The Wyvern 404 was introduced as pen production recovered from the restrictions of WW2. The hooded nib arrangement may well have been in response to the success of the Parker 51, which was launched in 1941.
The pen has been restored, tested, and is in excellent working condition. Constructed in celluloid, it is machined from rod stock rather than sheet or injection moulded plastic, so it has thicker 'walls' and a more solid feel.
In the photographs the pen looks black, in fact it is a rich dark burgundy colour which sets off the gold filled trim very well. it has an excellent surface, clear imprint, and the gold trim has survived remarkably well.
The Wyvern company was renowned for the quality of its gold nibs and were able to subsidise their own pen manufacturing by producing nibs for other pen makers. This 404 nib is an exceptional writer, it produces a super smooth line with almost no pressure, a pleasure to use.
Based in Leicester, the company was established in 1896 and must have gained a reputation fairly quickly as King Edward VII bought his first Wyvern in 1906. Wyverns remained a favourite with the Royal family until 1952 when, it appears, that Edward's great, great granddaughter preferred a Parker.