The Waterman's no.12 eyedropper pen was introduced in 1900 and rapidly gained a reputation as a sound investment at a time when a reliable pen was considered a necessity. This particular model, made in the U.S.A., dates from around 1910, possibly earlier.
The pen has been conservatively restored and is in good vintage condition. Constructed in hard rubbe, the pen has taken up an even slightly brown patina, over the last one hundred and odd years. Although hand made, the tolerances are very fine, the join between the barrel and section is tight and the threads are very smooth.
The barrel and section both carry the patent dates for the pen: May23 1899, and August 4 1903. Neither the 1905 or 1909 patents appear so the pen may well be from 1904.
At 134 mm. capped and a huge 178 mm.(7 inches) posted, it is an extremely long, slim and elegant pen, well suited to those making the transition from dip pens to the new fangled fountain pens.
The writing sample was produced with a full pen, it writes with a smooth line and has a good amount of flex. It's a pity my scrawl does it no justice, anyone with a decent 'hand' would enjoy producing very impressive results.
Although of high quality and build, the Waterman's no. 12 is unostentatious and very much a 'working' pen, designed solely for the purpose of writing rather than fashion. It is highly collectable and would also make a great 'signature pen'.