The Waterman Le Man 200 and 100 pens were introduced in 1983 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Waterman brand.
Finished in Burgundy, this Le Man 200 set is in perfectly mint, unused condition. It is supplied in the original high quality box along with an unused ink converter, and box of cartridges. The set did not come to me specifically as new old stock but the completeness and overall condition suggest that this may well be the case.
The set, comprising fountain and ballpoint pens, is made from solid brass, as is the ferrule connecting the nib section to the barrel. The brilliant surface is achieved by applying lacquer in multiple layers to give a very deep, lustrous, hard wearing shine. The trim is 23.5 Ct. Gold filled.
The fountain pen cap is a secure 'click fit' on both ends of the barrel, one of the double bands on the barrel serves as a clutch when posting the cap. This ensures that the cap is secure while minimising the contact between cap and barrel thus preventing scratching of the laquered surface.
The nib is clearly marked, twice, for 18Ct. Gold, '18K' and '750'. The name 'Ideal' refers back to the 1884 name of the Waterman company, the 'Ideal Pen Company'. The two tone effect is obtained by using a Rhodium coating over the Gold.
The pen is 14.0 cm. in length when capped and a most impressive 16.5 cm. when posted for use. The barrel and section have an 11mm. diameter and the pen weighs 30g. when empty. The ballpoint is a perfect match, exactly the same length as the capped fountain pen. It operates by twisting the cap to extend and retract the point.
Aesthetically the set is very pleasing, it manages to convey a distinct sense of luxury without ostentation and it certainly has a good deal of 'presence'. The pens just feel good in the hand, and have the unmistakable but hard to define feel of a well designed and executed item of the highest quality.