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Thanks everyone :) I opened the package and fell in love with the pen. It was described as NOS, with a new sac in it. So far I've basically just been admiring and examining it, but I will fill it with ink today.

There are no other markings on the barrel. It's a little shorter but slightly fatter than my Laureat. It's lighter as well. Will post updates when I've done more than dip-tested it.

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Alexandra


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That's a fine pen you've got there. Congratulations on your new addition.

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Optimistic but old enough to know better.
jor412


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Thanks :) It writes really well although I don't know how to use a flex nib yet and I don't want to push it until I've had enough practice. Actually, right now it's my favorite pen but I spend more time admiring it than writing with it. :p

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Alexandra


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I wonder how the medium flex of the Mabbie Todd compares to the semi flex of the Namiki Falcon. I really enjoy writing with a flex nib.

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jor412


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I'm thoroughly enjoying my Mabie Todd, while trying to be careful with it. An acquaintance let me test his pen with a super flexible nib and by way of comparison, it has more give than the Todd. It was also easier to get line variation, but I floundered around with it on the page and returned it to him lest I spring the nib. haha Still learning.

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Alexandra


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I have no experience with a super flex but hope to fix that one day. I've toyed with the idea of ordering a super flex pelikan nib from Richard Binder but have yet to take action. Maybe it's time to start a nib fund.

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jor412


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I'd like a super flex, too, but prefer vintage pens for some reason which I haven't figured out yet. I'll see if I can post a writing sample tomorrow. Maybe we can compare flex?

A bit of a warning though: my handwriting--well, it sucks evileye--so I'm trying to retrain my hand to do better. My training writing looks to me like a slightly improved version of my grade school hand. 



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Alexandra


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Good idea, I'll post something too for comparison.

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jor412


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Here's a sample. :) A bit delayed because apparently taking a picture isn't accurate, size-wise.

sampleflex.jpg



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jor412


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I put my real handwriting up there for comparison too. My friend says my handwriting has character, which sounds like a nice euphemism for "awful"; besides he's my friend & very polite. biggrin I'm trying to learn how to write better and it'll take time and a lot of patience. But using flex makes it more fun.



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Alexandra


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Namiki Falcon Sample

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Alexandra


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The nib on the Mabie Todd is maybe a touch broader. How much pressure do you need to produce that line variation?

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jor412


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Wow, your handwriting is fantastic!

About the pressure: Your sample reminded me that I tend to hold the pen wrong -- another thing I'm trying to fix. Anyway, I went back, held it properly, had little control but easier flex. It doesn't take a lot to flex it. Still not a paintbrush but nice to use. 

The Pilot is probably a semi-flex, w/ a fine or ultra-fine nib. It takes more pressure to produce variation, but it's still fun to use. It has a scratchy quality w/c I like on this pen. 



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Hugh C


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Looks like a 6260 which fits the date, the model number is normally stamped in the end of the barrel. Nice pens, the No.2 nib a personal fav. of mine with Swans. Enjoy!!

Regards
Hugh

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jor412


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I just checked again. There's no model number at the end of the barrel, but it would be great to know for sure. The pen is fun to write with and the has gotten "softer" with use.

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Hugh C


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In that case it's not a 6260!! May be (and most likely) a pre-war pen , I'm not "up to speed" on the earlier models.

Regards
Hugh

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