The Pitman's Fono pens were made for Pitman's, a company that devised a shorthand writing system. The system required a pen that would noticeably thin and thicker lines, quickly switching between the two with pressure. A fully flexible nib would have been too slow too respond, as pitman's was a rapid writing system a semi flex nib was preferred.
There has been much debate about who actually made the various Pitmans models but the evidence for this pen being a Waterman's is fairly compelling. The feed is very recognisable and I have found a Waterman's ink sac in an identical pen.
The pen is very much an archetypal 1930s/40s English lever filler. It is a 'no frills' pen, clearly designed to last and do a specific job well, in this case produce a firm, fine to medium line consistently and efficiently.
It is in very good condition throughout, with only very light user marks. The finish is good and the imprint is clear and crisp. The lever operated filling system works well and takes up a good volume of ink, and the 14 Ct. Gold nib writeswit a small but pleasing amount of flex.
The Pitman's pen was intended to be used for long periods of time on a daily basis, probably in a college or office environment. It is very light in weight and, with a posted length of 16 cm. is a long and well balanced pen that is very comfortable in use.