The Burnham 49, introduced in the early 1950s, represents an attempt to maintain quality in the face of extreme pressure on the fountain pen industry from the ballpoint. Ultimately it was a losing battle and Burnham went into liquidation in the early 1960s.
The use of casein for the pen body and cap allowed a range of marbled and hatched patterns, this pen is a particularly attractive, and uncommon, burgundy/pink marble with green veins.
The pen is in superb condition, it has a 'showroom' finish with bright, unfaded colours and a clear barrel imprint. Unusually for a Burnham, the gold filling on the clip, cap band, and lever has held up very well.
It was in need of no restoration, as such, although the pen was disassembled, checked, and fitted with a new ink sac as the original had hardened with age.
The 49 is a Gold nibbed pen, substantially more expensive than the plated nib Burnhams available at the time. The nib is clearly stamped 'Burnham 14Ct. Gold', it writes with a firm, fine line although it has a 'soft' feel and a touch of line variation is available.
At 11.2 cm capped and 13.5 cm. posted, the 49 is on the small side but has a substantial, solid feel and is comfortable in use. This example is in collectable condition but would also make a reliable and attractive every day writer.