The Mabie Todd Blackbird pen was introduced in the 1920s, following the success of the Mabie Todd 'Swan' brand. The 5260 Blackbird, this pen, was known as the 'Black Blackbird', which seems a bit odd as the vast majority of the Blackbird pens were black in colour.
The barrel and cap feature a wavy lined chasing, still sharp and clear on this example. The barrel imprint is also very sharp and clear, it reads:
BLACKBIRD self filling pen
Mabie Todd and Co. Ltd.
Made in England.
The barrel imprint also shows the Blackbird logo image trade mark.
The model number '5260' is stamped around the end of the barrel, 'Blackbird' is stamped around the cap stud, on the section, feed, and nib. The blackbird logo appears on the clip. Mabie Todd were obviously fiercely proprietorial about the brand, every removable part is stamped. This is, presumably, to prevent the parts being used on other, probably inferior pens thus damging the Mabie Todd image.
The clip and filler lever are Nickel plated and the nib is 14Ct Gold.
The pen has been fully restored and tested. The filling system, fitted with a new ink sac, works well, filling the pen with a single operation of the lever. The nib, 14Ct. Gold, writes well with a medium line and a nice flex, giving good line variation. Someone with a decent 'hand' would enjoy using this pen.
At 15.5 cm. in length, when posted for use, this is a very long and elegant pen with a good balance and high quality feel. It is also light in weight, a very important attribute at a time when fountain pens were made to be used for extended periods of time.
The pen is in excellent condition, it is a fine example of a 1930s high quality English lever filler. It is presented in the original Blackbird box, along with the instruction leaflet, also in first class condition.